paroolOct 3, 2026, 13:42

A cover letter with your bid? Sellers at Open House Day in Amsterdam don't even read them: 'It's all about the best price'

During the Open Huizen Dag in Amsterdam, sellers are prioritizing the highest financial bids over personal motivation letters from prospective buyers. Despite concerns about a cooling housing market and high interest rates, homeowners remain focused on achieving the best possible price for their properties.

During the semi-annual Open Huizen Dag, homeowners in Amsterdam are prioritizing financial offers over personal sentiment. Sellers like Noranne Oudeman and Bob de Vries, who are selling their apartment in De Pijp to fund upcoming travels, explicitly stated that they would not consider lower bids accompanied by personal motivation letters. With over 14,000 homes participating in the event nationwide, the market remains active despite concerns regarding interest rates and affordability, though the number of lower-priced homes participating in the city remains limited.

Other sellers, such as a resident of the Gerard Doustraat, confirmed that letters from potential buyers are often ignored in favor of higher financial bids. While the Amsterdam housing market shows signs of cooling due to prolonged high mortgage rates, those participating in the open house event are still seeing interest. Many sellers are looking to relocate outside the city, and some have already secured promising bids ahead of the event's conclusion.

Economy Business Amsterdam

Read original ↗

Based on reporting by parool. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

New strike in regional transport: fewer buses and trains on Thursday

Regional transport workers in the Netherlands are set to hold another strike this Thursday, leading to reduced bus and train services. This action is part of an ongoing dispute over a new collective labor agreement, with unions planning weekly walkouts until Christmas if negotiations remain unresolved.

Not just IDFA: Amsterdam’s wider cultural sector hit by rising hotel costs as tourist tax hike drives away key visitors

Amsterdam's cultural sector, including major events like IDFA, ADE, and the Holland Festival, is struggling due to rising tourist taxes and hotel VAT. These increased costs are forcing organizers to raise ticket prices and reduce programming, threatening the accessibility and quality of the city's cultural offerings.

Private landlords are renting out fewer properties in the city: "A problem for students"

Private rental properties in Amsterdam have decreased by 18 percent in three years as landlords sell their units due to new rent control laws and increased taxation. While this shift favors buyers, it creates a significant housing crisis for students and individuals who cannot afford to purchase property in the city.

Vacancy | NU.nl is looking for a social economy and healthcare reporter

NU.nl is hiring a reporter specializing in social economy and healthcare to produce original, investigative stories for its audience. The full-time position requires three years of experience and is based in Amsterdam-Duivendrecht.

New setback for Zuidasdok: further delays and major concerns over funding

The Zuidasdok infrastructure project in Amsterdam faces significant delays and a funding shortfall of over one billion euros, leaving the completion of critical tunnels uncertain. Local officials are concerned that the lack of national financial commitment will cause years of construction disruption and threaten the economic stability of the district.