Oostzaan, with its rich history dating back to the 11th century, has always played a significant role in North Holland. This picturesque village, marked by its historic village church and traditional Dutch windmills, is strategically located north of Amsterdam. It is surrounded by sprawling green pastures, intersected by characteristic waterways that define the atmosphere and landscape of this region.
Luxury Lifestyle and Housing Market in Oostzaan
Oostzaan boasts a strong and steady luxury housing market, favored by both local and international buyers seeking quality, comfort, and the peace of rural life without sacrificing urban amenities. According to data from huizenmarktinformatie.nl, recent market analysis indicates that demand for luxury homes and apartments often exceeds supply.
The political and economic situations in Oostzaan are steady, providing a favorable environment for real estate transactions. The average brokerage commission for buyers and sellers is between 1.5% and 2% of the sale price. Additional costs include transfer tax of 2%, notary fees, potential costs for a construction technical inspection, or lawyer fees.
Tax Aspects of Living in Oostzaan
In Oostzaan, as in the rest of the Netherlands, the property tax on a private home ranges between 0.59% and 1.39%, depending on the value of the house. If the house serves as the primary residence, there is no tax payable on the profit from the sale of the house. This may be the case for a second home or holiday home. The business tax in Oostzaan hovers around 20% and 25%, and income tax for residents varies from 37.35% to 49.5%, depending on income.
Buying a House in Oostzaan
The general mortgage requirements in Oostzaan require individuals to have a stable income and be able to maintain both mortgage payments and the standard of living. Depending on your financial situation, up to 100% of the purchase price can be obtained as a mortgage. Many luxury homes are located in neighborhoods like het Kalf and het Buitenland, known for their exclusive residences and desirable locations.
Living in Oostzaan
Oostzaan is easily accessible via roads such as the A8 and A10 and also enjoys good train connections from nearby stations like Zaandam. With Amsterdam about 10 km away, it is not far from the city, yet offers the tranquility and spaciousness of the countryside. The nearest airports are Schiphol (25 km) and Rotterdam-The Hague Airport (80 km).
There are several good schools in the area, including OBS De Kweekvijver and Basisschool De Kameleon. The University of Amsterdam and the Free University are within reach for higher education.
Located in the province of North Holland, Oostzaan has around 9000 inhabitants. The beautiful surroundings are dotted with lush green landscapes, several waterways, and an abundance of flora and fauna. The climate in Oostzaan is a temperate maritime climate, with mild summers and moderate winters.
Fans of sports and outdoor activities have a plethora of options in Oostzaan, from cycling and hiking to rowing and sailing in the nature reserve Het Twiske. The football clubs OFC and OSC are local sports associations that are of great significance to the residents of Oostzaan.
Oostzaan offers a selection of luxury lifestyle stores, including the prestigious Van der Linde Interieur. For nightlife, the welcoming Bistro het Stokertje and the cozy Café de Vriendschap are popular choices.
There are no hospitals in Oostzaan itself, but Zaans Medisch Centrum in Zaandam and BovenIJ Hospital in Amsterdam are nearby. The infrastructure of Oostzaan is well developed, with a range of shops, supermarkets, restaurants, and other facilities within reach.
Oostzaan's cultural heritage is rich and diverse, with numerous events and festivals celebrated here throughout the year. The Festival een Zomeravond Muziek and the annual Twiskemolenloop are some of the highlights. Although Oostzaan does not have any museums within its borders, the Zaans Museum and the Verkade Pavilion are just a stone's throw away.