The Netherlands is still one of Europe’s more affordable housing markets, despite what the headlines (and that one relative’s Facebook posts 😉) may say.
That’s one of the key conclusions from ABN Amro’s latest Housing Market Monitor, which compares the Dutch housing situation to the rest of Europe.
Turns out, things may not be as bleak as we think. Let’s take a closer look!👇
Dutch housing is still relatively affordable
It’s plain to see that Dutch house prices have gone up. But compared to the rest of Europe? We’re not exactly topping the charts. 👀
Over the past decade, prices in the Netherlands have risen by 48%. That sounds steep, until you look at Portugal (where prices have shot up by 85%) or Hungary (where they’ve risen by 80%).
The EU average is lower, hovering around a 32% increase, but that’s because some countries like Finland, Italy, and Romania have seen their house prices drop.
Despite an increase in housing prices, it’s comparatively easier to buy a house in the Netherlands than many other EU countries. Image: Dreamstime
In conversation with AD, economist Mike Langen sums it up: “The Netherlands is one of the more affordable purchase markets in the EU.’’
It’s not the shortage, it’s your salary
You’d think skyrocketing prices are about not enough homes and too many people, but that’s only part of the picture.
Although the Dutch population grew by 6.2% over the past decade, this increase has been modest compared to countries like Malta or Ireland.
The real driver? Rising incomes. Dutch net earnings have jumped over the last ten years (36%), giving buyers more spending power, especially with low interest rates along the way.
That’s it for the good news, because pretty much everyone else needs to knock a star off the hotel they’ll be booking for their next holiday (or have one less sangria 🍷).
Those earning between €3,000 and €5,382 gross per month will receive less holiday pay overall, with average-salary earners (€3,588) getting €8 less. The highest earners in that group (€5,382) will receive €11 less.
However, the most severely affected is the low-income group (€1,000 to €1,750). With a gross monthly income of €1,000, expect a whopping €213 less in holiday pay this year.
Lastly, those earning €2,000 gross per month will get a €145 holiday pay increase. Sounds good, right? Wrong.
Because of current tax measures, their monthly salary is €32 lower, so they are still worse off.
Who won’t even notice?
There’s also a group that won’t be affected.
High earners, with a gross monthly salary between €7,176 and €10,764, will get as much holiday pay as last year, not a cent less, not a cent more.
In 2024, this group received €637 less in holiday pay, although to be fair, they might not have noticed that either.
Will your holiday pay be affected? Let us know in the comments!
If you’ve ever been in a traditional Dutch home (a.k.a. most houses in the Netherlands), you’ll know that many of them have a charming fireplace — or well, whatever is left of it.
They look cosy and provide warmth but with their environmental effects and other risks, they might not be as great as they first may seem.
But what exactly are the downsides of traditional fireplaces in Dutch homes? And, more importantly, what are the alternatives?
Before we get into it: Don’t worry, it’s not all negative! As of 2025, you’re still allowed to use your traditional Dutch fireplace in your home — but some rules and regulations could apply, depending on your local municipality. If you want to know more about safely using a classic Dutch fireplace, you can head to degroenestoker.nl to learn more (use your browser’s built-in translation tool to translate!).
The downsides of traditional fireplaces
Traditional Dutch fireplaces may be cosy, but they come with certain downsides that should be considered.
Fire hazards
A traditional Dutch fireplace is usually open, and that means one thing: it poses a risk of accidental fires.
Open fires can cause many risks. Image: Depositphotos
While the sparks look lovely (especially on a rainy Dutch day), they can easily jump out of the firebox and set fire to nearby rugs, furniture, or curtains — especially in a small Dutch living room.
This way, without proper screens or supervision, a cosy fire could lead to something a lot more dangerous.
Health concerns
If sparks can get out from the fireplace into your living space, that means smoke and fine particles can too.
You may not notice them, but these harmful substances can linger in your living space, stick to your textiles, and degrade the air quality in your home — especially if it is poorly ventilated.
The result? Bad air quality, which could contribute to respiratory problems over time, especially for those with asthma or other lung conditions. Young children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to these effects.
Inefficiency
The goal of an indoor fireplace? To generate warmth, of course! The problem? Despite their warm glow, traditional fireplaces are one of the least efficient ways to heat a home.
Yep, a traditional fireplace sees around 80 to 90% of the heat it produces go straight up the chimney, often drawing warm air from the room along with it. In fact, some fireplaces can even create a draft effect that cools the surrounding space rather than warming it.
This inefficiency can have exactly the opposite effect of what you want from your fireplace, potentially even leading to higher energy bills as you have to rely on other heating solutions.
A modern solution: Ardente’s insert wood stoves
If you want to make sure you can keep your fireplace in the future, there is another solution for you: Upgrading your traditional fireplace with a fresh, custom wood stove from Ardente.
Meet your new flame! Image: Ardente Inzethaarden
Operating across the Netherlands, Ardente offers insert wood stoves made to measure as a modern upgrade to your traditional fireplace. It’s a stove system built to fit seamlessly into your existing fireplace, combining modern heating technology with a stylish look.
Not only do they look sleek and preserve the original charm of your home, but they’re also a smart, sustainable, and healthy solution.
Safer fires
With a custom Ardente insert wood stove, you can enjoy the comfort of a real fire without the safety concerns that often come with traditional fireplaces.
Thanks to the closed design and secure glass door, there’s no risk of sparks flying out or smoke entering your living space. You can even leave the room while the fire is burning without worrying about accidents.
The fire burns in a controlled, steady way, supported by smart air control that keeps everything running smoothly.
With no smoke entering your living space, Ardente solves the issue of bad indoor air quality, giving you a healthy and clean way to heat your home.
Because Ardente’s wood stove inserts operate in a sealed system, they burn wood more cleanly and emit far less smoke and fine particles than a traditional open fire. That means not only fewer harmful pollutants inside your home, but also a cleaner environment overall.
Before and after! Image: DutchReview
More efficient (a.k.a. more warmth!)
Don’t want most of your heat to be sucked out by the chimney? We can’t blame you — after all, a fireplace is there to provide warmth. Ardente can help with that.
Thanks to the closed system of Ardente’s insert wood stove, the heat circulates better and more heat comes into your home. This means your new fireplace is not only great at keeping the pleasant warmth inside, but it also is a lot more energy- and cost-efficient.
In fact, you’ll need three to four times less wood than a traditional fireplace to heat your space, with heat efficiency rising above 75%.
Bring cosiness to the next level. Image: Depositphotos
How does the installation work?
Getting your Ardente insert wood stove installed works in three easy steps:
Measure: Ardente will come to your home, measure your existing fireplace, and make a computer render of your new stove. This is then sent to the factory, where your wood stove is custom-built using laser technology.
Place: After four to five weeks, your custom-made wood stove will be delivered and installed. This shouldn’t take longer than half a day.
Enjoy: Tada! Your new wood stove is installed and ready to go. Ardente will explain how it works, and then you’ll get to start your first fire.
Curious to learn more? Get in touch with Ardente and get all your questions answered (they speak perfect English!).
Do you have a fireplace in your Dutch home? Share your experience in the comments!
What should have been a carefree King’s Day in Amsterdam has been overshadowed by a possible rape caught on camera.
Explicit footage showing what appeared to be public sex on Amsterdam’s Keizersgracht spread online following the celebrations.
However, according to De Telegraaf, the police have now launched an investigation into whether the act was consensual.
Filmed on the Keizersgracht
Shared across WhatsApp and X, the video shows a man having sex with a woman between two parked cars on the Keizersgracht. It takes place in broad daylight while crowds pass by.
It’s still unclear whether the encounter was consensual, but what’s clear is that neither seemed to realise they were being filmed.
Police say they have already identified the two people involved, who reportedly know each other, and are now asking witnesses to step forward to help clarify what occurred.
Amsterdam’s Mayor, Femke Halsema, condemned the filming and sharing of the footage, saying: “Making and distributing these kinds of images is not only punishable, but also deeply humiliating and hurtful.’’
More worrying videos emerge
Sadly, this isn’t the only video of this kind circulating the internet in the wake of King’s Day.
Other clips show couples having sex in public spots and young women urinating on the streets, all likely filmed without their knowledge.
Authorities are reminding everyone that filming, sharing, or distributing such images is a criminal offence, and they urge people to take the videos down immediately.
If you witnessed what happened on Keizersgracht and have any information to share, report this to the police using the tip form on their website or by calling 0900-8844. You can also report anonymously via M at 0800-7000.
If NS train tickets are already costing us an arm and a leg, we can add our kidneys to that for next year, as ticket prices are expected to increase by 12%.
State Secretary for Public Transport Chris Jansen is working with the railway company to try to figure out how to soften the blow.
No more help
You may have noticed that NS ticket prices have already increased this year. However, the state and NS both paid 3% of the increase, which means your ticket was 6% more expensive, rather than 12%.
Next year, we’re on our own. According to RTL, this means the increase would reach the 12% we managed to avoid so far.
Trying to find a solution
Jansen and the NS are both trying to find ways to lessen the increase, but they haven’t found anything satisfactory yet.
The proposal to use money from the Mobility Fund to pay a few percentage points of the increase was rejected. That money will still be used for its intended purpose – the construction and maintenance of infrastructure.
There are currently two other possible solutions on the table.
The first is to spread the increase over several years. That way, you’ll slowly be able to afford fewer and fewer coffees instead of having to start a diet of canned soup at once.
The second would be to limit the number of journeys on quieter routes – because you can’t spend money on a train ticket if there’s no train.
How do you think the NS should deal with these price increases? Let us know your thoughts!
When you pack your whole life into boxes, move to a foreign country and start a new job, one thing is certain: you want to make sure you can keep that job.
With a job market that’s changing faster than the latest TikTok trends, it’s important to build and refine your skillset to stay competitive and seize fresh opportunities.
Let’s talk about seven skills you can start building today to future-proof your career in the Netherlands. 💪
Looking to boost your job security? Turn to Nyenrode Business University. With competitive MBAs, top-notch career advice and heaps of room for personal growth, Nyenrode sets you up for success in all aspects of life.
1. Collaborative and purpose-driven leadership
Every company needs good leaders. 💪 Image: Freepik
In the Netherlands’ multicultural and often hybrid workplaces, modern leadership is about guiding people towards a shared purpose, rather than respecting a strict hierarchy.
As an expat in a Dutch workplace, you’ll need to communicate clearly and effectively, be comfortable collaborating across borders, and have strong leadership skills.
Can you inspire teams? Manage resources effectively? And lead projects to completion? Not yet? Don’t worry, there are many ways you can learn:
Seek a mentor with a purpose: Find someone whose collaborative leadership style you admire, and learn the ropes by watching them in action and asking questions. This will give you insights into effective management techniques.
Consider professional development: If you’re ready for a deep dive, try skill workshops, MBAs, or executive programmes that focus on leadership, sustainability, and effective communication.
Volunteer at work: You can start out small by offering to lead projects at work. You’ll be able to showcase your skills and add some serious accomplishments to your resume.
2. Self-learning and adaptability
Attending seminars or lectures can be great for your professional (and personal!) growth. Image: Freepik
With new developments, knowledge, and technologies, industries are changing faster than Dutch weather on an autumn day — so being quick to learn and adapt is a new superpower.
Being flexible allows you to pivot and stay current, as no matter how much your industry evolves, you can evolve with it. 💪
Here’s how to sharpen your adaptability and self-learning skills:
Listen to podcasts and read, read, read: Podcasts, industry blogs, and even books on trends and new ideas will keep you fresh and your mind sharp.
Make use of online learning platforms: Platforms like Coursera, MasterClass, or even LinkedIn can give you that extra edge. Just pick the skills that suit your interests and career goals and get learning.
3. Sustainability and awareness of green transition
Expertise in sustainability is a big plus in all sectors. Image: Freepik
As one of the global leaders in sustainability, the Netherlands has made it clear that the green economy is the future. For professionals, this means developing green transition literacy, which is an understanding of how sustainability, circularity, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles shape business.
As sustainability continues to become more important, companies will look for employees who can help guide them towards greener solutions. Here’s how to get ahead of the game:
Get certified in a specialised course: Take a course focused on ESG reporting, circular business models, or environmental policy to get a deeper understanding of sustainability practices.
Attend industry seminars: Seminars, conferences, or webinars are hotspots for meeting like-minded people and hearing what’s important in the industry.
4. AI and digital literacy
Many of us already have great digital skills, but it’s never a bad idea to learn even more. Image: Freepik
With AI fast becoming the new normal, digital literacy is no longer optional in our technology-driven world. So, if you’re not up to speed, now’s the time to catch up. ⚡️
Mastering essential IT skills and having some form of AI literacy can make you an asset in any industry. To build your digital fluency:
Enrol in online courses: Platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Google Digital Garage, and Coursera can help you get in-depth digital training.
Pursue university programs: Universities now offer short programs or certifications in digital literacy, AI, and IT.
Get hands-on experience: Nothing beats practical experience — find those tech-related tasks or projects at work and build confidence!
Tech and sustainability are both high-demand skills, so Nyenrode created a program that combines the two.
In the Impact MBA, students learn to navigate a career in a world shaped by digital innovation and environmental consciousness.
5. Analytical thinking
Companies need those human skills! Image: Freepik
While Artificial Intelligence is reshaping industries, the need for critical and analytical thinking remains. That’s why companies will look for critical thinking skills that cannot be replaced by machines.
Here are ways to boost yours:
Earn a data analytics certificate: A certificate program can introduce you to the basics of analysing and working with data.
Read extensively on industry analysis: There’s a whole world of books and articles on strategic and critical thinking that will inspire you. A quick Google search will help you get started!
Exercise those brain cells: Practice tackling case studies or even puzzles that make you think through problems creatively.
6. Multilingual communication
The more languages you know, the more doors open up for you. Image: Depositphotos
In a diverse country like the Netherlands, being multilingual is a huge plus. Not only does it make you a better communicator, but it also makes you an asset in international roles.
If you’re an international living in the Netherlands, you likely already have the advantage of speaking a foreign language, so it would be great for you to learn Dutch.
Other widely spoken languages, like Spanish, German, French, or Chinese, are also always in high demand. To future-proof your career in the Netherlands:
Take a language course: Classes or language apps like Duolingo or Babbel make learning a new language accessible and fun.
Practice with native speakers: Whether it’s a language exchange group or a one-on-one chat, real conversations are priceless for learning.
Use the language in your day-to-day life: If you know even a bit of another language, practice with colleagues and friends to boost your confidence.
7. Cultural competence
Cultural competence will take your networking skills to the next level. Image: Freepik
There are millions of internationals living and working in the Netherlands — and in a globalised workforce where you’ll have colleagues from around the globe, companies look for people who can easily connect across cultures.
Understanding diverse perspectives and working collaboratively in international teams is essential for many roles, so strengthen your cultural competence by:
Networking with people from different backgrounds: Events and networking groups are perfect for meeting people from all over the world.
Travelling or doing cultural immersion: Nothing builds empathy and understanding like experiencing another culture firsthand.
Taking a course: There are heaps of (online) resources that can help you better understand global business etiquette and cultural norms.
Staying future-proof in a world that’s ever-changing isn’t a simple feat, but if anyone can do it, it’s you. 💪
Whether it’s tech, languages, or leadership, building up these abilities will help you stand out and keep things interesting. Time to jump in!
Which skills do you want to work on to future-proof your career in the Netherlands? Share your thoughts in the comments.
As summer slowly creeps in, so do warmer temperatures. The upcoming days will bring plenty of natural vitamin D, which we’ve been dreaming about for so long.
And the best part? Temperatures could soar as high as 26 degrees. ☀️
Starting off sunny and steady
According to RTL Nieuws, today’s forecast promises a dry day with uninterrupted sunshine.
In the afternoon, temperatures on the Wadden Islands will be a mild 17 degrees, while the southwest and southern parts of the country will enjoy a stunning 21 degrees.
Tomorrow, the weather will stay consistent — an occurrence we’re not too used to, but happily welcome. 🤩
The sun will stick around with maximum temperatures reaching 21 degrees once again.
Turning up the heat
If you thought that was good news, you’ll be even happier to read that it’s about to get even hotter.
Buienradar’s Jelmer van der Graaff reports, “On Wednesday and Thursday, it could be 25 degrees, and in the southeast perhaps even 26 degrees.”
However, stay humble for the Wadden Islands — they’ll be stuck with a chilly 11 degrees. Being an islander for these northerners is more of a “brace for breeze” rather than a “beach cocktail in hand.” 😖
First official summer day
Thursday, May 1, is expected to mark the official start of summer, with temperatures in De Bilt forecast to reach 25 degrees.
Usually, the first summer day doesn’t arrive until May 16, so consider this a small reward for enduring all those gloomy months. 🎁
Friday will bring in a northwesterly flow, with slightly cooler air. The sun and dry skies will persist, but afternoon temperatures will drop down to between 15 and 20 degrees.
We’re used to hearing complaints about fatbikers being too fast or inconsiderate of other cyclists.
These past weeks, however, even more reprehensible behaviour has been coming from the Netherlands’ number one road menace.
According to the NOS, there’s been an influx of reports of women’s butts being slapped by young boys on fatbikes.
Social media trend
The police have already received 24 reports of such incidents this year. However, the actual number could be a lot higher, as not everyone reports the crime.
The assaults against jogging women usually take place in parks, for example, Vondelpark, Flevopark, or Erasmuspark.
The perpetrators also often film the assaults, feeling proud enough of their actions to post them to social media, such as TikTok.
Although the police haven’t arrested anyone in connection with the incidents, they claim to be investigating and urge anyone who hasn’t yet reported their assault to do so.
Additionally, they’re appealing to the young boys behind these assaults by posting an Instagram video urging fatbikers to “just stop”.
Hey, as long as they’re exhausting all options, right?
Ok, picture this. You’re at the office, the clock reads 12:42, and you’re fired up like one of Jeff Bezos’ rockets. Is this due to an undying passion for your work, an enthusiasm that can’t be tamed? No, love. It’s coffee.
Specifically, it’s the three cups of lukewarm, extremely bitter, black-as-your-soul office koffie that you’ve already consumed that day. ☕️
What is it?
The phenomenon is quite simple. You arrive in the office, take off your many layers, set up your laptop, and one of your colleagues gives you that look: coffee? No arguments there. 🙅🏼♀️
You guys head to the office’s most beloved and abused member of the team — no, it’s not you — it’s the coffee machine.
A ’90s baby like you, this bad boy has been coughing out mediocre coffee for years now, the only thing that’s changed is its filter.
It is totally normal to take multiple coffee breaks in Dutch offices! Image: Freepik
Once that first coffee is done, your boss will arrive and pull you for another one, and then, right after lunch, it’s time for another coffee to beat that post-food slump.
Then, it’s 4 PM, someone switches out that filter and another pot is ready to be consumed.
By the time you’re packing up to leave, you are READY to take on your evening, and that coffee machine has been put to good use.
Why do they do it?
Honestly, I’m not entirely sure. Perhaps multiple coffee breaks stem from the Dutch approach to work.
With one of the best work-life balances in the world, it makes sense that the Dutch also make sure to take plenty of breaks whilst at the office too.
What better way to excuse yourself from the desk than a good ol’ coffee break?
Who cares if it tastes like pure rocket fuel when it’s free (great for the korting counting Dutchie) and it gives you a reason to bitch about the weather with your colleagues. 🤪
Why is it quirky?
Listen, the concept of coffee is certainly not foreign to any office.
What makes it quirky, and quite Dutch, is the commitment to the coffee breaks — and to that one god-damned machine. 🙏🏼
Should you join in?
Absolutely. It’s a break from work, and it’s a key way to keep up with the office gossip. Forget the water cooler, it’s the coffee machine in the Netherlands.
If you’d rather dodge the coffee breath but still hang out by the popular machine, you can always find a mug that’s opaque enough to hide your betrayal beverage of choice. 😉
If you do opt for coffee, make sure to cap yourself once the jitters set in!
What do you think of this Dutch quirk? Have you experienced it? Tell us in the comments below!
Amsterdam’s got one royal request this King’s Day: keep the party local and don’t crush the canals.
The city council is waving the orange flag of caution as crowds grow wilder each year.
This time, they’re begging you — yes, you in the inflatable crown! 👑 — to avoid the city centre and stick to your buurt (neighbourhood) bash.
King’s Day or Chaos Day?
With King’s Day landing on a Saturday this year, the city is bracing for record crowds. (Think longer parties, louder music, and streets so packed you’ll be elbowing your way through. 😉)
As a result, the municipality is concerned about the pressure on public safety and emergency services.
“The public space, the facilities and the emergency and aid services are approaching their maximum load to keep King’s Day manageable, festive and safe,” a spokesperson for Mayor Femke Halsema told Het Parool.
And if you were planning to party along the Haarlemmerpoort quay, don’t. It’s being fenced off to avoid the whole thing collapsing under the weight of too many partygoers.
Yes, even a canal wall has its limits. 😬
The fun’s still on, just, you know… spread out
But don’t panic: King’s Day isn’t cancelled, it’s just getting a strategic makeover. 🧡
The city is rolling out the orange carpet with free street parties from Amstelveld to NDSM shipyard. So, you won’t be short on beats, beers, or bitterballen.
But here’s the catch: moderation is the name of the game. You can’t buy more than one alcoholic drink at a time (bye-bye six-packs), and cold booze won’t be sold in central shops.
It’s party smart or party elsewhere. And honestly? That doesn’t sound too bad. 😎
Are you keeping it local or squeezing into the city? Let us know in the comments. 🥂
