Zero percent savings rate drives saver toward alternatives

ABN-AMRO is the first major bank to cut interest rates on savings to 0 percent. There is a chance that other banks will follow. And the Dutchman? They just keep on saving, according to figures from the Dutch Central Bank. Among them are savers who will be looking for alternatives to make their money pay off.

Vacation home at home or abroad remains an attractive investment

Real estate in the form of a second home can offer a solution. As an investment object with an attractive return, or as a stable second home that you can enjoy yourself. Tom van den Brink, exhibition manager Second Home: “We see that the market for vacation homes in the Netherlands is getting tighter, especially vacation homes in coastal areas are popular. But also countries like Spain, Austria and Germany remain favorites and recently countries like South Africa and Montenegro are gaining in popularity. In those countries, the housing market is still developing and that offers opportunities for Dutch buyers.”

The Second Home Expo, held several times a year in the Netherlands and Belgium, is the place to be for interested parties who are considering investing in a vacation home. About 15,000 people visit the event every year. Each time there is an extensive program; visitors can expect various seminars on legal and tax matters, but also on management, rental and returns. The Second Home Fair is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information and tickets, visit www.secondhome.nl.