Determining your search strategy

Finding rental homes is not just about luck — it’s about strategy. Those who search purposefully and well-prepared find a home faster. In this chapter, you will learn how to organize your search as effectively as possible.

Searching realistically: adjust your expectations

The biggest mistake home seekers make: searching for the perfect home. A spacious three-room apartment with a balcony in the center of Amsterdam for €1,000 per month. That doesn’t exist. And if it does, 300 other people want it too. Be realistic about what you can get for your budget in your desired region. A good rule of thumb: if you search for more than 3 weeks without a single viewing, your requirements are probably too high. Adjust them. The most common unrealistic expectations:

• Too much space for the budget (80m² for €1,000 in Utrecht)