MAES notaries accelerate residential construction as a facilitating link in the real estate chain
MAES Notarissen is a well-known name in the Dutch real estate market. The firm specializes in real estate and project development. Notary Mr. GHHJ (Geert) Janssen, MRE MBA, is seeing a growing number of real estate clients approach the firm early on due to its proven track record and can-do attitude.
" For our clients, we accelerate the development and implementation phases and control costs. We offer peace of mind, reliability, and security. We welcome our clients at our office, but we can also meet them by appointment at our business hubs in the NoMA House in Amsterdam's Zuidas district, the WTC Rotterdam, or the WTC The Hague. We are mobile and flexible. We are happy to visit clients on request, by invitation and in consultation."
With decades of experience, we oversee the real estate cycle like no other. From initiative and design, to realization and operational phase. We understand the interests of all stakeholders. We guide them all: investors, developers, end users, asset managers, construction companies, financiers, and other advisors. We know the players and the actors. I'm not only a lawyer, but also a real estate and investment expert and an enterprising business expert. An analytical mind. A business partner, trusted advisor, team player, and problem solver. I've been named a leading individual by Legal500, Chambers & Partners, and PropertyNL. For what it's worth.
MAES civil-law notaries advise, draft, and execute documents. "Our approach is characterized by a holistic approach; we don't look at the client's interests from just one single discipline, but take a multidisciplinary approach. We connect issues in finance, corporate law, and real estate. That keeps us awake at night. And our clients sleep better because of it. After all, not all civil-law notaries are created equal," says Janssen.
We are distinctive in our approach. Not as a goal, but as a result. We counter all shades of gray with color. We show who we are and what we stand for. With our energy, our vision, and our dedication. We are visible. Entrepreneurial. Social. We go out into the world. We take responsibility, including social responsibility. We are innovators. Not followers. We are motivated to be the most client-focused notary office in the Randstad. We want our clients to be proud of the personal relationship we have with them. And euphoric about what we offer them professionally. But above all, we want them to enjoy being with us. We want them to be able to laugh together. And sometimes even a little at themselves.
The civil and tax aspects can make or break a real estate project or transaction, he says. "We first thoroughly review the facts with the client and then develop structures that can save a developer hundreds of thousands of dollars. We organize all the documentation, protect the parties from pitfalls, bring them together, and accelerate or slow down as needed. The final step of every project is indeed a deed. But involving us early in the process can increase your returns and avoid many difficulties."
MAES Civil-Law Notaries often acts for developers long before the ground is broken, he explains. "For example, for the developer Van Omme en De Groot, we were very ingenious in securing building rights for solar panels in Rotterdam's Heijplaat district, enabling the construction of the first net-zero energy homes in the Netherlands. MAES Civil-Law Notaries is a dedicated and facilitating partner in alleviating the housing shortage. In Vlaardingen, we have facilitated projects such as Timpaan's Heemtuinen project and Dura Vermeer's Nieuwe Vogelbuurt neighborhood. We are also involved in the Rivierzone area development for another developer."
Untrustworthy government
However, notaries can't revitalize the housing market, Janssen concludes. "Unfortunately, projects are hopelessly frustrated by endless and complicated procedures, nitrogen pollution, fanatical, opportunistic objectors, grid congestion, the Affordable Rent Act, a tight labor market, and a central government that formulates fickle policies. The freeze on social housing, presented to electoral voters as a shopping bonus and thus torpedoing initiatives by housing corporations and developers, is a sad example of this. Market players dislike uncertainty. They prefer a clear, unpleasant policy to a visionless, wavering one. The whole of the Netherlands is suffering, especially now that the number of single-person households is increasing and the population is aging. I even hear about married children having to live in their parents' attics. But in our role, we will continue to do everything we can to keep the market moving."
Personal questions to Geert Janssen, notary at MAES notaries
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING WE NEED IN THE HOUSING MARKET NOW?
Consistent policies, pragmatism and better regulation.
SHOULD CONTROL BE RETURNED TO THE GOVERNMENT OR SHOULD IT BE KEPT LOCAL?
Local.
HOW DO WE KEEP HOUSING AFFORDABLE?
Building, and reducing tax on box 3.
WHAT CONTRIBUTION DO YOU WANT TO MAKE?
Provide notarial support to all actors involved in development and realisation.
WHICH FACTORS ARE IMPORTANT FOR THE LIVING ENVIRONMENTS OF THE FUTURE:
Size of the homes, accessibility and the level of amenities in the area.
WHAT DOES SUSTAINABILITY MEAN TO YOU:
Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
HOW CAN THE MARKET HELP TO TACKLE THE PROBLEMS IN THE HOUSING MARKET?
Build, build, build.
REDEVELOPMENT OR NEW CONSTRUCTION:
Both.
WHERE ARE THE MOST OPPORTUNITIES, IN THE CITY OR IN THE RURAL AREA?
At locations that are not too far from major cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht, but still easily accessible.
HOW CAN YOU CONTINUE TO BUILD ATTRACTIVE HOMES IN THIS MARKET?
By putting together a good construction team with an excellent architect.
DO WE FOCUS ON STANDARDIZATION OR DO WE CONTINUE TO PROVIDE CUSTOMIZED PRODUCTS?
That depends on the target group – whether it concerns social housing or the free market.
HOW DO WE RESPOND TO TRENDS SUCH AS SHARED FACILITIES?
Looking at what works well elsewhere – abroad.
HOW CAN THE RESIDENTIAL BLOCKS OF THE FUTURE CONTRIBUTE TO A VIBRANT ENVIRONMENT WHERE MEETINGS ARE POSSIBLE?
Through good urban planning.
WHAT LIFE LESSON HAVE YOU LEARNED AND FROM WHOM?
“Don't count the days. Make the days count.” –Muhammad Ali.
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO GIVE TO PEOPLE:
Be good to each other.
WHAT WAS A DEFINING MOMENT IN YOUR LIFE?
The birth of my three daughters.
WHICH VALUES DO YOU WANT TO RADIATE?
Impeccable, dedicated, honest.
WHAT MAKES YOU CURIOUS:
Change.
WHAT GETS YOU OUT OF BED IN THE MORNING:
New round, new opportunities.
HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH CHALLENGES:
Persistent.
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU:
Happiness in life.
WHAT IS YOUR DEEPEST DRIVING FORCE:
An insecure overachiever.
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO CONTRIBUTE?
A better world.
WHERE DO YOU MEET WITH FRIENDS?
Restaurants.
WHERE DO YOU RELAX:
At home.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE SPOT TO GET OUT OF THE WIND?
Dune area Meijendel.
HOW DO YOU COME TO YOURSELF AFTER A BUSY WORK WEEK?
Golf, cycling, good company.
HOW MANY HOURS DO YOU EXERCISE PER WEEK?
Three o'clock.
HOW DO YOU REMAIN TRUE TO YOURSELF?
By guarding my values.
HOW TO DEAL WITH ANNOYANCES:
Varies – fight or flight.
HOW DO YOU GET THINGS MOVING?
By showing leadership. Lead by example.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO DO AGAIN?
Sitting together with loved ones who have passed away.
WHICH CITY WOULD YOU LIKE TO LIVE IN?
The Hague.
WHICH BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
Travel Guide: Lonely Planet | Japan
This article previously appeared on VG Visie: https://vgvisie.nl/2025/05/26/maes-notarissen-versnelt-als-faciliterende-schakel-in-vastgoedketen-de-woningbouw/
" For our clients, we accelerate the development and implementation phases and control costs. We offer peace of mind, reliability, and security. We welcome our clients at our office, but we can also meet them by appointment at our business hubs in the NoMA House in Amsterdam's Zuidas district, the WTC Rotterdam, or the WTC The Hague. We are mobile and flexible. We are happy to visit clients on request, by invitation and in consultation."
With decades of experience, we oversee the real estate cycle like no other. From initiative and design, to realization and operational phase. We understand the interests of all stakeholders. We guide them all: investors, developers, end users, asset managers, construction companies, financiers, and other advisors. We know the players and the actors. I'm not only a lawyer, but also a real estate and investment expert and an enterprising business expert. An analytical mind. A business partner, trusted advisor, team player, and problem solver. I've been named a leading individual by Legal500, Chambers & Partners, and PropertyNL. For what it's worth.
Innovative
MAES civil-law notaries advise, draft, and execute documents. "Our approach is characterized by a holistic approach; we don't look at the client's interests from just one single discipline, but take a multidisciplinary approach. We connect issues in finance, corporate law, and real estate. That keeps us awake at night. And our clients sleep better because of it. After all, not all civil-law notaries are created equal," says Janssen.We are distinctive in our approach. Not as a goal, but as a result. We counter all shades of gray with color. We show who we are and what we stand for. With our energy, our vision, and our dedication. We are visible. Entrepreneurial. Social. We go out into the world. We take responsibility, including social responsibility. We are innovators. Not followers. We are motivated to be the most client-focused notary office in the Randstad. We want our clients to be proud of the personal relationship we have with them. And euphoric about what we offer them professionally. But above all, we want them to enjoy being with us. We want them to be able to laugh together. And sometimes even a little at themselves.
Native gardens
The civil and tax aspects can make or break a real estate project or transaction, he says. "We first thoroughly review the facts with the client and then develop structures that can save a developer hundreds of thousands of dollars. We organize all the documentation, protect the parties from pitfalls, bring them together, and accelerate or slow down as needed. The final step of every project is indeed a deed. But involving us early in the process can increase your returns and avoid many difficulties."MAES Civil-Law Notaries often acts for developers long before the ground is broken, he explains. "For example, for the developer Van Omme en De Groot, we were very ingenious in securing building rights for solar panels in Rotterdam's Heijplaat district, enabling the construction of the first net-zero energy homes in the Netherlands. MAES Civil-Law Notaries is a dedicated and facilitating partner in alleviating the housing shortage. In Vlaardingen, we have facilitated projects such as Timpaan's Heemtuinen project and Dura Vermeer's Nieuwe Vogelbuurt neighborhood. We are also involved in the Rivierzone area development for another developer."
Untrustworthy government
However, notaries can't revitalize the housing market, Janssen concludes. "Unfortunately, projects are hopelessly frustrated by endless and complicated procedures, nitrogen pollution, fanatical, opportunistic objectors, grid congestion, the Affordable Rent Act, a tight labor market, and a central government that formulates fickle policies. The freeze on social housing, presented to electoral voters as a shopping bonus and thus torpedoing initiatives by housing corporations and developers, is a sad example of this. Market players dislike uncertainty. They prefer a clear, unpleasant policy to a visionless, wavering one. The whole of the Netherlands is suffering, especially now that the number of single-person households is increasing and the population is aging. I even hear about married children having to live in their parents' attics. But in our role, we will continue to do everything we can to keep the market moving."
Personal questions
Personal questions to Geert Janssen, notary at MAES notariesWHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING WE NEED IN THE HOUSING MARKET NOW?
Consistent policies, pragmatism and better regulation.
SHOULD CONTROL BE RETURNED TO THE GOVERNMENT OR SHOULD IT BE KEPT LOCAL?
Local.
HOW DO WE KEEP HOUSING AFFORDABLE?
Building, and reducing tax on box 3.
WHAT CONTRIBUTION DO YOU WANT TO MAKE?
Provide notarial support to all actors involved in development and realisation.
WHICH FACTORS ARE IMPORTANT FOR THE LIVING ENVIRONMENTS OF THE FUTURE:
Size of the homes, accessibility and the level of amenities in the area.
WHAT DOES SUSTAINABILITY MEAN TO YOU:
Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
HOW CAN THE MARKET HELP TO TACKLE THE PROBLEMS IN THE HOUSING MARKET?
Build, build, build.
REDEVELOPMENT OR NEW CONSTRUCTION:
Both.
WHERE ARE THE MOST OPPORTUNITIES, IN THE CITY OR IN THE RURAL AREA?
At locations that are not too far from major cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht, but still easily accessible.
HOW CAN YOU CONTINUE TO BUILD ATTRACTIVE HOMES IN THIS MARKET?
By putting together a good construction team with an excellent architect.
DO WE FOCUS ON STANDARDIZATION OR DO WE CONTINUE TO PROVIDE CUSTOMIZED PRODUCTS?
That depends on the target group – whether it concerns social housing or the free market.
HOW DO WE RESPOND TO TRENDS SUCH AS SHARED FACILITIES?
Looking at what works well elsewhere – abroad.
HOW CAN THE RESIDENTIAL BLOCKS OF THE FUTURE CONTRIBUTE TO A VIBRANT ENVIRONMENT WHERE MEETINGS ARE POSSIBLE?
Through good urban planning.
WHAT LIFE LESSON HAVE YOU LEARNED AND FROM WHOM?
“Don't count the days. Make the days count.” –Muhammad Ali.
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO GIVE TO PEOPLE:
Be good to each other.
WHAT WAS A DEFINING MOMENT IN YOUR LIFE?
The birth of my three daughters.
WHICH VALUES DO YOU WANT TO RADIATE?
Impeccable, dedicated, honest.
WHAT MAKES YOU CURIOUS:
Change.
WHAT GETS YOU OUT OF BED IN THE MORNING:
New round, new opportunities.
HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH CHALLENGES:
Persistent.
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU:
Happiness in life.
WHAT IS YOUR DEEPEST DRIVING FORCE:
An insecure overachiever.
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO CONTRIBUTE?
A better world.
WHERE DO YOU MEET WITH FRIENDS?
Restaurants.
WHERE DO YOU RELAX:
At home.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE SPOT TO GET OUT OF THE WIND?
Dune area Meijendel.
HOW DO YOU COME TO YOURSELF AFTER A BUSY WORK WEEK?
Golf, cycling, good company.
HOW MANY HOURS DO YOU EXERCISE PER WEEK?
Three o'clock.
HOW DO YOU REMAIN TRUE TO YOURSELF?
By guarding my values.
HOW TO DEAL WITH ANNOYANCES:
Varies – fight or flight.
HOW DO YOU GET THINGS MOVING?
By showing leadership. Lead by example.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO DO AGAIN?
Sitting together with loved ones who have passed away.
WHICH CITY WOULD YOU LIKE TO LIVE IN?
The Hague.
WHICH BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
Travel Guide: Lonely Planet | Japan
This article previously appeared on VG Visie: https://vgvisie.nl/2025/05/26/maes-notarissen-versnelt-als-faciliterende-schakel-in-vastgoedketen-de-woningbouw/
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Why MAES notaries
We guide our clients through the moments that truly matter in life. Whether for business or pleasure. We offer peace of mind, reliability, and security. Impeccable, dedicated, and honest.
Corporate Social Responsibility
We recognize the responsibility we bear for our stakeholders: our customers, our employees, suppliers, the government, and the society we are part of. This applies to both our professional and social spheres. Our social responsibility focuses on three themes: governance , a sustainable living environment, and social engagement. We hope to make an impact through these initiatives.