As an expat first-time home buyer in the Netherlands, Maud Montbrun faced what many internationals face: a fast-moving market, paperwork in Dutch, and the weight of the biggest financial decision of her life — in a country that wasn’t yet fully home.
She did it anyway, and she came out the other side with keys in hand and a smile on her face.
Starting from Zero in a Foreign Market
Buying your first home is a milestone in any country. Doing it as a foreigner, with a different language, unfamiliar legal process, and no existing network of advisors, is something else entirely. For Maud, the Dutch housing market could have been an overwhelming experience. It wasn’t.
From the very first conversation with Cherene, the approach was different. It wasn’t just about finding a property that ticked the right boxes on paper. Cherene took the time to understand who Maud was as a person — what kind of home would genuinely suit her life, not just her search criteria.
Guided Through Every Step of the Dutch Buying Process
The Dutch home-buying process has steps that catch many first-time buyers off guard: the blind bidding system, the cooling-off period, the notary, the mortgage clause. For an expat buying alone for the first time, each of these can feel like a new unknown.
Homes for Expats made sure every step was explained before Maud had to face it. No surprises. No moments of panic. Just clear guidance, timely communication, and someone in her corner who genuinely cared about the outcome.
The Result: A Home She Loves
Maud left her experience with more than just a set of keys. She left with the confidence of knowing she had made the right decision, supported by the right team. In her own words:
“Buying a home for the first time and doing it in a foreign country could’ve been terrifying, but from day one Cherene made it her mission to truly understand who I am as a person and what would genuinely fit me. They made sure every step was as stress-free as possible and dare I say, even fun!” — Maud Montbrun, 5-star Google review
About Homes for Expats
Homes for Expats is run by expats for expats. Cherene Kruger and her team have guided hundreds of international professionals through the Dutch housing market, from the first viewing to the notary signing, entirely in English. Whether you are buying your first home or relocating for the second time, the process is personal, clear, and built around you.
Ready to Write Your Own Story?
If Maud’s story sounds familiar, the excitement, the uncertainty, the questions, then you are in exactly the right place. Homes for Expats helps home buyers in the Netherlands take that step with confidence. Get in touch with Cherene and let’s find the home that fits your life.
