Thanks iamback, despite what I write I've not fully made a decision yet.

Another thought- I certainly will be making sure the property is above average. While the quality of rental accommodation is better than the UK, it's still way below what is possible with a few weekends of work and some trips to Ikea!

LOL yes I know it's pretty shameful. I have been listening to lessons to get familiar with it, but ever since my company told me they will be paying for formal lessons this month I've been a bit of a slacker.

Honestly my Dutch is only good for ordering beer. I understand the gist of it rather than being able to formulate any logical responses. It helps that it's latin based and there are obvious similarities with Engels.

Give me a couple of months of my lessons and hopefully I'll be able to ask for more than a beer!

The idea that we are in some protracted dead cat bounce before the shitshow begins lines up with Armstrong's posts, which I have some familiarity with, but not in-depth. I will have to read his past reports for perhaps a more long term view. Definitely something to consider.

It's a hard decision, on both hands there seem to be logical and emotional reasons to buy/abstain.

Thanks for the kind words IronMarvel.

I aim to give the best service possible.

Thanks again Todamont!

Still plenty of plated bars left if anyone is interested!

Most everyone with a decent level of education knows English, also I am starting Dutch lessons this month, so language is not much of an issue.

Liberal and progressive mean different things than perhaps when a libertarian would say them. The Dutch are very tolerant - in the common zeitgeist sense of the word. On the flip side they have extremely harsh 'hate speech' laws. Similar to the UK. But yes, as long as you're not a racist nut job you're fine In fact, I feel safer and more comfortable here than I ever did in any city in the UK, perhaps that is more free, but honestly the West has a fairly common baseline of freedom in comparison to say- China or Russia. There are still junkies and agressive assholes around, but to a far smaller degree than London. Where are you from grendal25?

The taxes are strange- you get breaks when paying a mortgage, but every year you pay a tax on ownership. The taxes are to incentivise ownership (tax break) but to disincentivise the monopolisation of property by wealthy landlords (I assume, yearly percentage taxation). Because the market is so distorted despite the yearly tax it is still cheaper to own than to rent.

Any Dutch here please correct me if I am wrong in my explanations.

Just another thing, I really appreciate all the advice, pointers and general chat. It's helped somewhat put things a little more into perspective. Keep em coming guys! And if this thread starts to slow down I'll be sure to let you all know how it goes!

LOL I think I get the message. Reminds me of the UK a lot.

Well, I'm not intending to be greedy, so hopefully I can strike a balance if I ever come to rent it out. Even just for weekends.

Since I'm an expat I will be required to take out insurance against the mortgage, so as I think I've wrote before, it's a gamble but there are elements that mitigate this risk.

I'm aware of the banks not liking this and have read that they can increase the rates they charge if you let them know you are renting it out.

I think the bank would likely be flexible (it is a point I will discuss with them), when presented with either having a default or slightly increased risks from allowing the property to be rented. Besides, I wouldn't take on debt I could not afford so the property could be paid off without a tenant too- just wouldn't be ideal.

I'm aware of the risks involved with renting, the laws seem to be better than they were a few years ago, but still very pro tenant- which is fine if there is a genuine need, but I have read a lot about people taking advantage of this. This is why I'd probably choose to rent to trustworthy expats.

I agree with your choice of locations. My upper limit is 200. I don't think I'd feel comfortable taking out more debt than that (or tying up savings in equity). I wouldn't be able to rent out extra rooms while living in a two bedroom- my significant other would not allow it 

As I wrote earlier, I like the idea of renting it out as there is such demand in this city... I mean when the government strangles the housing stock by owning more than half of the properties, it makes sense to take advantage of the distortion in the market.

If it was up to me I'd probably buy a studio in/near the centre, but it wouldn't work with my wife too, so I need to consider 1 bedrooms really.

I took a job last year and moved here, like I said, I've really loved living here so far.

A beer sounds good!

There are some nice places near Vondelpark, since I'd like to buy a dog too, this might be the best option if I can find an appropriate place. I'd want a balance between decent place and good location. Since I'm not married to the idea of buying in places like the centre or the Joordan (though not ruled it out) there seem to be a decent number of properties out there. Seems a few people are asking a bit more than they are really worth though.

Yes it would be in a desireable area, if it wasn't the debt would be essentially meaningless to me as housing in less desireable areas is well within my ability to pay down quickly.

I have noticed this as well. A lot of hassle if you are away from the city though.

Lol, well there goes my $60 I had on there.

Oh really? I had not heard that, where was it reported?

Still two bars left- now extending the discount to orders on single bars.

Unless further interest is shown, these will likely be the last pure silver bars issued, making them rare

There will be a very small amount of special plated bars created in addition to those already struck (less than 50, possibly less than 20) coming soon!

PM me for an order to have your bars posted tomorrow morning!