Equal Fees for Expats and Locals: Our One-Price Policy Explained

If you are moving through the Dutch property market as an international buyer or seller, one question often comes up immediately: will I pay more because I am an expat? At Spijker Makelaardij, the answer is simple. Equal fees for expats and locals means exactly that: the same transparent pricing and the same service conditions apply to expatriate and Dutch clients alike.

That clarity matters. Buying or selling a home already involves important decisions, legal steps, timing, and financial considerations. You should not also have to wonder whether your nationality affects the fee you pay. At Spijker Makelaardij, pricing depends on the service you choose, the property, and the circumstances of the assignment—not on whether you are Dutch or international.

In this article, you will learn how this one-price policy works, what it means in practice, how purchase and sales support are priced, and why equal treatment creates a stronger client experience for both local and international clients.

What does equal fees for expats and locals mean?

Equal fees for expats and locals means that Spijker Makelaardij does not charge additional fees, apply special surcharges, or impose different terms based on nationality.

That applies across the firm’s core services:

• Residential property sales
• Residential property purchases
• Property valuations

The starting point is straightforward: every assignment is assessed on its own merits. Fees are discussed and agreed upon before work begins, so clients know where they stand from the outset.

This approach reflects a broader commitment to transparent service. Spijker Makelaardij has been active in the Almere housing market for 30 years and works in both Dutch and English, which helps international clients navigate the process clearly while receiving the same conditions as domestic clients.

Why this matters to international clients

For many international clients, the Dutch housing market is unfamiliar. Processes, contracts, bidding strategies, valuation practices, and compliance requirements can differ significantly from what they know from home.

In that situation, transparent pricing does more than keep costs clear. It also helps build trust.

When a brokerage follows a one-price policy:

• clients can compare services more confidently;
• expectations are set early;
• there is less uncertainty during the transaction;
• the relationship starts from a position of fairness and clarity.

That is especially relevant when moving to a new city or country. Spijker Makelaardij combines experience with international clients and deep local knowledge of Almere, so clients receive guidance that is practical, personal, and grounded in the realities of the local market.

How Spijker Makelaardij determines pricing

Spijker Makelaardij does not base fees on a client’s background. Instead, pricing is linked to the assignment itself.

The main factors that shape the fee

Fees depend on:

• the selected service;
• the property;
• the specific circumstances of the assignment.

This keeps the pricing structure focused on the actual work involved. It also means the fee conversation is tied to the substance of the transaction rather than to the profile of the client.

Pricing is agreed in advance

A key part of transparent service is that costs and conditions are discussed before the assignment starts. This gives clients the opportunity to understand:

1. what service they are choosing;
2. how the fee is structured;
3. which conditions apply;
4. when payment is due.

That level of upfront clarity is valuable for everyone, but particularly for international clients who may be coordinating a move, arranging finance, or managing deadlines across countries.

Purchase support: a fixed fee for clear expectations

For purchase support, Spijker Makelaardij works with a fixed rate of €2,950 including VAT.

This fixed fee applies to guidance when buying a home, whether the client chooses:

• the full-service purchase package, or
• Gerichte aankoopbegeleiding.

How payment works for purchase support

The payment structure is also clearly defined:

• a portion of the fee is invoiced upfront as a registration amount;
• the remainder is settled at completion via the notary.

For buyers, that creates a predictable framework. It also supports the principle behind equal fees for expats and locals: the price for purchase guidance is set by the service, not by who the client is.

Sales support: tailored to the property and assignment

For sales support, costs are quoted after an appointment at the client’s home.

Spijker Makelaardij does not use a one-size-fits-all commission for property sales. Instead, after viewing the property and discussing the seller’s goals, the broker proposes a tailor-made percentage or fixed fee that reflects:

• the home’s value;
• marketability;
• the agreed scope of service.

No-sale-no-pay principle

The sales commission is strictly no-sale-no-pay and becomes due only when the sale is successfully completed.

This is an important point for sellers. It means the compensation model is linked to a successful outcome, while the exact proposal is tailored to the property and circumstances rather than standardized in a way that ignores the realities of the assignment.

Additional sales-related costs

In addition to the sales commission, separate media costs apply for items such as:

• photography;
• floor plans;
• video;
• 360-degree images;
• a dedicated property website.

Any Funda advertising package selected is billed directly to the client.

If an assignment is withdrawn before a buyer is found, no percentage-based commission is payable. In that case, only the agreed media expenses and a fixed withdrawal fee remain due.

As with other services, the underlying principle remains the same: these terms are not different for expats and locals. They are based on the service agreement.

Equal terms do not mean identical situations

It is worth making an important distinction. Equal fees for expats and locals does not mean every transaction is identical. Different properties, client goals, and market conditions can lead to different scopes of work.

What stays consistent is the principle behind the pricing:

• nationality does not change the fee structure;
• service level and assignment details do;
• terms are discussed in advance;
• clients are treated transparently.

This matters because fairness in real estate is not about pretending every case is the same. It is about using the right criteria when setting fees and conditions.

Support for expats goes beyond language

Spijker Makelaardij is experienced in assisting international buyers and sellers and is explicitly positioned as an expat broker. The team communicates fluently in English and Dutch and regularly supports English-speaking clients with residential sales, purchases, and valuations.

That experience matters because expat support often requires more than simple translation. Clients may need clear guidance on:

• how the Dutch purchase process works;
• what to expect during negotiations;
• how contractual steps fit together;
• which practical and legal checks are involved.

Spijker Makelaardij guides clients through the contractual and regulatory aspects of the transaction in line with applicable Dutch laws, regulations, and NVM professional standards, including disclosure obligations, client verification, and Wwft requirements. Where specialist input is needed, clients are referred to the appropriate professionals.

In other words, international clients receive experienced guidance without being placed in a separate pricing category.

Why local market knowledge strengthens fair pricing

Transparent pricing becomes even more meaningful when combined with strong local expertise. Spijker Makelaardij has long-standing experience in the Almere housing market and provides advice based on both market analysis and day-to-day brokerage practice.

The firm looks beyond average selling prices and analyzes:

• current transactions;
• price trends;
• sales speed;
• supply and demand;
• comparable properties in the immediate vicinity.

That information is translated into concrete advice on:

• price;
• positioning;
• timing.

For buyers, sellers, and owners seeking valuations, this helps ensure advice is practical and well-founded. For international clients in particular, local interpretation of market data can be just as important as the data itself.

A personal approach for every client

A one-price policy works best when it is part of a broader service philosophy. Spijker Makelaardij takes a personal, hands-on approach that starts with a consultation to understand each client’s situation, goals, and expectations.

Throughout the process, clients receive:

• clear advice;
• proactive updates;
• direct access to the team.

The strategy is tailored to the individual client, the property, and current market conditions. That combination of personal service and transparent pricing helps create a smoother experience for both local and international clients.

Quick answers: featured snippet section

Do expats pay more than Dutch clients at Spijker Makelaardij?

No. Spijker Makelaardij applies the same transparent pricing and service conditions to expatriate and Dutch clients.

What determines the fee?

The fee depends on the selected service, the property, and the specific circumstances of the assignment.

What is the purchase support fee?

The fixed rate for purchase support is €2,950 including VAT.

How are sales costs determined?

Sales support is quoted after an appointment at the client’s home, with a tailor-made percentage or fixed fee based on the property and scope of service.

Does Spijker Makelaardij work with international clients?

Yes. The firm is experienced in assisting international buyers and sellers and works in Dutch and English.

Practical tips if you are comparing real estate agents

If you are evaluating brokers as an expat or local client, these questions can help you compare services clearly:

1. Is the pricing the same for all clients?
   Ask directly whether nationality affects the fee or terms.

2. Are the costs explained before the work starts?
   Clear agreements upfront help prevent surprises later.

3. Is the purchase fee fixed or variable?
   A fixed fee can make budgeting easier.

4. How are sales-related extras handled?
   Check how media costs and advertising costs are arranged.

5. Can the agent guide you through Dutch procedures in English?
   Good communication is essential when legal and contractual steps are involved.

6. Does the agent know the local market in depth?
   Local knowledge can influence pricing advice, search strategy, and negotiation decisions.

These are also useful topics to discuss if you are exploring related services such as valuations, financial advice, or the best strategy for selling a home in Almere.

Conclusion: one policy, clear principles, better trust

The idea behind equal fees for expats and locals is simple, but its impact is significant. Spijker Makelaardij does not impose extra fees or special terms based on nationality. Instead, pricing is determined by the service, the property, and the assignment itself, with conditions discussed clearly before the work begins.

For purchase support, that means a fixed fee of €2,950 including VAT. For sales support, it means a tailored proposal after discussing the property and objectives. In both cases, the underlying approach remains the same: transparent, fair, and client-focused.

If you are buying, selling, or seeking a valuation in Almere and want straightforward guidance in Dutch or English, Spijker Makelaardij is ready to help. Contact Spijker Makelaardij at Marktmeesterstraat 45, 1315 GA Almere to discuss your situation and receive advice tailored to your property and goals.