Hoping to escaping skyrocketing rents by buying a house in the Netherlands? You may need to think again. 😬
In the first three months of 2024, absolute madness has returned to the Dutch real estate market.
At least, that’s the conclusion drawn by Dutch real estate association NVM Makelaars, as NU.nl reports.
Soaring prices and high overbidding
Although the first quarter of the year is usually quiet on the home-buying front, real estate agent Lana Gerssen tells NU.nl that this year saw the pressure on the market increasing drastically.
Due to a lack of supply, the average price for a Dutch home currently stands at a whopping €432,000 — more than 9% higher than just a year ago.
But it gets worse. Of all the houses sold between January and March 2024, more than half (55%) sold above asking price. On average, buyers overbid by 1.8%.
Why is this happening?
So, why is the Dutch housing market so effed up? As you would guess, part of it has to do with the massive ongoing housing shortage.
Adding to the issue is slightly lowered mortgage interest rates and wage increases, allowing buyers to borrow more money and, therefore, make higher bids.
These combined factors are causing tightness in the market, leaving the so-called “krapte-indicator” (market tightness indicator) at 2.4. This means every home buyer can choose from 2.4 homes.
For reference: a balanced market has a tightness indicator between 5 and 10.
So, how do we fix this?
Ah, yes, the million-dollar question. To pop the Dutch housing bubble, the Netherlands would need to significantly increase the number of homes for sale.
This could be achieved by converting office spaces, dividing homes and, of course, constructing new homes.
But all that is not quite as easy as it sounds. “Through all the conditions and requirements, we see that the development of new construction is becoming entangled in a forest of regulations,” the NVM said to NU.nl.
Therefore, it’s the government’s responsibility to consider removing barriers to meet the ever-growing housing demand.
Are you currently trying to buy a home in the Netherlands? Tell us about your experience in the comments!
If you want more time with friends and family and less commuting, working from home some days could be just what you need.
However, there are some things you should know before transitioning to hybrid work in the Netherlands.
Since the coronavirus lockdown made hybrid work commonplace, there are plenty of regulations and infrastructure in place to accommodate remote workers in the Dutch job market.
We’ve put together this guide of five important things you need to know before you get started with your own hybrid working journey.
1. How popular is hybrid working in the Netherlands?
You might be wondering, what’s all this fuss about hybrid working? What’s so great about it anyway? Why is it that 62% of millennials and 63% of Gen Zers say they want to work remotely at least part-time?
Let’s hit you with some stats to share with your boss. 😉
For a start, 82% of employees say being able to work anywhere outside an office makes them feel more content.
Not only that, but studies show that 60% of participants reported their productivity being boosted by the added flexibility.
Maybe this hybrid worker satisfaction has something to do with the fact that — for 79% of respondents — their work-life has become more balanced since starting to WFH (work from home).
You could also say it appeals to that (in)famous Dutch frugality. Yup, 76% of hybrid workers claim they’ve saved money by working from home — have you seen those NS fares recently?
Plus, two-thirds of people reported that they cut back on at least four hours of commuting time per week. Now that you don’t have to bustle back and forth to work every morning and afternoon, you spend that quality time doing something else.
Maybe that’s why seven out of 10 respondents say their relationship with their family has improved since they began hybrid working. Aww. ❤️
2. How many people in the Netherlands are hybrid workers?
Since those dreaded coronavirus times, employees and employers alike have had their eyes opened to the possibilities of remote work.
So, a lot of people want to do hybrid work, but how many of the Dutch population actually do?
It’s also easier than ever nowadays to hold meetings online! Image: Freepik
According to a Dutch government survey, the country’s entire workforce spends an average of 6.5 hours working remotely. Four out of ten employees work remotely at least twice per week.
In fact, the amount of hybrid workers has doubled since the time before the pandemic — and we better get used to it! A KPN survey found that three out of four hybrid employees believe that this trend is here to stay.
3. How does the new ruling by the Dutch Senate affect hybrid workers?
Since hybrid working is widely accepted and even sometimes preferable in the Netherlands, you might be asking whether the Dutch government has responded to this trend. The answer to that question is… nope.
Sadly, hybrid work has yet to become legally entrenched in the Netherlands’ employment market. In September 2023, the Dutch government decided against passing this law.
This means if you want to become a part of the hybrid-working family, you’ll have to submit a formal request to your place of work.
However, the good news is that they’re only legally allowed to refuse your request if they have a “good reason.”
Here are two basic requirements for submitting a hybrid working request to employers:
The company you work for must have at least 10 employees
You must submit the request at least two months before you wish to start remote work
4. Still, there’s plenty of room for NL hybrid workers
Don’t throw in the towel just yet! Despite not passing the law, the Dutch government is generally supportive and encouraging of hybrid work.
This is because hybrid work has many perks for employers, too! For one, it means that companies also save money by not having to secure a physical office space for all employees.
This is why it’s also no surprise that the Netherlands has a generous amount of infrastructure dedicated to making the life of a hybrid worker easier, such as:
Hybrid working hubs that allow you to sit in a cosy space with unlimited WiFi and other amenities together with other hybrid workers.
Plenty of public libraries with quiet spots for a highly concentrated work environment — as well as endless books that you can use for research.
5G and broadband across the country to ensure that your online work experience runs as smoothly as possible.
5. What are the Dutch allowances and conditions for hybrid workers?
Speaking of the facilities and tools for hybrid work, one super important tool is the allowances available to hybrid workers in the Netherlands.
Working from home means you’ll likely find yourself dishing out extra cash on heating, water, electricity, coffee, and even toilet paper, which could leave a dent in your wallet at the end of the month.
Maybe your workstation doesn’t have to be this organised — but it shouldn’t be that far off! Image: Freepik
As a hybrid worker, you should know your rights. Extra costs as a result of working from home mean that you’re entitled to reimburse these costs tax-free using a thuiswerkvergoeding (working from home allowance).
And that’s not all. You are also entitled to receive a daily allowance of €2.15!
However, you must ensure that your out-of-office workspace is acceptable by legal working condition standards.
Check to see if your home setup meets the “ergonomic” requirements, which include amenities such as:
Good lighting
A functional keyboard
Proper desk height
A good chair
Strong internet
Also, note that although employers may be allowed to monitor you as you work remotely, they can’t use just any tracking software to do so — you have a right to privacy!
You’d think climbing the highest mountain in Africa would be enough of a challenge. But what about taking on Mt. Kilimanjaro in wooden clogs? Fred Onderwater from South Holland stepped things up a notch.
As a 54-year-old, Fred, your clog climb has our respect. But we also have a few questions…
How did you tackle the crazy terrains? How are your feet holding up now? It’s hard to believe those whimsical wooden shoes lining Amsterdam’s tourist shops would survive the likes of the stark savannah, deep jungle, and some serious snow.
But we shouldn’t be so quick to judge: Fred and his klompen embraced every landscape and survived wild temperature changes, he told indebuurt.nl.
Why choose such shoes?
A self-proclaimed clog lover since childhood, Onderwater has full faith in clogs’ functionality. He believes they “are comfortable to wear and they are sturdy.”
Onderwater dealt with doubters from the beginning. When his mountain guide saw the clogs, he was shocked, said Onderwater. “At first, he had no confidence at all. I did bring spare shoes, but I never needed them!”
Perhaps his venture was inspired by fellow daring Dutchie Wim Hof? 👇
Despite their unforgiving appearance, clogs are actually extremely durable — even the European Union has officially declared them as “safety shoes.”
The benefits don’t end there for this proud Dutchman and vegetarian, because these wooden warriors are all-natural and eco-friendly. It’s like embracing nature whilst wearing nature. 🌳
Onderwater was joined on the trek by his two teenage daughters, Fientje and Hanne (who is now also an avid clog-wearer).
Together, they climbed Kilimanjaro in seven days, battling through snow storms and altitude sickness. 💪
But whilst his daughters suffered from hiking boot-induced blisters, Fred forged on in his clogs with no discomfort (as long as he was careful not to get them stuck between rocks).
If Fred wants fellow Dutchies to take one lesson from his clog slog, it’s to take more pride in the heritage shoe.
Having a babysitter in the Netherlands is a great way to ensure you get extra time for yourself and your partner.
It’s important that your chosen babysitter ticks all the right boxes, gets along with you and your child(ren), and is quickly available — but where do you start?
Here’s the ultimate guide to finding a babysitter in the Netherlands.
First, determine your childcare needs as a family in the Netherlands
Before you start looking for a babysitter in the Netherlands, it’s important to discuss your childcare needs.
For example, when do you want the babysitter to work? What responsibilities do you want them to handle? Do you need after-school care? How much are you willing to spend on childcare?
You should also consider other special requirements like whether you want your babysitter to speak a certain language, have certain training or experience, or be able to help with household chores.
Discuss the most important needs you have for childcare in the Netherlands. Image: Freepik
Once you have a clear idea of what you want from a babysitter, you can start your search for the ideal candidate.
Finding a babysitter that suits you
There are plenty of places to look for a babysitter in the Netherlands, so don’t lose hope if you feel like you’ve hit a wall.
If you’re looking for more professional options, you can explore online platforms that specialise in babysitting services.
Keep track of all your preferences and potential candidates. Image: Freepik
You can also join online parenting groups and forums in the Dutch city you live in and ask for recommendations and advice about finding a babysitter. This might also be a good way to make friends with other parents in the city you live in.
Get to know your babysitting candidates
When looking for a babysitter, whether through personal contacts, parenting groups, or an online service, the screening process is key to picking the right person.
Good to know: When hiring a babysitter, you’re responsible for meeting all legal and safety requirements.
For example, you have to check if the candidate has the appropriate work permit and certifications to be a babysitter in the Netherlands.
If you want to go the extra mile, you could also run a background check on the candidate or ask for references.
It’s important to determine the candidate’s experience and whether they’re a good match for your children (maybe you’d like a babysitter who speaks your native language or someone who can cook stamppot? 😉).
Many online babysitting services let you narrow down choices based on your personal requirements and needs. Image: Freepik
Once you’ve found a candidate you would like to hire, it’s recommended that you set up a meeting (or a call) to discuss your expectations. Here, you should take a page from the Dutch and be direct and clear.
Make sure to discuss the expectations and responsibilities with your babysitter before making it official. Image: Freepik
Some things you may want to discuss with your prospective babysitter are their experience, babysitting style, availability, expected responsibilities, and compensation.
Establish a trial period for your children and babysitter
Once you’ve found a babysitter you trust, there are a few more steps you can take to make sure they’re the right fit for your family.
While it’s great to get along with your babysitter, you must also ensure they get along with your kids. How? You could, for example, set up an informal playdate with your babysitter to see how comfortable your children are around them.
Make sure your children get along with the babysitter you’ve chosen — after all, they’ll be spending the most time with them. Image: Freepik
During this meeting, you can also discuss all the important things your sitter should know or address any concerns or adjustments that need to be made with the babysitter.
Formalise your agreement with your chosen babysitter
Once you’ve gone through all these steps and settled on your babysitter, it’s time to formalise an agreement!
Talk about your terms and conditions with your babysitter and record this in a document with topics like hourly rates, payment, work hours, additional tasks, and general reminders and rules for your children.
Finalise and sign your new agreement together! Image: Freepik
It’s important to have a good relationship with your babysitter as time goes on. Make sure to touch base with them often to keep everyone happy and informed about the kiddos. This way, you can tackle any concerns or changes regarding childcare with ease.
Set aside time and chat regularly to exchange observations or suggestions — because remember: happy kids, happy life!
Have you had a babysitter in the Netherlands? Tell us about the experience in the comments below!
Finding a babysitter in the Netherlands: Frequently Asked Questions
Are there babysitting services in the Netherlands?
Yes, there are several services you can use to find a babysitter in the Netherlands!
For example, Sitly easily lets you create and customise a family profile to help you find a babysitter that fits all your needs and preferences.
How much should I pay my babysitter in the Netherlands?
Babysitters in the Netherlands tend to charge between €7-€15 per hour, but some charge closer to €12-15 per hour if they help you with other household tasks and activities.
You can also consider special rates for overtime and holidays, and discuss whether you’ll compensate for travel costs (if there are any).
At the end of the day, it’s up to your family to decide what your budget is for a babysitter and how much you’ll compensate them.
How late can a babysitter work in the Netherlands?
Work hours ultimately depend on when a babysitter is willing to work throughout the day and your childcare preferences.
Typical babysitting hours can last from the afternoon (after school, around 3 PM) to the late evening (till midnight, and possibly later).
You could also look for babysitters who are available in the (early) mornings, but this is less common.
How can I find an English-speaking babysitter in the Netherlands?
Many babysitting services can connect you to a babysitter who speaks English (or another language). For example, with services like Sitly, you can select which language(s) you would like the babysitter to speak.
You can also ask for recommendations from friends, family, and colleagues or check out online forums of parents living in the Netherlands or the same Dutch city as you.
A 68-year-old Rotterdam man was attacked at a Rotterdam Albert Heijn supermarket. His offense? Fumbling with his debit card for too long.
The incident took place a day after Christmas when the Rotterdam artist stood at the Albert Heijn Nieuwe Binnenweg service counter. This set off a brutal chain of events.
The customer behind him grew impatient as the man struggled with his payment method.
The waiting customer then snatched the senior citizen’s card, threw it on the ground, and tried to push through, reports the AD.
In defence, the older man pushed the impatient customer away.
The impatient customer’s friend, Mohammed A., who was watching a few metres away, stepped in.
The 26-year-old ran at the older man and attacked him from behind, striking him 15 times with a closed fist.
When the older man tried to fight back, the two attackers pushed him to the ground and kicked his head several times.
Several bystanders intervened, finally stopping the vicious attack.
Court case
“I’ve seen the [security footage] a few times and I’m still shocked,” said the prosecutor of the case in court this week.
“We see two young men who clearly had the intention to completely brutalize the victim. They went completely crazy. Bizarre.”
Mohammed says he “doesn’t know where all that anger came from” and admits he’d had a few drinks beforehand. He claimed he thought his friend needed support.
“I saw that man lunging sharply at my friend, and I came to help. It wasn’t until he was on the ground that I noticed it was an old, grown man. If I had seen that before, I would have spoken to him.”
“I reacted disproportionately. I would like to apologize for that.”
Result of the case
The judge doesn’t take long to decide: Mohammed is convicted and receives 150 days in prison, 46 days of which are conditional.
The judge determined that the violence surpassed all limits, stating, “The gentleman was badly beaten and actually didn’t stand a chance.”
Mohammend’s friend is yet to appear in court.
The victim will receive €6000 in damages. Part of that will go toward repairing a tooth crown that was broken during the attack.
After the attack, the Rotterdammer was unable to work and has been unable to pay for the dental work.
The victim now suffers from eye problems, including an inability to perceive depth. The artist has become a former artist.
Travelling from Amsterdam to London is easy. These two capitals are not only close but are serviced by stacks of transport options. Would you prefer to travel from Amsterdam to London quickly? Cheaply? In comfort? All three?
We’ve hunted, gathered, and left no stone unturned in our quest to bring you the ultimate transport guide from Amsterdam to London. It’s time to switch toking on Amsterdam’s canals for tea and scones with the King. Ready to jump aboard?
Amsterdam to London by train
Hop onto a train, sit back in a comfy seat, and arrive in London at rail speed. Sounds great!
Is there a direct train from Amsterdam to London?
Yes! The Eurostar runs directly from Amsterdam to London, taking only four hours and also stops in Rotterdam and Brussels.
All aboard, from Amsterdam to London. Image: Unsplash
Be aware that because Britain is not part of the EU anymore, passengers are required to arrive an hour before their train departs to show tickets and their passports (ID is no longer sufficient!).
Let op: Due to station refurbishments, trains between Amsterdam and London might be affected for an extended period of time until 2028. Please consult Eurostar directly for up-to-date information.
How much does the direct train from Amsterdam to London cost?
It depends on the season. Prices start from around €50, but in the summer, prices can hit a whopping €300 — ouch! Book ahead to try to save money to spend at your destination instead.
Can I stop over in Brussels when going from Amsterdam to London by train?
If you would like to make a stopover in Brussels for a few hours or days, just book your ticket from Amsterdam to Brussels and Brussels to London separately.
Make sure to take the Eurostar train from Amsterdam, though — this is the high-speed option and will get you there in just under two hours, quicker than the Intercity trains. If you’re arriving at Schiphol or closer to Rotterdam, you can also take the Eurostar directly from either of those locations.
What about the direct train from London to Amsterdam?
We repeat: this is about the train leaving fromLondon. If you’re in London and you want to get to Amsterdam, here’s what you need to know.
The service is operated by Eurostar and only takes 3 hours and 50 minutes. When you compare this to flying, don’t forget to factor in getting to the airport, checking into your flight, checking baggage, clearing security, boarding, flying, clearing immigration and customs, and getting from the airport into the city (whew!).
It’s actually pretty time-efficient to take the train — and there’s a lot less waiting in line.
Where does the direct train from London to Amsterdam leave from?
You’ll leave from St. Pancras in London, a huge station in the city centre right near Kings Cross. You’ll arrive in Amsterdam Central, which is within walking distance of most tourist attractions and hotels in Amsterdam.
When does the direct train from London to Amsterdam run?
The direct train from London to Amsterdam runs very often — up to five times a day during the summer. That gives you a good variety of choices!
The rest of the year looks a little different, so make sure to double-check the departures on the Eurostar website.
How much does the direct train from London to Amsterdam cost?
Eurostar advertises that you can get tickets for just €44 (one way). A quick scan of winter pricing showed that you can actually get a ticket for that price — amazing!
Obviously, in the summer, you can expect that price to jump up way into the hundreds and tickets to sell out quickly, so try to book early.
The best part? Every ticket includes two suitcases, and one piece of hand luggage, so you won’t get stung by those airline luggage fees or try and cram your bag into an oddly-shaped container.
If you’re the kind of person who prefers to travel in the clouds, you’re in luck: it’s very easy to get from Amsterdam to London by air.
Which airlines fly between Amsterdam and London?
While Amsterdam has just one major airport (Schiphol), London has six (London City, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, London Luton, London Stansted and London Southend).
Keep in mind that some of these airports are up to an hour away from the city centre by car, and even longer by public transport.
London City, Gatwick and Heathrow are all closest to the city centre but also typically service higher-cost airlines. Luton, Stansted, and Southend are further away, and most budget airlines fly through these.
Airlines with non-stop flights from Amsterdam to London by airport:
Amsterdam to London City: KLM, British Airways
Amsterdam to Gatwick: easyJet, British Airways
Amsterdam to Heathrow: KLM, British Airways
Amsterdam to Luton: EasyJet
Amsterdam to Stansted: EasyJet
Amsterdam to Southend: EasyJet
If you’re looking to save money, look at other Dutch airports like Eindhoven or Rotterdam. Most budget airlines fly between smaller airports.
For example, RyanAir flies exclusively from Eindhoven to London Stansted (for as cheap as €17!).
How much is a plane ticket from Amsterdam to London?
You can occasionally snatch up a ticket from Amsterdam to one of London’s outer airports for less than €40.
Keep in mind that if you’re travelling to one of these, you’ll have to pay for your travel into the city centre of London. The Stansted Express, for example, which connects Stansted Airport to Liverpool Street Station, can easily add another £20 to your total travel cost.
The average price is somewhere between €90 and €120, but tickets can end up costing a few hundred euros during peak times or if you book last minute.
How long is the flight between Amsterdam and London?
A flight from Amsterdam to London can take anywhere from one to one-and-a-half hours, depending on which airport you’re flying into.
Remember to take into account the time spent checking in, getting through security and border control (the United Kingdom was never Schengen, even before Brexit!), and then clearing customs and immigration in London.
Amsterdam to London by bus
If you’re not fond of flying and trains, or maybe you just really like seeing the inside of a bus for up to 19 hours, then the bus from Amsterdam to London is for you!
We’ve all got a good Flixbus story—don’t we? Image: Depositphotos
You’ll have a few opportunities throughout the bus journey to hop off, use the bathroom, and grab some food. Regardless, 10 hours minimum on a bus is a long time, so this journey is only for the brave-hearted.
However, there are some benefits to taking the bus. It can be cheaper if you have some heavy luggage to bring, you have the option of bringing a bike, and you can catch up on all those podcasts you swore you’d listen to. Also, some of the buses do make it in just 10.5 hours.
What bus companies go from Amsterdam to London?
Flixbus
If you’re really keen to do this by road, the most well-known company is Flixbus. This German company has routes all over Europe, pretty comfortable, new buses, and sometimes the WiFi even works.
Flixbus have four different departure points in Amsterdam, so check yours carefully and arrive relatively centrally at Victoria Coach Station. They advertise tickets from €31, but they can cost you over €100 depending on when you travel.
BlaBlaBus
BlaBlaBus, an offshoot of ride-sharing service BlaBlaCar and formerly called OuiBus, also makes the arduous journey across the channel.
Their tickets range from €30 to over €100, leaving from Amsterdam Sloterdijk and also arriving at Victoria Coach Station. And if you’re down for a different type of adventure, BlaBlaBus also offers carpooling options!
Amsterdam to London — by ferry & train
Are you keen to hit the high seas — or, in this case, the English Channel? It is possible to buy a combined train and ferry ticket to get from Amsterdam to London — the so-called Rail and Sail system.
Stena Line, a UK Company, teamed up with the UK’s Greater Anglia Rail, NS and RET (Rotterdam Public Transport) to create this special offer.
A ferry ride to the British Isles? How splendid! Image: Depositphotos
To get from Amsterdam to London by train and ferry, you would leave any Amsterdam train station (or from any other train station in the Netherlands) and make your way to Rotterdam.
Once in Rotterdam, hop on the metro line to Schiedam Centrum and then onto the ferry at Hoek van Holland (Hook of Holland). You’ll arrive in Harwich, United Kingdom, and then take the train up to London.
How long does the ferry and rail journey from the Netherlands to London take?
Let’s break this down into the various legs of the journey:
Amsterdam to Rotterdam Centraal by train takes around 45 minutes.
Rotterdam Centraal to Hook of Holland by subway takes around 50 minutes.
Hook of Holland to Harwich by ferry takes six-and-a-half hours (with the option of travelling overnight).
Harwich to London by train takes between one-and-a-half and three hours, depending on the day.
In total, expect the journey to take a minimum of 12 hours when taking into account waiting times.
Can I take luggage, a bike, or pets?
You can take up to two suitcases on the ferry, a bike during certain times, and pets. You’ll need to check on individual rail services if you can take bikes and furry friends.
How much does the ferry and train between Amsterdam and London cost?
Stena Line offers the combined rail and ferry ticket for just €69 per person. This includes rail travel from any city in the Netherlands to the port, the ferry, and then rail service to any Greater Anglia Rail station in England.
How can I book a ticket for the rail and ferry from Amsterdam to London?
Ready to hop on board me hearty? Head on over to Stena Line’s Dutch website to book your combined ticket.
Keep the language in Dutch and just use Google Translate, or you won’t be able to include your rail ticket inside the Netherlands.
Amsterdam to London by car
None of the options above take your fancy? It is possible to drive from Amsterdam to London by car if you’re more of a rev-head or transporting a bunch of stuff. The route takes you down through Belgium and into France.
In France, you’ll find the Channel Tunnel— the tunnel with the longest underwater section in the world. It also has an adorable nickname: The Chunnel.
You don’t actually drive through the Channel Tunnel. Instead, you load your car onto a specially designed train called the Eurotunnel Shuttle and sit in your car while the train shuttles you underwater to the UK. This part of the trip is only 35 minutes.
You can take pets on the shuttle, or if you’re cycling around, you can put your bike on and travel in a special minibus.
How much does the Eurotunnel Shuttle cost?
The shuttle charges by car (not by passenger), and prices start from just €72. If you’re travelling with a big family or a group of friends, this can be cost-effective. Remember to factor in gas and tolls for your journey too!
How long does it take to travel from Amsterdam to London by car?
The trip from Amsterdam to London by car will take you around 6.5 hours, depending on traffic and waiting time for the ferry.
Have you travelled from Amsterdam to London? What route did you take? Tell us in the comments below!
While your go-to chip bags get lighter, the pockets of the companies selling them get heavier. Last year, more money was spent on A-brands in supermarkets, despite less being sold.
Do you notice fewer cookies in your packet? Do you feel unsatisfied after one chocolate bar? Don’t worry — it’s not cravings, and you’re not crazy. Instead, it’s something called “shrinkflation”.
What are A-Brands? These refer to products from established and well-known brand names, not the retailer’s own brand. For example, Doritos rather than Jumbo’s tortilla chips.
Snacks get smaller
Shrinkflation refers to the practice of reducing the size of a product while maintaining (or increasing!) its price.
This phenomenon has been taking over Dutch supermarkets for a while now, as NOS reports. It means that the packaging for items like chocolate, cookies and chips (AKA the essentials 😋) is now smaller, but more expensive.
the amount of air that be in chip bags these days should be illegal.
That is how big names like Lay’s, Red Band and Venco are still enjoying significant turnover, despite selling fewer products.
If you’re partial to Viennetta (the delicious ice cream dessert), you may be left scraping the lighter package. But chances are you paid the same as before they cut 100g of the good stuff.
“In all these examples, the price has remained the same or even increased,” Circana market researcher Sjanny van Beekveld tells the NOS — while the amount of food has decreased.
So why is the bill bigger?
The price increases are significant enough to boost turnover for Dutch staples such as Heineken and Douwe Egberts, despite declining sales.
If you’re a loyal customer, it’s fair to say your value for money has taken a hit.
So why does the price keep growing if annoyance is showing?
Unilever (Viennetta creators) told NOS, “The prices of raw materials, logistics, energy and packaging have risen enormously, as have wage costs. Not all of this can be offset by savings and so part of it is passed on [to the customer].”
That means it’s doei to bargains. With higher A-brand prices, it’s no surprise that more customers are reaching for supermarket own-brands.
Have you noticed A-brand items getting smaller? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Feel like it’s impossible to find an affordable rental home in the Netherlands? Well, that’s because it pretty much is.
Yep, while renters have long known that renting in the lowlands is barely doable anymore, we’re now getting our concerns validated by research.
As it turns out, a whopping three Dutch cities have made it into the top five of the most expensive European cities to rent in. And that’s not a title to be proud of.
Nearly €1,000 for a single room
Take a guess and see if you can guess which three Dutch cities are among the most expensive.
I’ll wait…
If you guessed Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague, you’re entirely correct. As NU.nl writes, all three of these major cities are among the most pricey in Europe.
According to research conducted by HousingAnywhere, a European rental platform, Amsterdam is the most expensive city in all of Europe.
Renters here pay an average of €2,275 per month for an apartment, €1,740 for a studio and about €963 for a room. Yes, you read that right. 🥲
The Dutch capital is followed in the rankings by Rome in second place and Paris in third. Rotterdam and The Hague claim spots four and five, and Utrecht comes in seventh.
What’s the solution?
So yes, many Dutch cities aren’t affordable anymore for people on normal wages — but how do we solve this issue?
You guessed it: to reduce rents, we need to build more homes. That’s what HousingAnywhere CEO Djordy Seelmann tells NU.nl.
But that’s not as easy as it sounds: “The rising construction costs pose a risk to the construction plans of municipalities,” Seelmann says. “To meet these challenges, companies and policymakers need to prioritize partnerships to make new homes faster.”
How do you feel about renting in the Netherlands? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Kept up by last night’s stormy weather? The wind has now shifted to the southwest and is increasing considerably in strength, NU.nl reports.
Heavy gusts of wind (we’re talking 90 kilometres per hour at sea) will blast through Tuesday afternoon, and code yellow is in (gale 😉) force until 5 PM across the coastal zones.
Hold on to your hats! Here’s where the code yellow comes into effect along the Dutch coastline:
Areas
Code Yellow times
Zeeland and South Holland
12 PM – 5 PM (Tuesday afternoon)
Wadden Sea and North Holland
2 PM – 5 PM (Tuesday afternoon)
What else can we expect?
As if the blustery breezes weren’t enough, the weather will be as changeable as ever.
Think you’ve got what it takes to hold an umbrella open during these gusts? Firstly, congrats, you’re stronger than most. Secondly, it might come in handy — a few showers will scatter the rest of the country.
istg half of the time since i moved to the netherlands im just trying not to die cycling with insane wind
There will be dry spells in between. But if you enjoyed last weekend’s sunny hints of summer, you’ll have to be content with their memories keeping you warm. 💔
The temperature has dropped significantly to 11 to 14 degrees Celsius at best, and even as low as 7 degrees overnight.
By tomorrow, the winds will also die down, and we can expect a more peaceful spring day.
That’s Dutch weather for you. At least there’s something for everyone. 🌦🌪⛈
Will you be affected by today’s weather warning? Let us know in the comments below.
Hoera! From July 20, 2024, to January 5, 2025, public transport in Amsterdam will be completely free for children aged four to 11.
Children travelling with an adult between 9 AM and 9 PM will be able to step onto any bus, tram, or metro for free within the Amsterdam area, reports Het Parool.
Making public transport more accessible
Amsterdam launched a similar initiative last year, during which almost 17,000 children used the free discount on nearly a million free public transport rides.
PvdA (Dutch Labour Party) council member Farley Asruf proposed the discount, according to Het Parool, and gained support from most parties.
“It is great that we can offer Amsterdammers another period of free public transport. Last year, I heard stories from children all over the city who travelled to where they would normally not go.”
