Legal Speak Made Easy

“Huur gaat voor koop”

Property sellers, buyers and tenants – understand the important legal principle "Huur gaat voor koop". It gives a tenant the right to continue living in a property until the lease agreement ends, even if the property has a new owner. In other words, the property is bought and sold subject to any existing lease, and the buyer steps into the seller’s shoes as landlord. There are other considerations and some exceptions, so legal advice specific to each set of circumstances is essential but the core message remains “Assume the sale is subject to the lease”.