Where do I start with pensions and buying a house in Zaandam, Netherlands?

Hi Barbara!

That sounds lovely but will surely involve a lot of planning! The Netherlands will be a lovely place to retire. 

Expat Arrivals has a page on Accommodation in the Netherlands and talks about Buying Property. It's useful but just as a starting – our main advice is to go through an agent, a real estate agent who knows the market well and the ins and outs of property law too, as mortgages do get complicated. Have you already started looking at property in Zaandam? Have you already started the plan to sell your current house?

We also have some articles written about pensions and leaving the UK, but the information may have changed over the years so follow up with banks and authorities for the latest information. It's quite a handful to read but may be of interest:

• How emigrating from the UK affects your pension rights

• UK pensioners should consider a SIPP

• Pension planning for British expats

More articles can be found on Financial Advice for Expats

I hope it goes well!

All the best!