Setting Expectations for Scouting Trips When Planning an International Move to the Netherlands

By ​Darien Wilson  November 13, 2025

If you have the funds, a scouting trip to scope out the Netherlands ahead of your move can be helpful, but you might not be able to view potential rental properties.

Here's why.

A day in the life in Utrecht, Netherlands

I work as a relocation specialist, helping immigrants from all around the world find rental properties in the Netherlands. Most of my clients secure housing before they arrive in the Netherlands.

Sometimes clients inform me that they are coming to scope things out before their big move. They plan to explore a few cities and tour rental properties.

If you are moving in the next two months, we can probably view some rental properties during your visit. But if you plan to move six months from now, viewing properties during a scouting trip could prove to be challenging.

Why is that?

Listings Are Usually Available In Short Order

The vast majority of the properties available to view are available to rent within 1-6 weeks. This means the key handover happens very quickly. Properties that will be available to rent in 3 to 6 months are not available to view today, with rare exceptions.

The Housing Market in the Netherlands is Extremely Competitive

Second, due to the housing crisis in the Netherlands, most listings in desirable locations have dozens and in some cases hundreds of interested applicants. Overwhelmed agents usually choose three to twelve potential tenants to view the property, ensuring that they are qualified and suit the landlord's ideal tenant profile.

In this highly competitive market, securing a viewing is extraordinarily challenging, especially for DAFTers or those with pets. Agents do not offer viewings to people who are not seriously interested in renting that specific property, because that would take a coveted viewing slot away from the many people who are serious about renting it.

Tenant Protections Limit Access

The Netherlands has strong protections for tenants. Viewings are disruptive to current tenants, so agents make every effort to minimize them.

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How Will I Know If a House Would Work for Me?

Since most of my clients are not in the country when I'm carrying out their housing search, I take detailed videos and photos of the properties, highlighting the good, the bad, and the quirky. I know my clients' preferences and concerns (like steep Dutch stairs, musty smells, or low ceilings), and I note these things as well. I also video the street and neighborhood, and share as much as I can about the surrounding area, highlighting things like grocery stores and proximity to public transit.

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So Is a Scouting Trip to the Netherlands Worth It?

Even if you can't view potential properties, a scouting trip can still be incredibly valuable if you have the funds. You can get a feel for the vibes in different parts of the country, rent a bike to see how you like cycling as a mode of transit, and test out public transit.

Dutch cities are built around walking, biking, and taking public transit—not cars—so the infrastructure is quite different from the U.S. If you're framing your expectations about communities based on American infrastructure — i.e., not wanting to live in the suburbs, a visit might shift your perspective a bit. Dutch cities tend to be more compact than American cities. You might be surprised to see things like sheep grazing on farmland, instead of surburban sprawl, a short bus ride from the bustling center of Amsterdam.

In our family's case, we did a home exchange in the Netherlands four years before moving here. We lived in a Dutch home for three weeks, while the Dutch family stayed in our home back in the U.S. Though we were tourists, we were able to experience everyday life in the Netherlands. We cycled to the market and grocery store, took public transit, walked our kids to the park, and dined at the neighborhood pub. We only saw the inside of one Dutch house - well, other than a few castles - but the experience absolutely helped us envision a life here.

If you’d rather save your scouting trip funds for the many expenses of an international move, don’t worry—you can absolutely get a solid sense of Dutch life online. Your relocation specialist should also have a good sense of your likes and dislikes, and steer you toward properties and neighborhoods that are the best fit for you. If you’d like help finding a home in the Netherlands, feel free to reach out!

Footnote

My area of focus is in the Randstad, from Amsterdam to Utrecht, so this blog post reflects my experiences in that region specifically.

© 2025 ​Darien Wilson All Rights Reserved

Disclaimer

The information provided in this blog is for general informational and educational purposes only. It should not be construed as legal, immigration, financial, tax, or medical advice. Laws, regulations, and personal circumstances vary, and the content here may not apply to your specific situation. Before making any decisions, you should consult with qualified professionals such as an attorney, immigration advisor, financial planner, tax consultant, or healthcare provider. The author makes no representations or warranties about the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided and accepts no liability for any actions taken or outcomes resulting from its use.