Key Money in Home Purchase in Westland: Avoiding Hidden Costs

In the purchase of a home in Westland, such as in greenhouse-rich areas around Naaldwijk or Monster, key money is often disguised as 'transfer costs' or 'security costs'. This is disputable under the law on the sale of movable and immovable property (Dutch Civil Code Books 3 and 7), which requires that all ancillary costs be explicitly stated in the purchase agreement. Key money is not a standard fee, except for duplicates in cases of multiple residents in a large family home. Reasons for reclamation in Westland: If the seller promised to install new locks due to burglaries in agricultural neighborhoods but failed to do so, or if the amount exceeds the local market price (€80 on average due to higher material costs). Procedure: Send a registered letter with a demand for repayment within 14 days after transfer. In case of refusal: Initiate proceedings at the District Court of The Hague via summons, referring to regional case law. Example: A buyer in Westland demanded €160 back after old keys were reused without notification of reprogramming, while new locks had been agreed upon for a property on Dijkweg. The judge ruled in favor of the buyer, referring to misleading information and local real estate standards. Tip: Have a notary in Westland check the deed for hidden clauses, especially in transactions in glasshouse horticulture areas. This way, you avoid unnecessary expenses in your home transaction in this region.