Kaal, gestoffeerd or gemeubileerd? What Dutch rental terms really mean
You've found a nice apartment on Funda or Pararius, the rent is within budget, and the photos look fine. Then you spot one word in the listing: kaal. If you're new to the Netherlands, that word can mean you walk into a home without floors, curtains or even light fittings. Here's what the three most common Dutch rental terms really mean, and how to prepare for each.
Kaal (unfurnished, "bare")
Kaal literally means "bare", and in many cases it is exactly that. A kaal rental usually comes with:
- a kitchen and bathroom (often with basic built-in appliances)
- bare concrete or screed floors, without flooring
- no curtains or blinds
- no lamps, only wires hanging from the ceiling
- sometimes no washing machine connection set up
Some kaal apartments are nicer than that, but it's wise to expect the worst. Ask the landlord or agent exactly what's included before you sign.
What you'll need: flooring (this is a project on its own), curtains or blinds, lighting, and then all furniture, appliances and household items.
Gestoffeerd (semi-furnished)
A gestoffeerd home has the "soft" finishing done:
- flooring (laminate, vinyl or carpet)
- curtains or blinds
- often lighting
What's missing is everything you'd actually live with: a bed, a sofa, a table, kitchenware and appliances. For many internationals, gestoffeerd is the sweet spot. The home is liveable straight away once you add furniture, and you get to choose your own style.
What you'll need: furniture for every room, a washing machine (if not included), kitchenware, bedding, towels and cleaning supplies.
Gemeubileerd (furnished)
A gemeubileerd home comes with furniture, and usually with the basics to live: a bed, sofa, dining table, wardrobe, and often kitchenware and appliances. Quality and completeness vary a lot. "Furnished" can mean a fully equipped apartment, or a bed and two chairs.
What you'll need: check the inventory list. You'll often still need bedding, towels and some kitchen items, and maybe a desk if you work from home.
Quick comparison
Which one should you choose?
- Staying for a few months? A furnished home saves you effort, but often costs more per month.
- Staying a year or longer? A gestoffeerd home plus your own furniture is usually cheaper over time. And you sleep in your own bed, not someone else's.
- On a tight housing market? You may not have a choice. Many good apartments are offered kaal or gestoffeerd, so be ready to furnish.
Questions to ask before you sign
- Is there flooring in every room, including the bedroom?
- Are curtains or blinds included?
- Are there light fittings, or only wires?
- Is there a washing machine connection, and where?
- Which appliances are built in (fridge, oven, hob, dishwasher)?
- For furnished homes: can I see the inventory list?
Furnishing a gestoffeerd or kaal home from abroad
This is exactly why Welcome2Holland exists. You choose your furniture, appliances and essentials online before you arrive, room by room, or start with our household pack and bedding pack. We plan delivery for your move-in day and can assemble and install everything. Your landlord can let us in if you're not in the country yet.
Note: we don't install flooring or curtains, and we don't drill into walls. For a kaal home, arrange the flooring first.
Ready to furnish your new home?
See how our assembly service works, or tell us about your move through our contact form.
