H o u s i n g :Average basic rental prices in Amsterdam per calendar month1-bedroom - €1,350-€2,2502-bedroom - €1,600-€2,7503-bedroom - €2,000-€5,000

P ro p e r t y M a r k e t• The Amsterdam rental market can be crowded and somewhat

complex because of the strict regulations imposed on tenants. Under Dutch legislation, the rental market is divided into social housing and free sector housing, with the rights of the tenant and landlord varying depending on which market a property is in.

• In the social housing market, each property has a maximum rental price according to the ‘home points system’ where points are awarded for property features such as the number of bedrooms, heating facilities and location. The total number of points then translates into a monthly rental price, known as the subsidizable rent.

• The most popular option in Amsterdam is to rent property in the free sector housing market. Although rental prices are likely to be more expensive than public housing properties, availability is far higher.

• The most popular property types in Amsterdam are one- and two-bedroom apartments in the city and semi-furnished houses in the suburbs. With high demand for these properties, it can sometimes be challenging to find them, especially in Amsterdam’s city centre.

• Following the economic downturn in the Dutch sales market, there have been strong signs of recovery towards the end of 2010 and beginning of 2011. However, buyers are still reluctant to enter the property market and it is taking longer to sell a property.

S c h o o l s :There are two types of international school in Amsterdam: private and public. Partially funded by the Dutch Government, public or ‘community schools’ encourage students to integrate into Dutch society and provide mandatory Dutch language lessons for all students.

Amsterdam International Community School – The community school offers primary, middle and secondary education to students between four and 19 years old. The curriculum follows the international baccalaureate diploma programme. Located in the south of the city, the school can be reached by train, tram, bus, and metro. Annual tuition fees can range from €4,000 to €5,900 depending on the age of the child.

British School of Amsterdam – The private school offers primary, middle (divided by lower and upper) and secondary education for students between three and 18 years old. Lessons are taught in English, although pupils do not have to be proficient in English to attend. Dutch lessons are also mandatory. The nursery and lower middle school is located in south Amsterdam, with the upper middle and secondary school 1.5km away, close to the Olympic Stadium. The school offers a bus service for children living in Amsterdam.

Annual tuition fees for nursery education is between €4,650 and €9,300; €13,432 for both lower and upper middle school; and €14,283 for secondary school. There is also a €1,500 registration fee for all students.

For more information on expatriate schools in Amsterdam, visit the Foundation for International Education in the Netherlands: www.sio.nl/listofschools.html.

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The small city of Amsterdam has a population of just over 750,000. Surrounded by canals and beautiful architecture, the multi-cultural city has numerous restaurants, cafes, theatres, museums, shops, and nightclubs.

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O f S p e c i a l I n t e re s t The small city of Amsterdam has a population of just over 750,000. Surrounded by canals and beautiful architecture, the multi-cultural city has numerous restaurants, cafes, theatres, museums, shops, and nightclubs.

Transport. Due to its relatively small size, a lot of Amsterdam’s residents either walk or cycle around the city. As the most popular form of transport, cycling is a way of life in the Netherlands, with dedicated cycle paths as numerous as roads. The public transport system is also extensive, with metro, tram and bus services across the city.

Climate. There are rarely extreme temperatures at any time of year in Amsterdam, although because the city is close to water, there is often a lot of fog during the autumn and spring months.

S o u rc e siamamsterdam.com globalpropertyguide.com

C u l t u r a l I n f o r m a t i o n o n T h e N e t h e r l a n d sThe Dutch are pragmatic, direct and famously open-minded. They enjoy a high quality of life, a generous welfare system and a high standard of education. Qualities attributable to many Dutch people include independence, self reliance, efficiency and thriftiness. There is a strong work ethic and a profit-orientated mentality.

Anyone living in the Netherlands is used to life in a diverse, multiracial society, although the many different ethnic groups tend to co-exist, rather than integrate fully. Here are some tips for working with the Dutch.

1. Like the Germans, the Dutch are extremely punctual and make great use of their diaries. Even social occasions are planned a long time in advance, with a meeting time agreed.

2. The Dutch can be direct in their communication style. Do not take this explicit approach as a ‘shock-tactic’ - the Dutch simply value candour and frankness.

3. The Dutch do not openly display personal achievements and respond well to people who take a professional but self-effacing approach.

4. Managerial qualities that are highly respected include firm leadership, open, honest communication style and a willingness to listen to new ideas.

5. Do not call The Netherlands ‘Holland’ - Holland is a region of The Netherlands, not a country.

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