Bergen op Zoom houses: a western Brabant buyer's guide

The old town has a Markiezenhof palace and a lively carnival tradition, and the Oosterschelde estuary and Brabantse Wal woodland provide outdoor space. The A4 and A58 motorways link to Antwerp, Rotterdam and Breda, and rail runs via Roosendaal. Nearby towns include Steenbergen, Roosendaal, Oudenbosch and Breda, and across the water in Zeeland are Goes and Hulst.

Streets of post-war terraced and semi-detached houses fill much of the town, with newer estates on the edges, and the historic core keeps its markets and carnival traditions. Commuters use the motorways towards Rotterdam and Antwerp, or take the train from Bergen op Zoom station to Roosendaal and Breda. Ask the seller about insulation, the type of foundations and any recent roof or window work, as these decide your running costs. A structural survey (bouwkundige keuring) is cheap compared with a surprise repair, and many buyers add a clause making the purchase conditional on financing.

Foreigners can buy freely. Transfer tax is 2% when you will live in the home, 8% for other homes, and 10.4% for non-residential property. Add notary fees, a valuation or survey, and mortgage advice costs if you borrow. Expect a three-day cooling-off period after the contract.

Our Netherlands buying guide, financing guide and Netherlands page cover more.