Warning: opendir(/usr/www/users/mrnladjmtr/nkanyiso.mrnlabs.co.za/wp-content/mu-plugins): Failed to open directory: Permission denied in /usr/www/users/mrnladjmtr/nkanyiso.mrnlabs.co.za/wp-includes/load.php on line 981 Expat Real Estate Agent Netherlands – About Homes for Expats

Contact Us

Contact Us

Meet your property specialists

Homes for Expats began as a passion project, inspired by my own journey as an international relocating to the Netherlands.

I’m Cherene Kruger, a makelaar specialising in purchasing and selling homes in the Netherlands. I started this company with a simple yet heartfelt mission: to help people like me find not just a house, but a home.

I know firsthand how daunting it can be to navigate the housing market in a new country. The challenges, the uncertainty, it’s a lot to take on alone. That’s why I created Homes for Expats: to offer support, guidance, and expertise from someone who truly understands what it’s like to start fresh in a foreign place.

Read more

Cherene Kruger

Cherene Kruger moved to the Netherlands in 2014 with her husband and two children.

With a strong background in real estate and administration, Cherene brings valuable expertise from her previous work experience in property development in South Africa as well as her role as makelaar and founder of Homes for Expats in the Netherlands. Her experience with assisting people to buy, rent and sell their homes in the Netherlands has given her a profound understanding of the Dutch housing market. Known for her attention to detail, exceptional organisational skills, and client-focused approach, Cherene has built lasting relationships and a reputation for delivering results.

Cherene is a true people person, and her passion lies in helping others find a home they love. “When your work doesn’t feel like work anymore, you know you have found your passion. Being a part of people’s joy is such a privilege! Every time I help someone buy their first home, I get to set the precedent for all future property transactions, it’s truly an honour to be entrusted with something so significant.”

Property Experts

Meet Your Area Specialists

Lauren Hamilton 

Rental Specialist Het Gooi, Utrecht, Amersfoort, Almere and surrounds

Read more

Laura Mellema

Rental & Purchasing Specialist
Delft, Den Haag & Leiden

Read more

Giselle Wait

Rental Specialist Amsterdam, Haarlem, Hoofdorp & surrounds

Read more

Yvette Newton

Office Administrator & Rental Specialist


Read more

Jessica Venn

PUrchasing specialist amsterdam, haarlem, north holland

Read more

Nicky O'Brien

Rental & Purchasing Specialist Eindhoven, Den Bosch, Tilburg and surrounds

Read more

Leslie Gamble

Purchasing specialist Utrecht
and surrounds


Read more

KADY VAN DER WALT

Rental Specialist Den Haag, Delft, Leiden, Rotterdam & Surrounds


Read more

Get in touch with us and schedule a free intake meeting.

Schedule a call

Today, I’m proud to say that Homes for Expats has grown into a dedicated group of professionals. We are eight property specialists, all expats, and all women, covering most of the Netherlands. Each of us brings unique insight, experience, and a shared passion for helping others find their place here. As a group, we understand the emotional and practical challenges of moving to a new country because we’ve lived it ourselves. Together, we’re here to make the process smoother, more personal, and filled with care.

For me, this isn’t just business; it’s personal. I care deeply about the people I work with, and my commitment to honesty, integrity, and excellence drives everything I do. Helping you find a home where you feel comfortable and happy isn’t just my job, it’s my passion.

Nothing makes me happier than seeing the joy on a client’s face when we find the perfect match. That moment, when everything falls into place and a house starts to feel like home, is why I do what I do. Your trust means the world to me, and it inspires me and my colleagues to work tirelessly to make your experience seamless and rewarding.

Let us be your guides on this exciting journey. With Homes for Expats, we’re here to help you build a home and a life you’ll love in the Netherlands. Let’s make it a memorable, meaningful, and stress-free adventure, together.

Lauren Hamilton 

Rental Specialist
Het Gooi, Utrecht, Amersfoort, Almere and surrounds

In November 2020, Lauren Hamilton, along with her husband and three young sons, bravely relocated to The Netherlands, experiencing first-hand the various challenges and delights of establishing roots in an entirely new world.

With a career enriched by 14 years in client service and digital marketing, Lauren has adeptly navigated the nuanced needs of clients, creating tailored solutions and enhancing their experiences in impactful ways. Her journey has steadfastly been anchored in ensuring every client not only feels deeply valued and thoroughly heard but also attains the results they pursue.

Lauren takes great pride in consistently going the extra mile for her clients. Her guiding principles are clear and impactful: deliver outstanding service and do so with heartfelt kindness. Whether clients are seeking to settle into a new home or require advice on the property landscape in The Netherlands, Lauren is there to assist, guide, and ensure a positive experience in finding your dream home.

Laura Mellema

Rental & Purchasing Specialist
Delft, Den Haag & Leiden

I am Laura Mellema, a seasoned professional with a unique international background. Originally hailing from The Netherlands and then flourishing in the culturally diverse landscape of South Africa’s Western Cape, I embarked on a transformative journey. In 2011, I returned to my homeland as a single mother of two sons, facing the daunting challenge of adapting to a new environment. This life experience, characterized by resilience and adaptability, has enriched me with invaluable insights.

Throughout my journey, I’ve acquired a wealth of knowledge and honed exceptional socio-economic skills. This foundation has equipped me to genuinely comprehend the desires and aspirations of my clients. I firmly believe in establishing a profound personal connection with each client, understanding their distinct needs and requirements. My unwavering commitment is to ensure that every client’s unique journey in the real estate world is nothing short of extraordinary.

My mission is to guide and support my clients on their path to a new, personalized, and adventurous chapter in their lives as they search for their dream home. With my multicultural background and extensive expertise, I’m dedicated to making this transition not only seamless but also memorable, turning each transaction into a remarkable experience.

Giselle Wait

Rental Specialist
Amsterdam, Haarlem, Hoofdorp & surrounds

Originally hailing from the sunny shores of Port Elizabeth, South Africa. In 2021 I embarked on the exciting journey of relocation to the Netherlands with my husband and two daughters. It’s been quite an adventure!

Throughout my career, I’ve been deeply rooted in sales, and one thing that’s stayed with me is the unwavering belief in the power of customer service. Whether it’s ensuring a lightning-fast response or lending a helping hand whenever it’s needed, I’ve got you!

I’ve always been a go-getter, with a strong focus on service and a knack for getting things right. When in need, I’m the one you can count on to roll up my sleeves and get the job done – I’m your go-to person!

Having experienced expat life firsthand, I truly understand the pressures and the rollercoaster that comes with it. That’s why I’m passionate about making this journey easier and less stressful for you, and most importantly, helping you find a place you can truly call home.

To me, kindness and a steadfast dedication to service excellence are the secret ingredients that can transform this transition into a smooth and pleasant experience. So, let’s embark on this exciting journey together, armed with warm smiles and a helping hand to guide you every step of the way!

Yvette Newton

Office Administrator & Rental Specialist

I have gained professional experience across diverse sectors in South Africa, encompassing Research, Real Estate, IT, and Education. 

Upon relocating to The Netherlands in 2019, I dedicated my time to facilitating my family’s adaptation to the challenges inherent in immigration.

Whether I am pursuing my academic endeavours, engaging in professional work, homeschooling, managing household responsibilities for a family of six, or simply navigating the complexities of daily life, my commitment to task orientation, organisation, and effective execution remains paramount.

Within my household, a frequently heard phrase is “complete that task,” which has proven highly effective in managing our busy lives. My passion lies in assisting others, ensuring tasks are completed, and optimising overall functionality.

  •  

Jessica Venn

Area Specialist

Email me at jessica@exhs.nl.

A lawyer and lecturer from Johannesburg who relocated to the Netherlands in 2018 after first living for a short time in Dubai. Jessica studied B Com Law and LLB and after completing her articles in law, she started lecturing law to university students. In 2011 she opened up her own law firm specializing in Consumer Law and Contracts. After relocating and running her business remotely, Jessica closed her firm in 2020 and became a full-time mom to her two little boys.

 

Going from running my own law firm to being a full-time mom has been an interesting journey. Moving to a new country (twice) definitely kicked my networking skills into a higher gear! As an expat you have to learn how to make new friends, find your way around a new city, and integrate into a different culture and community. From the moment I landed in Dubai I felt the need to want to help others integrate more easily and make them feel supported even though their own family and friends were far away. Helping expats find a home is an integral part of the relocation process. Offering the best support while taking that step is exactly what I want to provide to my clients. Now here in the Netherlands at Homes for Expats I get to do exactly that! Relocating is not for the faint-hearted but it is worth it! Let me help you find your home!

Nicky O'Brien

Rental & Purchasing Specialist
Eindhoven, Den Bosch, Tilburg and surrounds

Nicky O’Brien is a dedicated educator with a deep passion for working with people. Throughout her teaching career, it became evident how crucial communication and relationships are. Building connections not only with students but also with their families elevated the teaching experience to new heights.

After approximately 15 years in teaching, Nicky made the fortunate decision to resign and spend quality time with her own children. During this period, Nicky’s family relocated from South Africa to the Netherlands.

Having lived in the Netherlands for just over a year, Nicky prioritized ensuring that her children felt settled after the move. However, there was a longing for the interactions and engagements that had been an integral part of teaching. Seeking a new direction, Nicky was fortunate to meet Cherene from Homes for Expats.

Nicky embodies attentive communication, empathetic understanding, and positivity to provide a seamless and memorable experience for each client. Having personally navigated the immigration process, Nicky is committed to ensuring that customers are supported and guided every step of the way.

    •  

Leslie Gamble

Purchasing specialist Utrecht and surrounds

 

Meet Leslie Gamble, our Homes for Expats purchasing area specialist for Utrecht.

Leslie relocated to the Netherlands from the United States in June 2025 with her husband, their two children, and their two dogs. She knows exactly what it feels like to move your whole life across borders and start again in a new country.

Before moving to the Netherlands, Leslie spent ten years working as a Realtor and Property Manager in Nevada. That background means she understands the buying process deeply, while also knowing how different and sometimes overwhelming it can feel when you are purchasing as an expat in the Dutch housing market.

Living in Utrecht herself, Leslie stays closely connected to the local market and works with fellow professionals to ensure her clients always receive current, accurate information. She understands the importance of clarity, honesty, and guidance you can rely on when making such a big decision.

Leslie is passionate about helping expats feel supported and confident from the very first conversation through to the moment they receive the keys. For her, it is about more than buying a house. It is about helping people find a place where they can truly feel at home.

At Homes for Expats, every story, every client, every move matters to us.

KADY VAN DER WALT
Rental Specialist
Den Haag, Delft, Leiden, Rotterdam & Surrounds

Originally from Cape Town, Kady relocated to the Netherlands to begin a new chapter with her Dutch partner. 

Through her own relocation journey and close connection to local life, she offers clients both an expat’s perspective and a grounded understanding of the Dutch way of living.

With a background in corporate sales and key account management, Kady focuses on understanding her clients’ needs, building trust, and delivering tailored solutions with care and precision.

“I want my clients to feel confident, comfortable, and completely at ease knowing they are in capable hands. Whether you’re searching for your first home in the Netherlands or starting your next chapter, I’m here to guide you every step of the way—making the process not only efficient, but truly enjoyable.”