In some urban parts of the Netherlands, the Dutch property market has boomed, stabilised and, recently, risen again. So should an expatriate buy or rent a house? We give you some pointers.

"An apartment?" your HR manager looks vague, eyes cloud over. She fumbles in a desk drawer and hands you a crumpled list of housing agencies in Amsterdam. What do you do now? Mike Russell describes the pitfalls to watch for and questions to ask when navigating the housing agency labyrinth in the Netherlands.

Entering the property market is a big step — particularly for expats. Mindy Ran presents a brief guide to mortgages, the costs involved and the steps you will need to take.

Next to all the paperwork, finding a place to call home in the Netherlands – either to rent or buy – is one of the greatest challenges you’ll face. Connie Moser takes a look at ’Housing in Holland’ an essential read to help you on your way.

An exchange student from Canada finds out that leaving his rented accommodation in Groningen isn’t quite as easy as expected. Housing expert Mike Russell offers some tips.

Mortgage advisor Henk van Seijen answers a readers question about whether they qualify for a mortgage on a short-term contract and short residence in the Netherlands.