Key Money in Home Purchases in Utrecht: Avoiding Hidden Costs

In the purchase of a home in Utrecht, 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 (Civil Code Book 3 and 7), all additional costs, including key money, must be explicitly and transparently stated in the purchase agreement. In Utrecht, where the housing market is tight and transactions proceed quickly via real estate agents along the Oudegracht or in Lombok, this is particularly relevant to prevent surprises. Key money is not a standard fee, except for duplicates for multiple residents or in new-build homes in neighborhoods such as Kanaleneiland. Reasons for reclamation: If the seller promised to install new locks but failed to do so, or if the invoiced amount exceeds the market-conform price (€80 on average in Utrecht, according to recent data from local notaries). Procedure: Send a registered letter immediately with a demand for repayment within 14 days after delivery of the home. In case of refusal, you can initiate a writ of summons procedure at the District Court of Midden-Nederland in Utrecht. Example: A buyer in the Utrecht neighborhood of Zuilen demanded €180 back after it turned out that old keys were reused without any justification or additional service. The judge ruled in favor of the buyer, referring to misleading information in the deed of purchase and breach of obligations under Civil Code Book 7. Tip: Engage a Utrecht notary, such as one affiliated with the Royal Netherlands Notaries Association (KNB), to thoroughly check the deed for hidden clauses. This way, you avoid unnecessary expenses in your home transaction in the Domstad.