Buildings insurance in the Netherlands for expats

Protect the structure of your home, walls, roof, built-in kitchen and more. Buildings insurance is often required by mortgage lenders and helps cover unexpected damage to the parts of your property that are permanently attached.

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Cover for the structure of your home

What is buildings insurance?

Buildings insurance, known in the Netherlands as opstalverzekering, covers the physical structure of your home and everything that is permanently attached to it. This includes the parts of the property that cannot be removed without causing damage. Buildings insurance typically covers items such as walls, the roof, floors, windows, doors, built-in kitchens, bathrooms, plumbing and heating systems. Damage caused by events like fire, storm, water leaks or vandalism is usually included.

For expats who own a property in the Netherlands, buildings insurance is essential and often required by mortgage lenders. If you rent a home, buildings insurance is usually arranged by the landlord, while you remain responsible for your own belongings through contents insurance.

Ownership, renting and mortgage requirements

Who needs buildings insurance?

Buildings insurance is primarily important for homeowners in the Netherlands. If you own a property, this insurance protects the structure of your home against unexpected damage and is often a mandatory requirement when taking out a mortgage.

If you rent a property, buildings insurance is usually arranged by the landlord or property owner. As a tenant, you are typically only responsible for insuring your personal belongings through contents insurance.

For expats who own an apartment, buildings insurance is often included in a collective policy managed by the homeowners’ association (VvE). However, coverage can vary, which is why it is important to check what is included and whether additional insurance is needed.

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What’s covered in your home’s structure

What does buildings insurance cover?

Buildings insurance covers the fixed structure of your home and everything that is permanently attached, in other words, the parts you would normally leave behind when you move.

Typical buildings insurance coverage includes:

Walls, roof, ceilings and fixed floors (for example glued or fitted flooring).
Windows and doors.
Built-in kitchens and bathrooms.
Plumbing, pipes and heating installations.
Permanently installed features, such as solar panels, and outbuildings like sheds or garages are often covered.

Insurers in the Netherlands usually offer different levels of coverage, ranging from standard cover to more comprehensive (all-risk) options. Standard cover typically applies to specific listed events, while more comprehensive policies may cover a wider range of sudden and unforeseen damage. The exact coverage, exclusions and optional add-ons, such as glass insurance or accidental damage, can vary per insurer and policy.

Understanding the insured amount

Rebuild value vs market value

When arranging buildings insurance in the Netherlands, it is important to understand the difference between rebuild value and market value.

The market value is the price you pay for a property, influenced by location, demand and the housing market. The rebuild value, on the other hand, is the amount it would cost to rebuild your home from the ground up after a total loss, including materials and labour.

Buildings insurance is always based on the rebuild value, not the market value. Insuring your home for the correct rebuild value helps prevent underinsurance and ensures your property can be fully restored if serious damage occurs.

Get personal advice

Ready to arrange your buildings insurance?

Not sure what you need as a homeowner in the Netherlands, or whether your current buildings insurance is set up correctly? We help expats understand their coverage, check the rebuild value, and choose a policy that fits their home and situation.

Book a free appointment with one of our advisors