Owners' Association (VvE)

The most important points at a glance

Vereniging van Eigenaren (owners' association) is a term you've probably come across. But what does it actually mean, and when will you encounter one? On this page we explain everything you need to know.

1. What is a Vereniging van Eigenaren?

Do you live in an apartment building, or are you planning to buy apartment rights? Then you'll likely be dealing with a Vereniging van Eigenaren (VvE), or owners' association. The law requires one to be set up whenever a building is split into separate apartments for sale. Together with the other residents, you are a partial owner of the building. The VvE makes it possible to designate a single legal entity as owner of the whole.

Thinking of buying an apartment? First calculate how much mortgage you can get, since alongside your mortgage payments you also contribute to the VvE each month.

2. Owners are automatically members

All apartment owners within the building are automatically members of the VvE and cannot opt out. The VvE has collective responsibility for the entire building and in particular its shared components, such as the stairwell, any lift, a parking garage, the roof, and central heating or other shared facilities. When something needs to be done, the cost is covered by the VvE, which uses a shared account that all owners contribute to.

3. General Members' Meeting

The highest body within the VvE is the Algemene Ledenvergadering (General Members' Meeting), which typically takes place once a year. At this meeting, various matters are discussed and every owner can vote on the management of the building. This way, the different owners act as a single legal entity, through voting based on each person's share of the building. Voting rights are distributed among the owners, for example based on the number of square metres they own within the total building.

4. Management of the entire building

The VvE is responsible for managing the whole building. This means the VvE carries out minor repairs when something breaks or an adjustment is needed. The VvE is also responsible for establishing general rules and overseeing maintenance work. In addition, the VvE handles financial management and provides annual reporting on this. The VvE ensures the building can be formally managed and kept habitable by its various owners, with an eye to the future and any repairs or replacements that may be needed.

5. Deed of division (splitsingsakte)

When you purchase apartment rights, you sign a splitsingsakte (deed of division). This document sets out how the building is divided into apartments and shared areas. It also specifies how much the service costs are for managing the whole building. In addition to the deed, there is also a splitsingsreglement (division rules document). This is important for the VvE, as it sets out how the VvE holds meetings, how many votes are needed to pass a resolution, and further details about building management, maintenance, and use of the property.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Vereniging van Eigenaren?

The Vereniging van Eigenaren is made up of the residents of a building that has been divided into apartments, to manage the whole building collectively.

Am I required to be a member of the Vereniging van Eigenaren?

When you buy an apartment in a shared building, membership of the Vereniging van Eigenaren is mandatory.

What does the Vereniging van Eigenaren do?

The VvE takes care of general maintenance of the shared spaces in the building. Using a fund that every owner contributes to, repairs and improvements are carried out.

How does the Vereniging van Eigenaren work?

Every year a General Members' Meeting is held where decisions are made about necessary repairs, improvements, and other matters that affect all building owners.

What are the splitsingsakte and splitsingsreglement?

These are documents you sign when purchasing apartment rights. They describe how the building is divided, how the VvE operates, and how the building is maintained.