At each viewing, cover five subjects: leasehold, foundations and structure, the owners’ association and monthly costs, future costs and restrictions, and the neighbourhood and everyday comfort. Here is why each matters and what to ask next.
1. How does the leasehold work?
Is the ground rent prepaid, until when, and what will it cost in the future? Leasehold can affect your housing costs and a later sale. Unknown or increasing ground rent can change your budget and negotiating position.
- If prepaid, until which exact date?
- If not prepaid, what are the ground rent, indexation method and applicable general conditions?
- Has a switch to perpetual leasehold been offered or completed?
- Are extensions or a roof terrace formally covered by the leasehold arrangements?
2. What is the condition of the foundations and structure?
Ask for supporting documents. Structural repairs can be substantial, so raising questions early helps identify uncertainties.
- Is a foundation survey or other assessment available?
- Are there sloping floors, cracks, or sticking windows and doors?
- When were the roof, façade and window frames last maintained? Are invoices available?
- What is known about damp, timber decay, asbestos or lead pipes in an older building?
3. How well is the owners’ association organised?
The owners’ association, or VvE, makes decisions about shared parts of the building. Check its planning and finances rather than assuming a low monthly contribution is an advantage.
- Request the long-term maintenance plan (MJOP), annual accounts and reserve-fund balance.
- What do the service charges cover: maintenance, cleaning, insurance or shared energy?
- Are there arrears or major works planned, such as foundations, roof repairs or painting?
- Do the division documents match the storage room, roof terrace and actual layout?
4. Which future costs or restrictions should I consider?
Your housing budget includes more than the mortgage. Energy, taxes and applicable rules affect both monthly spending and future plans.
- Check the energy label and actual consumption, insulation, glazing and heating system.
- Ask about the WOZ assessed value, municipal taxes and parking-permit availability or waiting times.
- For alterations, check permits, listed-building restrictions and VvE consent.
- Investigate restrictions on letting, including room rentals and short stays.
5. How does the neighbourhood feel at different times?
Light, noise and air quality influence daily enjoyment. Visit again in the evening or at the weekend where possible.
- Listen for neighbours, hospitality venues and public transport.
- Consider daylight, orientation, ventilation, smells and damp.
- Look at bicycle storage, access routes and nearby shops, parks and schools.
Three extra checks
- Request the floor-area measurement report.
- Confirm which appliances stay, including their age and maintenance.
- Ask about previous damage or insurance claims.
View with a clearer picture
Our buying agents in Amsterdam help turn answers into a view of the risks and a considered bidding strategy, from the first viewing to handover. For more detail, read our guides to leasehold, foundations and small VvEs.
English edition: 25 September 2026. A viewing checklist helps identify questions; it does not replace the property documents or a specialist assessment.