Hausing vs OnlyExpats: Dutch Rental Platforms Compared

Introduction: Hausing and OnlyExpats Compared

Searching for rentals in the Netherlands often means choosing between boutique agencies and nationwide listing platforms. This article compares Hausing (a regional agency focused on Amsterdam and Rotterdam) with OnlyExpats (an English-language, nationwide aggregated listing site). We cover positioning, inventory coverage, pricing and paywalls, feature sets like filters and alerts, data quality and verification, and who each service suits best — expats, students, families, and professionals. The goal is to help you decide whether to engage a full-service agency or to self-serve via an expat-focused aggregator when you need apartments for rent, rooms, studios, or houses.

Hausing Coverage & Listings vs OnlyExpats

Hausing operates as a boutique rental and sales agency with primary coverage in Amsterdam and Rotterdam and extensions into nearby Almere. Its inventory is curated and focused on long-term rentals including studios, apartments, and houses. Because Hausing is an agent rather than an open classifieds portal, its listings are typically published under its brand and reflect real-time agency-managed availability.

OnlyExpats, by contrast, is an aggregated platform aimed at the expat community with nationwide coverage. It lists rooms, apartments and houses across the Netherlands and is designed to make English-language browsing and alerts easy. For renters who want broad coverage of Amsterdam apartments, Utrecht student rentals, or Eindhoven housing options, OnlyExpats provides a single place to see offers from multiple sources.

Why it matters: regional agencies like Hausing can offer curated inventory and immediate local knowledge for Amsterdam and Rotterdam — useful in competitive markets. Aggregators like OnlyExpats are better when you want to survey the whole country or receive automated alerts for new listings.

Hausing Pricing & Paywall vs OnlyExpats

Hausing does not charge browsing fees, but it is a service business: tenants who hire Hausing for representation pay a one-time agency fee equal to one month’s rent with a minimum of €2000 plus VAT, operating on a no-cure-no-pay basis. That fee covers tailored search, viewings (in-person or virtual), offer handling, contract review and check-in support.

OnlyExpats is free to browse and register; users can create alerts and receive real-time email notifications without a subscription. There is a login requirement for some features on OnlyExpats, but there is no tenant agency fee because the platform aggregates listings rather than representing renters.

Why it matters: If you prefer DIY searches and zero upfront fees, OnlyExpats is the lower-cost option. If you value full-service support — negotiation, verification and paperwork help — Hausing’s fee can be worthwhile, especially for expats who lack local contacts or time.

Features & Tools: Search, Filters, Alerts, Maps

Hausing feature focus

• Agency-led coordination: viewings, lease negotiation and check-in support.
• Verified listings: agents screen and verify properties before marketing.
• Virtual viewings for applicants abroad and flexible scheduling (7 days/week).

OnlyExpats feature focus

• Aggregated inventory across many sources with English UI.
• Real-time email alerts for new postings to help spot Amsterdam or Rotterdam rentals quickly.
• Free browsing and user accounts to save searches and manage alerts.

What to expect regarding modern search tools: Hausing’s offering centers on human service rather than advanced self-serve search UI. OnlyExpats emphasizes immediacy and accessibility — alerts and English-language listings — but does not position itself as a high-tech map or filter-heavy portal. If you need advanced filters (neighbourhood-specific search, commute isochrones, distance-to-POI, multilingual toggles), look to specialist aggregation solutions or marketplaces that explicitly advertise such mapping and commute tools.

Data Quality & Verification: Agency Checks vs Aggregation

Hausing states that its agents verify listings and perform hands-on checks before marketing a property. That verification reduces the risk of scams and misrepresented images or availability — a common renter concern in busy markets like Amsterdam.

OnlyExpats aggregates listings from multiple sources and does not advertise the same level of active verification. Aggregated platforms can be fast and broad but sometimes expose users to unverified or out-of-date postings. OnlyExpats’ value is speed and English accessibility rather than agency-verified assurance.

Why it matters: For expats, students or professionals moving from abroad, verified listings and an agent who explains contract terms can be valuable. If you’re comfortable vetting listings yourself and need nationwide coverage, an aggregator is still useful.

Who Should Use Hausing, OnlyExpats (Expats, Students, Families)

Hausing is best for:

• Expats and professionals who value representation, contract support and local expertise in Amsterdam or Rotterdam.
• Renters willing or able to pay a one-time agency fee for time savings, scam protection and administrative help.
• Families and tenants seeking curated long-term rentals with agent support.

OnlyExpats is best for:

• Expats and students who want broad, English-language access to nationwide listings without a subscription.
• Renters who are comfortable moving quickly on new postings and performing their own verification.
• People searching across multiple cities (e.g., Amsterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, Eindhoven) and who want email alerts.

Pros & Cons — Quick Comparative Summary

Hausing Pros:

• Agent-verified listings and high-touch service.
• Full-service support (viewings, negotiations, lease review).
• Virtual viewings and seven-day availability.

Cons:

• Regional coverage (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Almere) — not nationwide.
• One-time tenant fee (one month’s rent, min €2000 + VAT) can be a barrier for budget-conscious renters.

OnlyExpats Pros:

• Nationwide aggregated listings with English UI.
• Free browsing, free alerts, easy account-based search.
• Good for expats and students seeking wide coverage.

Cons:

• Aggregated listings may not be verified; higher risk of out-of-date posts.
• Some features require login; less agency support for paperwork and negotiation.

Decision Guide: Choosing Between Hausing and OnlyExpats

Choose Hausing if:

• You are moving to Amsterdam or Rotterdam and want a hands-on agent to handle viewings, offers and contract checks.
• You value verified listings and hands-on support and are willing to pay a one-time agency fee.
• You are abroad and need virtual viewings and representation to secure a rental quickly.

Choose OnlyExpats if:

• You want to survey national inventory, set up real-time alerts and browse English-language listings for free.
• You are confident verifying listings yourself and prefer to avoid agency fees.
• You’re a student or shorter-term occupant searching multiple cities like Utrecht or Eindhoven.

How to Combine Both Approaches (Practical Tips)

You don’t have to pick strictly one camp. Many renters combine approaches:

• Use OnlyExpats to cast a wide net and receive early alerts on new Amsterdam apartments or Utrecht student rentals.
• When you find promising listings in Hausing’s areas (Amsterdam/Rotterdam), engage Hausing for verification, negotiation and paperwork help.
• Prepare standard rental documents early (ID, employer letter, pay slips or bank statements) so you can act quickly when a trusted listing appears.

Final Thoughts on Hausing vs OnlyExpats

Both Hausing and OnlyExpats serve clear but different renter needs in the Netherlands. Hausing is a premium, concierge-style agency tuned to expats and professionals who want local representation in Amsterdam and Rotterdam. OnlyExpats is a practical, cost-free aggregator for English-speaking renters who need nationwide coverage and fast alerts.

In competitive markets like Amsterdam, the choice often comes down to speed versus cost: use aggregators and alerts to find opportunities early, and consider agency support when you need verification, negotiation and contract confidence. For expat housing Netherlands searches, pairing a nationwide aggregator with a trusted local agent frequently yields the best balance of coverage, security and speed.