Apartments in Amsterdam?

Heffo

I know there are a few boardies who have lived in the Netherlands, but does anyone have any experience with the Amsterdam housing market? More specifically, renting an apartment?

I had heard that the requirements here (huge deposits, minimum income requirements and other stipulations) were a pain but this is ridiculous. I've been searching for a 3 bedroom apartment at a close enough distance from the Spui, but I am basically being rejected at every turn. Ok, fair enough so we're 3 students, but it shouldn't be this hard. I know our budget (€1500 approx per month) is more than enough.

Is there any way to get an apartment privately? As in cut out the agency altogether?

craichoe

Heffo wrote: »

I know there are a few boardies who have lived in the Netherlands, but does anyone have any experience with the Amsterdam housing market? More specifically, renting an apartment?

I had heard that the requirements here (huge deposits, minimum income requirements and other stipulations) were a pain but this is ridiculous. I've been searching for a 3 bedroom apartment at a close enough distance from the Spui, but I am basically being rejected at every turn. Ok, fair enough so we're 3 students, but it shouldn't be this hard. I know our budget (€1500 approx per month) is more than enough.

Is there any way to get an apartment privately? As in cut out the agency altogether?

1500 euros a month around Spui, furnished .... not a balls hope in hell, un-furnished, yes indeed.

Closest I could find furnished is:
http://www.funda.nl/huur/amsterdam/appartement-74792552-vespuccistraat-49/omschrijving/

http://www.funda.nl/huur/amsterdam/appartement-10196595-amstelveenseweg-720-b/omschrijving/

and this one looks promising, mentions that its great for sharing:
http://www.funda.nl/huur/amsterdam/appartement-10141317-bertrand-russellstraat-104/omschrijving/


And Unfurnished:
http://www.funda.nl/huur/amsterdam/appartement-74757786-scheldestraat-29-ii/

If you want to stay for a couple of years, unfurnished is the way to go.

1 Months rent plus BTW (VAT) is pretty common, don't use anyone that isn't NVM Bonded, you'll never get your damn deposit back (everyone on that site, funda is NVM Bonded)

Amsterdam is crazy expensive for rent, but its partially due to the high cost of property and high city taxes.