Introduction: Why Amsterdam is Ideal for Long-Term Stays

Having lived in Amsterdam for the past six years, I can confidently say this city has a charm unlike any other. Whether you’re relocating for business, settling in as an expat, or exploring long-term stay options, Amsterdam offers a unique experience blending history and modern beauty. Daily views include beautiful canals at every turn, well-preserved historical architecture, and the wonderful culture that thrives in the picturesque cafes lining the streets.

However, before you can fully immerse yourself in this vibrant culture, there’s one crucial task ahead: finding the perfect monthly apartment in Amsterdam. Whether you’re looking for corporate rentals or a long-term personal stay, this challenge is no small feat, particularly given the ongoing housing crisis that has plagued the city for decades.

Understanding Amsterdam’s Housing Market

1. High Demand vs Limited Supply of Homes

Amsterdam's rental market has been in a crisis state for decades because of the high demand coupled with the intensely limited supply. According to NL Times, there is a shortage of 401,000 houses that would need to be built to keep up with the demand. This trend is also getting worse, as in 2023 this value was at 390,000, indicating a negative trend. This property market (https://www.cityretreat.com/amsterdam-property-market-2022-expat-rentals-amsterdam) has caused a significant uptick in demands for monthly rentals, especially for serviced and corporate rentals. It has become a game of speed and luck, as RoofHunt has mentioned that the average time to find a long-term rental ranges from 2 to 6 months, making it the highest value in all of Europe.

2. Navigating the Amsterdam House Market

External challenges are also prevalent within the property market, as there are sometimes language barriers, regulations, and false advertisements that haunt the rental market, leading to an extra barrier when trying to get a monthly rental. Thankfully, CityRetreat simplifies this experience by offering expats fully serviced, flexible housing options that surpass all the barriers mentioned above. A one-click process, and the rest is in our hands.

Why Corporate Rentals are the Perfect Solution for Professionals

1. Convenience of Amsterdam Serviced Apartments

For professionals on the go, serviced apartments offer the ideal solution. Wifi? already installed and at a minimum 500 Mb/S. Ready to live? Fully furnished and equipped with all amenities throughout the house. Utility and energy bills? Completely covered with the cost of your serviced property with no extra charges. The flexibility offered by serviced apartments makes them the preferred choice by corporate expats coming to Amsterdam.

2. Additional benefits of corporate rentals with CityRetreat

Within our corporate rentals in Amsterdam, we offer many external services that go far and beyond the usual benefits of serviced apartments. At CityRetreat, we have 24/7 customer service that guarantees the resolution of any issue within the property. This is vital within Amsterdam, as maintenance issues can generally take weeks to resolve; however, with our own maintenance management, the time is drastically reduced. Furthermore, we offer cleaning services that can be catered to your needs. Need a one-time clean? No problem; we can get it done if you let us know a day before. Need a weekly cleaning schedule? No problem, just let us know beforehand to arrange a cleaning schedule.

Expat-Friendly Neighbourhoods: Where to Find Your Perfect Home

1. Best Areas for Expats in Amsterdam

For expats settling in, finding a place to call home is essential. Amsterdam is home to around 200,000 expats, and several neighborhoods stand out for their unique appeal. Take Amsterdam Noord, for example—a peaceful area with more affordable rent and great transport links, including the free ferry and a metro that takes you straight to Central Station. If you're working in the business district, Amsterdam Zuid is an excellent choice. It's the industrial hub of the city and offers modern living with easy access to corporate offices. A food court is also present, offering many tastes around the world. Finally, my personal favorite, De Pijp, located in the heart of Amsterdam, is a favorite of many. Known for its Dutch charm and the vibrant Albert Cuyp Market that stretches kilometers offering food and cultural stalls. This area also offers beautiful canals, a lively atmosphere featuring cozy cafes, and the Heineken Museum. Finally, complete metro and tram access that spans to all of Amsterdam.

2. Why Location Matters in Amsterdam

Whether you want to live near the canals or need access to easy public transportation, location is a key aspect in this matter. For example, neighborhoods like Joordan offer cozy cafes and constant canal views, while locations like De Pijp, Zuid, and Ceentral offer great public transport options, making it easy to travel within Amsterdam. It is also important to note that biking is a key aspect of transportation in Amsterdam, so a central location does offer more flexibility in the biking department.

Tips for Renting Monthly Apartments in Amsterdam

1. Budgeting for Monthly Rentals in Amsterdam

Rent in Amsterdam can vary in cost depending on location and size. The rental market in Amsterdam is also inflated when compared to other countries because of the housing crisis that has been present for the last few decades. For a long-term fixed-lease 1-bedroom apartment, expect to pay at least 2000 euros, excluding utilities and, in many cases, furniture. Serviced apartments cost around 3300 euros for a one-bedroom apartment, while including all utilities, and always come furnished.

2. Important Service Demands

Utilities are generally a cost that you have to pay personally at each one of your properties. Firstly, in long-term leases, these include all the gas, electricity, and water. Apart from that, there are personal utilities such as water and trash tax. For water tax, if your landlord has not registered the property, it is best to go on the waternet website and register the property. As for trash tax, this is automatically done depending on where you are registered in Amsterdam. You can also choose to get the invoices for these services on MijnOverheid, where you can register for all mails to be sent via email as well.

Why Choose Serviced Apartments for Monthly Stays?

Fully Equipped and Stress-Free

One of the biggest advantages of serviced apartments in Amsterdam is that they come fully furnished and equipped. Think of it as a hotel stay, but with the comfort and privacy of your own home. With amenities like weekly cleaning services and high-speed Wi-Fi, you can focus on what matters—whether that’s work, exploring the city, or both. City Retreat is also at the apartment during check-in and check-out and is always one phone call away from the resolution to any issue. The flexible contracts are also an addition that you do not get with long-term rentals, allowing for your corporate stay to be stress- and hassle-free.

Customer Testimonials

Amanda = "Very positive experience overall, great communication, and the staff was happy to answer any questions and made our stay wonderful. Feel super lucky to have found this service and will use it again."

Lauryn: "They were responsive, helpful, and really pleasant to work with. The apartment was lovely, and we really appreciated this service!"

Sophie = "City Retreats were amazing. I moved to Amsterdam for business, and their support was incredible, finding me somewhere to live and supporting me through the process."

Reviews = https://www.trustindex.io/reviews/cityretreat.com = 4.8/5