When purchasing a home in Zoetermeer, key money is often disguised as 'transfer costs' or administrative fees, but this is legally contestable. According to the law on the sale of movable and immovable property (Dutch Civil Code, Books 3 and 7), all additional costs, including key money, must be explicitly and transparently stated in the purchase agreement. In Zoetermeer, where the housing market is vibrant due to its proximity to The Hague and popular neighborhoods such as Oosterheem and Seghwaert, this issue frequently arises among first-time buyers and those moving up the property ladder.
Key money is not a standard fee, except for duplicates provided to multiple residents. Grounds for reclaiming key money include: the seller promised new locks but provided old keys, or the amount exceeds the market-conforming price in the Zoetermeer region (averaging €80, according to local real estate data).
Procedure: Send a registered letter demanding repayment within 14 days of the transfer date. If refused, initiate legal proceedings at the District Court of The Hague (which has jurisdiction over Zoetermeer) via a writ of summons.
Example: A buyer in the Zoetermeer neighborhood of Rokkehage claimed €160 back after discovering that old keys were reused without new locks, despite promises made in the Funda advertisement. The judge ruled in favor of the buyer, citing misleading information and breach of the purchase agreement. Tip: Engage a local notary in Zoetermeer to review the deed for hidden clauses, particularly in transactions involving regional real estate agents. This helps avoid unnecessary expenses in your home transaction in this growing city.