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Buying a new-build in the Netherlands: everything you need to know

Lyna Meyrer 🇱🇺
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Buying a new-build in the Netherlands: everything you need to know

If you’re interested in buying a new-build in the Netherlands, you’ll know that it appears to be a daunting task. 

But while navigating the home-buying landscape can be scary, it’s all worth it once you’ve finally got those shiny keys in hand. 

So, let’s guide you through the process of buying a brand-new home in the Netherlands. 💪

What counts as a new-build in the Netherlands?

Good question! Generally speaking, a new-build home is a home that still needs to be built or has just recently been finished.

Oftentimes, buying a newly-built house or apartment means you commit to buying the home before the developer starts the construction. 

This is because the developer needs to gauge whether enough people are interested in the development, and the contractors need to apply for a building permit. 

Alternatively, you might also be able to buy a new-build after construction has already started.

photo-of-couple-sitting-on-floor-inspecting-printout-of-new-build-in-amsterdam
Buying off the plan requires a little imagination. Image: Freepik

In both cases, the upside is that everything will be brand-spanking-new when you move in — and you’ll be the first person to live there. 

But the downside? You may have to wait months, or even years, until your home is ready to be moved into. More on the pros and cons later.

How is buying a new-build different from buying an existing home?

Buying a new-build home is equally exciting as it is confusing. There are many differences between buying an old home vs. a new one. Let’s get into it. 👇

Which is cheaper, an existing home or a new-build? 

Ah, the golden question! Unfortunately, the answer isn’t quite that simple, and which option is cheaper can vary on a case-by-case basis. 

When you buy a newly-built home instead of an existing one, you don’t have to worry about certain costs, such as transfer tax, the mortgage deed, and the evaluation report. 

However, new-builds often have increased costs at the construction stage. 

couple-talking-to-mortgage-advisor-about-buying-a-new-build-in-the-netherlands
Consluting a mortgage advisor can help you figure out which option is better suited for you. Image: Depositphotos

In particular, you’ll likely find yourself having to maintain payments for your current home while also making partial or full payments on your new mortgage. 

On top of that, it’s important to consider that your monthly payments on the new-build increase gradually as construction comes close to completion.

Good news! You may be eligible for a so-called bridging loan to help you cover costs while transitioning from one house to another. This temporary mortgage helps bridge the surplus value between the purchase of a new house and the sale of the old one.

Often, new homes are also delivered without a kitchen, bathroom or floors, which is another cost to keep in mind.

The real money-saving with new homes starts after the building is done. 

Because newly built properties are usually built with the latest energy requirements in mind, you not only spend less on energy payments but also benefit from lower mortgage interest rates. 

On top of that, your new home will be, well, brand new — and you won’t have to spend any money on renovations or maintenance for at least the first few years. 

man-checking-energy-efficiency-of-house-in-the-netherlands-on-tablet
A high energy rating is great for your wallet and the planet. Win-win! Image: Freepik

How about the buying process?

Usually, when buying a preexisting house, you put on your boxing gloves and enter the bidding ring. 🥊

Due to the housing shortage in the Netherlands, prospective buyers regularly engage in tough bidding wars, which can result in a significantly higher selling price than the seller initially asked for. 

Newly built homes, on the other hand, usually have the advantage of having a fixed selling price — meaning you won’t have to worry about being outbid by someone else.

However, this doesn’t guarantee you’ll score the house your heart is set on. Instead of a bidding war, new-builds often use a lottery system to determine who can buy a home and who can’t. So yes, it can be a question of pure luck. 🍀 

How does the mortgage process work for a new-build?

Mortgages for new construction projects work almost the same as for an existing home. Naturally, your first step is to calculate how much you can afford and how much you want to spend.

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First things first: Time to look at your finances. Image: Freepik

The key difference regarding mortgages for a new-build is that you will first need to purchase the space it will be built in, and then finance the construction work later on. 

That’s why you should remember that your payments will gradually increase as your home approaches completion.

Here’s how the mortgage process works for new-builds:

  1. You’ll purchase the building ground while holding the remaining funds in a separate bank account.
  2. You sign the ownership deed at the notary and start your mortgage payments immediately. The first payment from the bank to the notary covers the ground purchase and the preparatory construction work.
  3. The remaining mortgage amount will be transferred to a building account. This is accessible upon completion of construction milestones, when you’ll receive an invoice from the developer which you then forward to your bank.

Note: When buying a new apartment in the Netherlands, you typically don’t purchase the land the building stands on. Instead, apartments are often sold under Erfpacht (leasehold).

This means you pay a fee to the landowner for the right to use the land, either periodically (ground rent) or as a one-time payment for an extended period.

While your mortgage money is in the bank, you receive interest on it. But, helaas, this is offset by an interest loss you incur during the construction phase (that is, you pay more interest than you receive).

Note that the building account does not cover additional costs such as kitchen, bathroom, or flooring expenses.

Can I buy a new-build in the Netherlands as an international? 

The short answer to this question is… it depends. 

Whether you’re eligible to get a mortgage as an expat in the Netherlands depends, among other things, on your residency status.

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Buying a new-build is easier for some expats than for others. Image: Depositphotos

You’re an EU citizen

Are you from an EU country but want to buy a home in the Netherlands? Geen problem. 

As an EU citizen, pretty much any Dutch mortgage lender will help you finance your Dutch home without any problems.

You’re not an EU citizen

Not an EU citizen? Then you’re living in the Netherlands on a residence permit, and things are slightly different.

Whether you can get a mortgage in the Netherlands depends on the type of residence permit that you have. 

Typically, you’re only eligible for a Dutch mortgage if you live in the Netherlands with a “non-temporary purpose of stay” — that is, if your residence permit is not temporary.

READ MORE | Permits and visas for the Netherlands: ultimate 2024 guide

If you have one of those residence permits, you have quite a few options, and many lenders will be willing to provide up to 100% of the loan-to-value ratio that you would typically be entitled to based on your income. 

That being said, even within this category, some people have higher chances of getting a mortgage than others, with highly skilled migrants (Kennismigranten) having the highest chance of getting approved. 

Buying a new-build in the Netherlands: the pros and cons

Buying a house in a foreign country is a big deal — and naturally, you want to be sure of your decision when you finally bite the bullet. 

So, what are the pros and cons of buying a new-build in the Netherlands?

couple-thinking-about-how-to-furnish-their-new-home-in-the-netherlands-after-buying-a-new-build
All yours to customise! Image: Depositphotos

The benefits of buying a new-build in the Netherlands

The advantages of buying a new-built home go beyond getting to make one too many new Pinterest boards. 😉 Consider these, for example:

  • You pay a fixed price. Overbidding? We don’t know her. New homes in the Netherlands are usually sold at a fixed price, saving you the stress of bidding wars and worrying about being unable to afford your dream home.
  • It’s yours to customise. Sure, old homes are charming, but do you really want that sink in your bedroom? Exactly. A new-build gives you all the freedom when it comes to decor and layout decisions.
  • You’ll have a great energy label. Since new homes usually meet the latest environmental requirements, your home will be environmentally friendly while also scoring you a lower interest rate on your mortgage. Win-win! 
  • Everything is new, meaning your maintenance and renovation costs will be low to non-existent in the first few years. 
  • Property value goes up quickly. If you buy a new-build in a good or developing neighbourhood, the value of your property is likely to increase quickly.

The disadvantages of buying a new-build in the Netherlands

Of course, not everything is sunshine and stroopwafels — and even new homes have drawbacks… 

  • You’ll have to be patient. New-builds are bought while construction is still ongoing or has yet to start, meaning you might have to wait a while before moving in.
  • You’ll likely be paying extra. While waiting for your home to be built, you may have to pay your old rent/mortgage and your new mortgage, plus interest. 
  • You have to get lucky. Many new-build projects use a lottery system to decide who can buy a home. This means that even if you fulfil all the requirements, you might still miss out on your dream home.
  • You might feel like you’re living in a construction lot for a while. Once you move into your new home, you’ll likely be surrounded by construction of other buildings and amenities.

How to choose a new-build in the Netherlands that’s right for you

Last but certainly not least, you’re probably interested in how you can find a new-build project that fits your wishes and needs.

Natuurlijk, what home you choose to buy is highly personable, but some aspects can help you decide. Consider, for example:

  • The location of the home,
  • Your financial situation,
  • The reputation of the real estate developer,
  • The quality of construction of the building,
  • The completion timeline,
  • The energy rating,
  • The resale potential.

From seeing the developer’s vision come to life to creating your perfect dream space, buying a new-build in the Netherlands is an exciting journey. Sit back, enjoy the ride and success! 🙌

Which would you choose: an old house or a new-build? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

There will be no trains on this NS route for three whole weeks

Lyna Meyrer 🇱🇺
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There will be no trains on this NS route for three whole weeks

What’s the most fun thing to do on a summer’s weekend? A city trip! But what’s the NS’s favourite hobby? Working on the tracks. 😢

That is why, for three weeks starting June 17, no trains will run to and from Leeuwarden, one of the most important train routes in the north of the country.

The result? Travellers can expect extra travel time between 15 minutes and an hour. 😀

Replacement buses and cancelled routes

From Monday, June 17, until Tuesday, July 9, no trains will run:

  • between Leeuwarden and Harlingen Haven,
  • between Leeuwarden and Stavoren,
  • between Leeuwarden and Akkrum.

From June 17 to June 20 and on July 9, Leeuwarden will be fully inaccessible by train. As a result, the last big connection to Groningen also falls away, NU.nl reports.

If you’re planning on travelling towards Leeuwarden during the three affected weeks, you can expect to deal with replacement buses or alternate routes.

As always, the NS advises travellers to keep an eye on their travel app. 📲

Will you be affected by this three-week-long construction work? Share your thoughts in the comments.

The results are in: here’s who the Dutch voted for in the EU elections

Katrien Nivera 🇵🇭
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The results are in: here’s who the Dutch voted for in the EU elections

The final round of voting for the European Parliament elections took place yesterday, and the final results are in for the Netherlands… drum roll, please!

Geert Wilders’ right-wing PVV was a big winner, jumping from one to six seats but still gaining one less seat than what was predicted in the Ipsos exit poll last Friday.

The GL-PvdA (GreenLeft and Labour Party) remain the largest party with eight seats in the EU parliament despite losing one seat since 2019, reports the NOS.

In the European Parliament

The VVD (Mark Rutte’s party) and CDA have become the third and fourth-largest parties, with four and three seats respectively, a loss of one each.

GL and PvdA are also separate in the EU parliament, as PvdA is affiliated with the S&D faction and GL with the Greens.

Volt also made a surprising comeback, gaining two seats since 2019 and one more than was predicted in last week’s exit poll.

The BBB (the Farmer’s Party), which did not participate in the 2019 elections, gained two seats, and NSC (New Social Contract) gained one seat.

SGP and PvdD (Party for the Animals) keep their one seat, while FvD (Thierry Baudet’s Forum for Democracy), CU (ChristenUnie, or Christian Union), and 50PLUS lost their seats and will not return to EU parliament. SP did not earn a seat in parliament again.

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Code yellow: these Dutch regions will face thunder, rain, and strong winds today

Lyna Meyrer 🇱🇺
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Code yellow: these Dutch regions will face thunder, rain, and strong winds today

It’s June in the Netherlands, and you know what that means: summer solstice, schoolbags hanging off flagpoles, and beach days at Scheveningen. Oh, and the occasional weather warning.

Today is one of those typical days in June, as the KNMI (Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute) has issued a code yellow warning for heavy gusts of wind in the provinces of Zeeland, Zuid-Holland, Noord-Holland and in the west of Noord-Brabant.

And, of course, it wouldn’t be a Dutch summer’s day without heavy rain and thunderstorms. ⛈️

What can we expect?

According to the KNMI, gusts of wind reaching speeds of up to 100 kilometres per hour are expected in the coastal provinces.

To make matters worse, between “20 to 30 millimetres of rain can fall until the evening,” as the KNMI tells NU.nl.

These conditions might cause trouble not only for outdoor activities and events but also for anyone who’s on the road today — especially on a bike, in a truck, or in a car with a trailer or caravan.

The code yellow warning will be in effect from 1 PM until 8 PM today.

What’s next?

Craving some warmth and sunshine? Unfortunately, we’ll have to wait for it.

While Tuesday remains rainy with the occasional shower, Wednesday is set to be dry and cool. In the coming week, temperatures will rise slightly but remain too low for this time of year. 🙃

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Certain expats can receive a Dutch driver’s licence without lessons or exams: here’s why

Lottie Gale 🇬🇧
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Certain expats can receive a Dutch driver’s licence without lessons or exams: here’s why

To make the Netherlands a more attractive destination for knowledge workers, the Dutch government has set up a programme allowing them to exchange their foreign driving licences for Dutch ones.

Imagine: You’re driving along, cautiously following a car that has almost toppled three cyclists, and is now indicating right at a roundabout. You think, “Where did you learn to drive?!”. 👀

Well, they may have learnt in a different country! Many highly skilled expats use driving licences issued by their home countries and take no further tests before hitting Dutch roads.

Thanks to the government’s scheme, those who are considered knowledge workers can just exchange their existing licence for a Dutch one, BD.nl explains.

Who counts as a knowledge worker? This is someone whose knowledge of a certain specific subject is their capital. They usually work in academia, science or law.

Different countries, different roads

The main issue? Differences in road rules can lead to dangerous mistakes by drivers who are used to foreign conventions.

READ MORE | Why driving in the Netherlands is stressful: My experience of living in the Netherlands

John Dekker of Dekker Driving School explains to BD.nl, “People from outside Europe, in particular, have a lot of difficulty getting used to Dutch traffic. The traffic culture and infrastructure are very different in the countries where they come from.”

And it’s not just how these expats were taught that Dutch driving instructors are wary of, but whether they were taught at all.

READ MORE | How to get a Dutch driver’s licence: the ultimate guide

“Eighty percent of the people I teach who have exchanged their driver’s license in this way have never even driven a car. In India you can buy a driver’s license for a few cents,” warns Sartip Chay from Simplicity Driving School.

Help is at hand

In a bid to develop expat workers’ knowledge of the Dutch traffic environment, the ministry is working on an English-language brochure about Dutch traffic rules and signs.

READ MORE | Dutch Quirk #102: Refuse to drive drunk, but biking drunk is fine (of course)

However, driving instructors believe that mandatory driving lessons for new expat workers is a better solution.

In particular, this would improve their road awareness and safety.

Do you think the driving license exchange is an unsafe scheme? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

The exit polls are out: here’s who the Dutch are voting for in the European elections (so far!)

Liana Risseeuw 🇱🇰
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The exit polls are out: here’s who the Dutch are voting for in the European elections (so far!)

In a rare twist of fate, both leaders of the left-wing party GroenLinks-PvdA and the ring-wing PVV (Frans Timmermans and Geert Wilders, respectively) reported big wins at the exit polls for the European Parliament elections.

With eight seats, Frans Timmermans’ GroenLinks-PvdA is the current largest party in last night’s Dutch exit poll, reports RTL Nieuws.

However, Wilders’ PVV also scored a respectable seven seats — six more than they held in the now-outgoing European Parliament.

The results aren’t final

In a celebratory post on X (formerly known as Twitter), Wilders writes that he hopes his party “can still become the biggest when the final results are announced on Sunday”.

According to the BBC, European law dictates that final results cannot be released until each country has voted — which means that this Sunday evening could offer a different story.

GroenLinks-PvdA’s Timmermans remains confident, stressing that although things “could be different on Sunday”, the Netherlands is “not Wilders country”.

He notes that Wilders’ PVV may have attracted many voters, but the left-wing win means that the majority “does not have to look [to] the radical right” for answers.

As reported in AD, a source within GroenLinks-PvdA also hopes that the Netherlands’ left-wing triumph will give progressive EU voters greater encouragement at the polls.

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Blissful beaches and hidden gems: these unique Dutch tours will make your summer

Jana Vondráčková 🇨🇿
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Blissful beaches and hidden gems: these unique Dutch tours will make your summer

Summer is here, which means white sand beaches, exotic palm trees, and sipping on cocktails in exciting new locations — but did you know that the Netherlands has some hidden gems of its own?

And even more, there’s a super-fun way for you to explore them!

A unique tour around the wonders of the Netherlands

Looking for a fun way to spend a sunny Saturday? An exciting date idea? Or perhaps the perfect Father’s Day gift?

Renzy’s tours will take you to the hidden corners of the Netherlands, where you can explore some of the best beaches hidden from the crowds, see beautiful Dutch windmills, and even engage in treasure hunts.

READ MORE | See the magical Dutch flower gardens and the dunes in a unique way

However, the secret to Renzy’s tours lies in their use of Twizies. Now, what exactly is a Twizy? A Renault Twizy is a two-person, 100% electric vehicle that is super easy to get around with. 

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Cruise through the dunes in a Twizzy! Image: Renzy/Supplied

The mini-cars are fully automatic and perfectly suitable for two adults or one adult with a child. This means that you can enjoy a private tour at your own pace with the people you love.

The perfect gift for Father’s Day!

Is your father a history nerd? We knew it! And so does Renzy, which is why they are offering special gift cards for Father’s Day! Whether he’s crazy for castles, a fan of flowers, or a dad for the dunes, Renzy has the perfect gift for him.

But who said dads get to have all the fun? Gift a tour to your best friend, more-than-friends-friend, or even better, your mother!

So where exactly can Renzy and these Twizies bring you? 👇

Uncover the beauty of Dutch beaches on the dune & beach tour 

The Netherlands is not the most generous of countries when it comes to sunshine. But when the sun does come out — oh, we know how to enjoy it. As soon as the temperatures reach the twenties or thirties, everyone in the Netherlands flocks to the beach. 

Summer sunshine & vitamin sea: entirely crowds-free 

While this collective excitement for basking in the sun while snacking on bitterballen is wonderful, it can lead to chaos on certain Dutch beaches.

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Exploring Dutch beaches in Twizies means that you don’t have to worry about crowds. Image: Renzy/Supplied

If you’re dying to dip your toes in the warm sand of Dutch beaches but without the sound of hundreds of other people, Renzy offers the cure.

The best thing about Renzy’s dune & beach tour is that you can completely avoid the usual crowds and explore beaches that are harder to reach via traditional forms of transportation.

Not only are these Dutch dunes and beaches much more peaceful, but they are also extremely beautiful and uniquely Dutch.

Explore The charm of Noordwijk 

The three-hour-long dune & beach tour will also allow you to soak in the atmosphere of one of Holland’s most popular beach spots — the charming coastal town of Noordwijk.

You’ll explore sand dunes, picturesque villages and towns, as well as secret spots that regular visitors normally don’t venture into!

Beach adventure for the kids: a tour with a treasure hunt 

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Look for a hidden code on Renzy’s beach tour with a treasure hunt to win a nice prize! Image: Renzy/Supplied

In addition, you can also book a special family package that lets your children channel their inner detective with an exciting photo treasure hunt.

As they explore Dutch beaches, they simply have to look for a hidden numerical code on the way. Once they crack the code, they can open a safe and win a nice price!

💸 Price: €89 for one Twizy, €125 for a family package (two Twizies) including the treasure hunt
🕑 Duration: 180 minutes
📅 Timetable: 10 AM to 1 PM or 3 PM to 6 PM every day
🗓️ Availability: May 11 to October 31

Enjoy a tour of Dutch windmills

If a day of sea and sand isn’t quite your thing, you can also enjoy picturesque windmills, fascinating polders, and charming villages.

Can it possibly get more Dutch than this? If you want to immerse yourself in centuries of Dutch tradition, then Renzy’s countryside & windmills tour might be something for you. 

READ MORE | 8 great windmills to visit in the Netherlands

Much like Renzy’s beach tour, participants can zip around in their own Twizy, enjoying a private and unique tour of the Netherlands’ world-famous monuments.

Our personal tip to make this tour even more exciting? Try to count how many windmills you can see on this unforgettable 35 km long drive. 😉

💸 Price: €89
🕑 Duration: 180 minutes
📅 Timetable: 10 AM to 1 PM or 3 PM to 6 PM every day
🗓️ Availability: May 11 to October 31

Travel through time on the history & castle tour

Maybe diving into the Netherlands’ history is more your thing. If that’s the case, then you’re in luck.

photo-of-a-family-on-the-renzy-summer-tour-of-beaches-and-hidden-gems-in-the-Netherlands
Renzy’s summer tours are the perfect activity for the entire family. Image: Renzy/Supplied

South Holland has a rich and fascinating history that manifests itself in beautiful small and private castles, churches, and luxurious estates that are scattered across the region. 

Thanks to Renzy’s history & castle tour, you’ll be able to cruise around these well-kept secrets in no time.

The stops include, for example, the charming castle “Oud Poelgeest,” the luxurious “Huys te Warmont” and “Kasteel Keukenhof.” 

You’re free to explore these historic sites at your own pace, armed with an audio guide full of information and fun facts. Who said that the Netherlands was just tulips and windmills? 

💸 Price: €89
🕑 Duration: 180 minutes
📅 Timetable: 10 AM to 1 PM or 3 PM to 6 PM every day
🗓️ Availability: May 9 to October 31

Dahlia show garden tour: enjoy flowers in full bloom this autumn

Did you miss out on the colourful tulips and gorgeous cherry blossoms in the Netherlands this spring? No worries because the lowlands are also home to exceptional dahlia flowers.

With Renzy’s Dahlia show gardens tour, you can take in the scent of these beautiful blossoms as you cruise between and explore multi-coloured show gardens. 

READ MORE | The ultimate guide to tulip season in the Netherlands in 2024

There’s also plenty of time to stop on the way and admire these beauties up close. And the best part? Everyone knows about Dutch tulip fields, but dahlias are truly the Netherlands’ hidden gem.

Meaning, you guessed it, this tour is your unique chance to snap beautiful one-of-a-kind photos that nobody else has!

💸 Price: €89
🕑 Duration: 180 minutes
📅 Timetable: 10 AM to 1 PM or 3 PM to 6 PM from Tuesday until Friday, 10 AM to 1 PM on Saturdays
🗓️ Availability: August 13 to October 16

Discover Holland’s secret corners at your own pace

We’ve all been there — you’re visiting a new place, marvelling at the beautiful sights around you, a look of fascination in your eyes.

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Explore hidden gems of the Netherlands at your own pace and snap some nice photos on the way. Image: Renzy/Supplied

It’s like you’re being transported in time, living the story of the people who walked these streets hundreds of years ago, truly immersed in the moment, and then — someone pokes into you. 

It’s your tour guide rushing you to move on, otherwise you’ll miss the hundred other sights that were planned for this tour.

READ MORE | Explore and be awed by the Dutch landscape with Renzy’s sightseeing tours!

With Renzy’s summer tours, you’re free to explore at your own pace — in fact, while you’re touring a fixed route, there is plenty of time and opportunities to stop and snap some pics!

Never get lost with a GPS on board and an audio guide 

Renzy’s Twizzies come with a GPS and audio guide — both of which are available in three languages — Dutch, English, and German. 

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All of Renzy’s Twizies are equipped with GPS navigation. Image: Renzy/Supplied

You’ll be armed with detailed maps of your tour and the surroundings, which means that even if you’re horrible with directions (and let’s be honest, not all of us are gifted with an impeccable sense of orientation), you’ll never get lost!

Your audio guide will also offer some fun facts along the way. Each private tour lasts about three hours, so you’ll always have plenty of time to stop along the way and take photos.

Sign me up! How do I get my Twizy?

Exploring the Netherlands by bike is fun but gliding through the lowlands in a Twizy is a whole other experience.

Ready to enjoy the summer of your dreams? Here’s a checklist of things you need to know before you book a tour with Renzy. Once this is all set, there’s nothing stopping you!

What do you need to drive a Twizy?

🚗 The driver must be aged 21 or above at least three years in possession of a driver’s licence.
🆔 You need to bring a valid ID or passport and, of course, your driver’s licence.
🗺 If you’re not from Europe, North or South America, or Australia, you’ll need to bring an international licence.
💰 You need to pay a deposit of €150 in advance.
📝 Own risk of €500 applies per Twizy. 
🍷☝ No alcohol is allowed on the tours.
❌ As per Renzy’s Terms and Conditions, cancellation notice is required by email a minimum of 14 days before the tour date. 
📍 Renzy’s tours depart from Meer en Duin 36 in Lisse. You can get there by car or public transport.

If we haven’t convinced you yet (seriously, though, what more do you need?), maybe other people who embarked on one of Renzy’s tours will.

Whether you’re wondering how many Insta snaps they captured on their tour and what their absolute favourite thing was you can read all about their experience. 

Alternatively, if you’re dying to know how many snacks you should bring on your trip or what the best outfit is (hint: it’s layers 😉), get in touch with Renzy directly.

They recommend that you’re quick, though! Spots are limited, and they’re snapped up fast. 

Will you be exploring the Netherlands’ secret beaches in a Twizy? Let us know your summer plans in the comments below!

5 Dutch start-ups that give us hope for the future

Lyna Meyrer 🇱🇺
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5 Dutch start-ups that give us hope for the future

Dutch ingenuity is all around us — especially at the PLNT Start-Up Hub in Leiden, where DutchReview has its cosy little office. But this article is not about us; it’s about our fabulous neighbours, whose amazing inventions are changing the world. 

From rapid STI tests to a sustainable protein for animal feed, let me introduce you to five of the most promising Leiden-based start-ups.

Whispp: giving those who need it their voice back 🗣

We use our voice daily, from ordering our koffietje in the morning to saying goodnight to our loved ones in the evening. 

But thousands of people in the world can’t comfortably do that, and Whispp CEO Joris Casterman can relate.

Inspired by his struggles with stuttering, he developed an app to help those facing similar challenges — and that’s how Whispp was born.

WHISPP-Co-founders-Akash Raj-and-Joris-Castermans
Whispp co-founders Akash Raj (left) and Joris Castermans (right). Image: Whispp Press Kit

Whispp is an app that uses Artificial Intelligence technologies to convert whispered or affected speech into a clear and natural-sounding voice. 

Its technology is especially helpful for individuals who have lost their voice due to illness, trauma, or disability and may face difficulty in performing simple tasks like making phone calls.

Among other things, Whispp recently won the CES Innovation Award for Accessibility in Las Vegas, where the team also had the chance to present their product to the CEO of Microsoft, Satya Nadella. 👏

In restoring confidence and enabling communication, Whispp has a profound impact on individuals with speech impairment — and we love to see it. 🧡 

Rapidemic: sexual healthcare made accessible 🩺

Remember COVID-19 self-tests? Sorry for the traumatic flashbacks — but Rapidemic’s product is quite similar to this blast from the past.

The company, led by Violette Defourt, develops molecular point-of-care tests for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) to speed up and make diagnostics more accessible. 

“Rapidemic was born out of the idea that we should bring laboratory diagnostics closer to the patient,” Violet tells me. 

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What started as a student project is now a 7-person team! Image: Rapidemic/Supplied

With this, the company addresses a major global health issue — with millions of new sexually transmitted infections reported daily and many more cases going unreported.

In 2023, Rapidemic was awarded the WomenTechEU grant, giving them access to top-notch mentoring and unlocking fabulous new opportunities for their venture. 

Currently focused specifically on chlamydia and gonorrhoea, Rapidemic plans to expand to other pathogens in the future — and have an even bigger impact on sexual healthcare around the world.

Deep Branch: for a more sustainable food system 🌱

The production and consumption of meat are recognised as some of the biggest contributors to carbon emissions and global warming today. 

Deep Branch, a biotech company focused on revolutionising the food system, is fighting this by creating an environmentally friendly source of protein for animal feed “to make a more sustainable food system,” as CEO Pete Rowe explains. 

READ MORE | Farming for the future: why the Netherlands is one of the largest food exporters in the world

To do so, Deep Branch uses a fermentation process to convert CO2 into protein, which is then used in animal feed. 

The result? Animal products with a significantly lower carbon footprint — thanks to reduced water and land usage.

Backed by the municipality of Rotterdam, the British Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and the European Innovation Council, Deep Branch continues to address critical global challenges like climate change and food security by offering an innovative and environmentally friendly solution. 💪 

SeraNovo: enabling new new drug therapies 💊

SeraNovo was founded by Niall Hodgins during his Master’s studies — and it’s another student project that has become remarkably successful. 🌟

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Meet Niall! Image: DutchReview

Strap in for a biology lesson here because you need your thinking caps to truly understand the amazing feat that SeraNovo has achieved. Niall explains to me that:

“The vast majority of medicines that are developed don’t get absorbed well by our bodies. We can have amazing cures for cancer, infectious diseases or neurodegenerative diseases — but if they don’t get absorbed by the body, they’re effectively useless.”

READ MORE | 7 great Dutch inventions you never knew were Dutch

And that’s exactly where SeraNovo comes in: “For every one of these medications, SeraNovo creates a type of liquid for the drug to go into. That liquid goes into a capsule, which humans can take. Then, the drug can be absorbed by the body.”

Now working with pharma giants such as Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca, SeraNovo has an enormous impact on the healthcare industry, enabling drug therapies that otherwise wouldn’t have been possible. 

Smartnotation: meeting minutes, made simple 💻

CEO Ken Ramroochsingh’s vision for a “keyboardless future” led to the development of Smartnotation, a collaboration app that simplifies meeting workflows by transcribing real-time meeting discussions with its voice-to-text tool.

With various tools and features, Smartnotation makes meeting preparation, note-taking, and task management easy as appeltaart. 

It also allows instant and secure sharing of outcomes with team members and external attendees. 

READ MORE | 17 ideas that make the Dutch sustainability super-heroes

With a global presence, including billboards in Times Square and Silicon Valley, it’s clear that Smartnotation is already making a difference in the lives of many. But that’s far from it. 

In the future, the company aims to lead the Dutch market in meeting organisation software solutions through ongoing product improvement and client engagement. ⚡️

Whether Dutch or international, all these fabulous start-up CEOs have two things in common: their bright minds and their humble beginnings at PLNT Leiden!

We’re eager to see where the future will take them next. Succes allemaal!

Which of these start-ups are you most interested in? Share your thoughts in the comments!

The Dutch have to name a new village, and their suggestions are… bizarre

Lyna Meyrer 🇱🇺
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The Dutch have to name a new village, and their suggestions are… bizarre

To keep up with its growing population, the Netherlands is building new villages. Eventually, the task (or golden opportunity) of naming the newly built districts will present itself.

This is exactly what is happening in Zuidplas, a municipality in South Holland. After seven years, the construction of more than eight thousand homes was finally agreed upon.

What took them so long? I have no idea. But now it’s time for the fun part: naming the new town.

The local municipality has asked the public for help — and the suggestions are nothing short of… interesting, as The Best Social Media writes.

The rules of the (name) game

Of course, a town can’t just be given any name (although somewhere in the Netherlands IS called The Stink Corner), so there have to be some ground rules for the naming process.

READ MORE | 17 Dutch towns with the funniest names

According to the municipality, the new town’s name must adhere to the following guidelines:

  • It has to be Dutch,
  • It has to be believable,
  • It has to be easy to pronounce,
  • It can’t have numbers in it,
  • It has to be easy to remember,
  • It shouldn’t be easily confused with another place.
  • It has to be connected to the area,
  • It must have a tourist value.

So, let’s see what people are coming up with. 👇

From Potato Village to Atlantis

Of course, the eager people of X did what they did best and got to work right away. Hundreds of name suggestions for the new town rolled in, including “Potato Village”, “Atlantis”, “It’s About Time-Town”, “Our Last Euro”, and “Newtown”.

Here are some more of our favourites:

Okay, we’re off to a great start. NOT.

English: Eightthousandhomes. I mean… this one sure is connected to the area. 🤷

English: Pondtown OR Pisstown — pick whichever one you like best. 😏

English: If it doesn’t become Dorpie-Mc-Dorpface I will be disappointed. For context: Dorp is Dutch for town. ✨

English: Fruit snack. This is probably a good time to share that the winning suggestion gets *drumroll please*… A year’s worth of free fruit!

English: Town. That’s it; that’s the whole suggestion.

Got an idea?

Do you have a great idea? Then, you only have this month to submit your idea here.

READ MORE | Every street in this Dutch neighbourhood is named after Lord of the Rings

All entries that comply with the rules will be assessed by a local committee. Once a top three has been established, local residents and people who work in Zuidplas can vote on them.

The winning name will be unveiled in the fall. Surely Dorp will be hard to beat. 😉

Do you have any ideas for the name of this new village? Leave your suggestions in the comments!

Princess Alexia has just enrolled to study at this Dutch university

Lottie Gale 🇬🇧
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Princess Alexia has just enrolled to study at this Dutch university

There’s a strong chance that Princess Alexia, the 18-year-old, middle daughter of the Dutch King and Queen, will live and study in Groningen from September onwards.

This was revealed by mistake after an email address clearly belonging to the princess was leaked from the Rijksuniversiteit Groningen’s database, DVHN discovers.

“We were not able to keep this under wraps for long,” admits RUG spokesperson Elies Wempe-Kouwenhoven.

One royal registration of many?

But while Alexia’s previous (and posh) Welsh education might be well known, she has indicated that her chosen university and course will only be official when an announcement is made.

READ MORE | Do the royals pay taxes in the Netherlands?

So while “HerRoyalHighness@RijksuniversiteitGroningen” (disclaimer: not the actual e-mail address) might suggest her ties with the popular Dutch student city, it is really just a registration at this point.

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Will Princess Alexia be walking up the stairs of the RUG’s Academiegebouw in September? Image: Depositphotos

“It is quite possible that she has registered for several universities”, Wempe-Kouwenhoven explains. “The fact that she has registered means nothing.”

A family affair

If Alexia does start at RUG, while not following in the footsteps of her older sister Amalia, who attends the University of Amsterdam, there are plenty of other royal relatives who also studied in the north.

READ MORE | Princess Amalia wants to keep her €1.5 million yearly salary after all

Groningen grads from the House of Oranje include Princess Christina, the King’s aunt, and Prince Maurits and Prince Bernhard Jr., the King’s cousins.

Tweet translation: I was a cashier at the AH in Groningen when one day Prince Maurits paid for Odorex deodorant and a ready-made quiche.

Do you think it’s important to know where the princess will study? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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