From choosing a plot to handing over the keys
Building your own home starts with good preparation. This page brings together everything you need to get oriented: the step-by-step plan for reserving a plot, a comprehensive self-build guide, a glossary of the key terms, an overview of additional costs and a progress list to track your own journey.
The step-by-step plan, the guide and the glossary are free. The overview of additional costs and your personal progress are part of Kavelradar Pro.
01
Check the plot passport
Review zoning rules, dimensions and orientation
Check the plot passport
Review zoning rules, dimensions and orientation
- Plot passport: maximum gutter and ridge height, build envelope and percentages.
- Layout & design quality plan: requirements for roof shape, colour, materials and parking on your own plot.
- Soil & cone penetration tests: ask for a preliminary soil survey to estimate foundation costs.
Do not focus purely on the price per m². Always check the sun exposure of the garden and the mandatory distance to the plot boundary.
02
Verify your identity
DigiD & partner details ready in advance
Verify your identity
DigiD & partner details ready in advance
- DigiD / eID / Yivi: almost all Dutch municipalities connect directly to the Personal Records Database (BRP) via DigiD. Some municipalities, such as Almere, offer the Yivi app as an alternative login method. Make sure your login method works.
- Buying together? Keep your partner's BSN (citizen service number) and details at hand. Some municipalities require direct co-signing via the app, others allow up to a week.
- Varies per municipality: the identification process and supported login methods differ per municipality. Check this in advance with the municipality where you are reserving a plot.
Test your login before registration opens. In popular releases every second counts and an expired app can block your application.
03
Reserve & allocation
Getting through a cart lock or ballot
Reserve & allocation
Getting through a cart lock or ballot
- First come, first served: you can reserve via the municipality's website or, at some municipalities, still in person at the counter, though nowadays this mostly happens online. After a successful reservation you often immediately get a checkout timer (often 15 minutes held exclusively) to validate your details.
- Registration period & ballot: no rush while registering; after the closing date the plot is allocated through a (notarial) ballot or points system.
You often pay an option fee or deposit straight away (ranging from € 500 to € 2,500 via iDEAL) to prevent 'phantom reservations'.
04
Sign the option agreement
From unilateral claim to legally binding contract
Sign the option agreement
From unilateral claim to legally binding contract
- Unilateral application: right after payment you receive the draft option by email or in your municipal citizen portal.
- Municipal review: within approx. 10 working days the municipality checks your details and the alderman or land affairs department signs. Only then is the plot legally secured for you.
Confirmation emails from municipal case systems often end up in the spam folder. Keep an eye on your online file.
05
Design & finalise
6 to 12 months of option time for architect & mortgage
Design & finalise
6 to 12 months of option time for architect & mortgage
- Sketch design: make a sketch design with the architect or contractor and check it against the design review rules (environmental plan). The timeline for this differs per municipality.
- Option costs: many municipalities ask for an official option fee after a few months (often 1% to 2.5% of the plot price).
- Final purchase: only once your permit is arranged and your financing (mortgage or own funds) is in place does the official purchase agreement pass at the notary.
During the first option phase (usually 2 to 3 months) you can often still cancel free of charge or for low administration costs if the building plan proves financially unfeasible.