What are the top factors to keep in mind when searching for a place to live in your city?

Consider the characteristics of the neighborhood, traffic in the area (for security and noise) and parking possibilities. Also note the proximity to public transport, schools, work, shops, cinemas, churches and other places you'll need to visit on a regular basis.

Top

What are the most popular neighborhoods in your city for expats?

Central Eindhoven

Accommodation in Central Eindhoven is usually apartments, which can be pricey in many districts. This is also where the international schools can be found.

Locations in the center include Oud-Strijp, known mainly to outsiders because of the Philips stadium, the home ground of football team PSV.

Eindhoven South East (Oud-Stratum)

This part of Eindhoven has a wide range of housing that includes some very exclusive properties. Oud-Stratum is just one district situated to the southeast of Central Eindhoven, popular with expatriates. Stratum, formerly a collection of small hamlets and farms, was incorporated into Eindhoven in 1920. Most neighborhoods in Stratum are named after the former villages and farms that stood there previously. Neighborhoods in Stratum tend to be built around a central square, and can also be named after this square.

Eindhoven North (Woensel)

Previously a separate village, Woensel has been a part of the city of Eindhoven since 1920. Woensel today is the largest residential district of Eindhoven, with about 110,000 inhabitants. The majority of homes here are either new-build blocks of apartments or terraced and were built between 1950 and 1990. It is predominantly a residential area. The district has wide, leafy boulevards and property is cheapest in Woensel South.

Eindhoven South (including Gestel)

The Philips hi-tech campus is located in Gestel, which also has an international primary school. Southwest of the center is Rozenknopje. This area is also very popular for expats and the location is very central.

Eindhoven West

Districts in the western part of the city include the new area of Meerhoven, where building started in the late 1990s with the first homes available in 1999.

Villages around Central Eindhoven and the suburbs

There are several villages and suburbs outside of Eindhoven that are popular with expatriates and international families. These still allow easy access to the international schools and the center of town, either by public transport or cycling.

Veldhoven to the southwest is effectively a suburb of the city, separated from the main area by the A2 road, and offers reasonably priced modern housing.

Historic Nuenen was once the home of Vincent van Gogh, and today the old center is still based around a village green. There are some detached properties here, with newer mid-priced homes slightly away from the center. Waalre is further out and more rural, surrounded by large areas of forest.

Top

Do expats tend to buy or rent their homes?

Rent, although internationals are able to obtain a mortgage。

Top

Typically, will I be required to pay additional money up front (such as a deposit) before moving into leased housing? If so, how much is common?

Generally, one-month commission + VAT, and a one- to three-month deposit have to be paid, depending on the estate agent and owner.

Top

Are utilities generally included in the price of rent, or are they extra?

Utilities are excluded in the rent of unfurnished houses. However, in the rent of fully furnished houses, the utilities are often included. In this case, your tenancy agreement will include a certain amount per month for utilities. If you exceed that amount, the landlord may ask you for an extra contribution to cover the excess. City tax and water tax are almost always excluded.

Top

Are there special security concerns I should be aware of in regards to my home or choice of neighborhood?

There are not really any security concerns specific to certain Eindhoven neighborhoods. Just note that you should always lock your bicycle and do not leave any valuable things in your car.

I’m not sure if I should bring my appliances. What is the electric current, Hz and plug shape in your city?

The electric current is AC 220 – 240 volts. Frequency (Hz) is 50. Electrical appliances from the UK are compatible. Appliances from the US (110 volts/ Remember that everything in Eindhoven is comparatively close to each other.

The Netherlands is a crowded country and this means properties may be smaller than you are used to if for instance you come from the US. Steep stairways are common, and it is unusual except in new buildings to have an elevator / lift. Parking may also be restricted especially in central areas.

It is very common in The Netherlands to only have 1 bathroom, even if you have 2 or more bedrooms. You may have a separate WC, but only 1 bath or shower. Dutch people find this perfectly normal for a whole family to only have 1 bathroom.

In apartments you may only have a stove and a microwave, but there is not always an oven.60 Hz) need step-down transformers. For most appliances from EU countries, a simple adaptor should work for everything except the heavier appliances. These may require transformers as well. Plug shape is the standard two-pinned type. Plug adapters can be bought in most electrical shops.

Top

Do you have any other accommodation information that might help me?

Remember that everything in Eindhoven is comparatively close to each other.

The Netherlands is a crowded country and this means properties may be smaller than you are used to if, for instance, you come from the US. Steep stairways are common and it is unusual except in new buildings to have an elevator/lift. Parking may also be restricted especially in central areas.

It is very common in The Netherlands to only have 1 bathroom, even if you have 2 or more bedrooms. You may have a separate WC, but only 1 bath or shower. Dutch people find this perfectly normal for an entire family to only have 1 bathroom.

In apartments you may only have a stove and a microwave, but there is not always an oven.

<Top

Useful Links

 

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Crown Relocations has made every effort to present accurate information. However, regulations, rates and other variables are subject to change and Crown Relocations cannot accept responsibility for the errors that might result. Please contact your closest embassy or consulate for confirmation.