The Dutch 'Maisonnette'
The term 'duplex' is not commonly used in the Dutch property market. The correct and widely used Dutch term for an apartment that occupies two (or sometimes more) floors within a larger apartment building is a maisonnette. The defining feature of a maisonnette is that it has its own private, internal staircase connecting its different levels. This layout provides a living experience that feels more like a house than a traditional single-floor apartment, with a clearer separation between living areas (often downstairs) and bedrooms (often upstairs). The rental contract for a maisonnette is a standard residential lease agreement (huurovereenkomst voor woonruimte), subject to all the same laws and protections as a regular apartment.
Architectural Style and Appeal
Maisonnettes are found in various types of buildings, from post-war apartment blocks to modern new-builds. They are a popular housing type because they offer a compromise between the convenience of apartment living (shared maintenance, security) and the spatial experience of a single-family home. The multi-level layout can provide a greater sense of space and privacy for families or individuals who want a dedicated work-from-home area that is physically separate from their living room. When viewing a maisonnette, a prospective tenant should pay close attention to the staircase. Is it a comfortable, wide staircase or a steep, narrow, and potentially dangerous one (a steile trap)? The quality of the internal stairs can significantly impact the day-to-day livability of the home.
Lease and Sector Classification
As with any apartment, the lease for a maisonnette will fall into either the social sector (sociale huur) or the free sector (vrije sector), depending on its initial rent price relative to the liberalisatiegrens. Given that maisonnettes are typically larger than standard apartments, they are more likely to have a rent price that places them in the free sector, meaning the landlord has freedom in setting the rent and the property is not subject to the points-system (woningwaarderingsstelsel).
