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Real estate management in 2026: The manager as risk manager
This article previously appeared in the Vastgoedjournaal
One of the best things about studying for me is connecting with alumni from the MRE program at the Amsterdam School of Real Estate. In January, we had a reunion with the class of 1999-2001. It was a great opportunity to catch up and update each other on the latest developments, including real estate management, this month's theme in Vastgoedjournaal. Regulations are becoming stricter and more effectively enforced, costs and capacity are under pressure, and data requests from asset management, financiers, and tenants are becoming more frequent. Geert Janssen of MAES Notarissen distills
One of the best things about studying for me is connecting with alumni from the MRE program at the Amsterdam School of Real Estate. In January, we had a reunion with the class of 1999-2001. It was a great opportunity to catch up and update each other on the latest developments, including real estate management, this month's theme in Vastgoedjournaal. Regulations are becoming stricter and more effectively enforced, costs and capacity are under pressure, and data requests from asset management, financiers, and tenants are becoming more frequent. Geert Janssen of MAES Notarissen distills
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Hop on the bus Gus
Not all notaries are created equal. A good notary will assist you impeccably, dedicatedly, and with integrity. With your home and mortgage. Your family and relationships. Or with your business. But quality, speed, service, and price vary considerably among notaries. Our staff already knew that. Our clients know that too. They give us an average of 9 out of 10.
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MIPIM 2024
From March 12 to 15, 2024, many real estate professionals will travel to the fashionable Cannes in the South of France by scheduled flights, charter flights, or their own jets for the annual real estate fair MIPIM.
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House division: opportunities and pitfalls for real estate entrepreneurs
House division is increasingly being cited as a smart and relatively quick way to address the housing shortage. The Ministry of Housing sees significant opportunities for better utilizing the existing housing stock and states that private individuals can make a substantial contribution by dividing larger homes into multiple independent living units. This potentially creates hundreds of thousands of additional homes, often in existing neighborhoods where amenities are already available. However, in practice, house division proves to be less straightforward than it appears on paper. Anyone who delves into the legal and tax implications quickly discovers that this promising solution also harbors serious pitfalls.
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Renewed confidence and selective growth
After a period of uncertainty, waiting, and recalibration, 2026 is increasingly shaping up as a positive, yet cautious year for real estate investments and market uptake. The real estate market is demonstrating its adaptation to a new economic equilibrium. There is a growing need for structurally higher interest rates, persistent inflation, and geopolitical tensions. These factors have not disappeared, but are increasingly being factored into prices, return requirements, and investment decisions. Expectations for 2026 are therefore predominantly positive, with a clear emphasis on quality, realism, and feasibility.
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AI as a unblocker for the notary
The Dutch notarial profession is under significant pressure. The number of notarial deeds executed is reaching record highs, while the total number of notaries has been declining for years. Between 2016 and 2026, the number of notaries fell from 1,283 to around 1,181, while more than two million deeds were executed last year – a historic record. Some notaries even told the NOS news that they won't be able to schedule an appointment with a client for another five months. This combination of increased workload and fewer staff is resulting in longer waiting times, overburdening existing staff, and jeopardizing the quality of service.
The embrace of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) seems to be a godsend, especially for the notary profession. At the same time, the notary profession is one of the most values-driven legal professions, with statutory tasks that cannot be automated. Executing authentic deeds requires the intervention of a public official. The notary must personally determine whether the parties are forming their intentions freely and consciously, carefully weigh the interests involved, and assess whether a legal act is not contrary to law, public order, or morality. Furthermore, the gatekeeper role under the Wwft remains a personal responsibility, as do professional ethics and disciplinary liability. Automation can support preparation and administration, but cannot legally replace these core responsibilities. Nevertheless, AI will significantly change the notary profession in the coming years in the following five areas.
The embrace of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) seems to be a godsend, especially for the notary profession. At the same time, the notary profession is one of the most values-driven legal professions, with statutory tasks that cannot be automated. Executing authentic deeds requires the intervention of a public official. The notary must personally determine whether the parties are forming their intentions freely and consciously, carefully weigh the interests involved, and assess whether a legal act is not contrary to law, public order, or morality. Furthermore, the gatekeeper role under the Wwft remains a personal responsibility, as do professional ethics and disciplinary liability. Automation can support preparation and administration, but cannot legally replace these core responsibilities. Nevertheless, AI will significantly change the notary profession in the coming years in the following five areas.
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Solutions to get the notary's profession moving again
The notary profession is in danger of becoming stuck. Our notary, Geert Janssen, writes in this opinion piece published on Advocatie about some possible strategic solutions.
Notary offices in the Netherlands are under increasing pressure. The number of notarial deeds executed is reaching record highs, while the total number of notaries has been declining for years. Between 2016 and 2026, the number of notaries fell from 1,283 to around 1,181, while more than two million deeds were executed last year—a historic record. Some notaries told the NOS news that they won't be able to schedule an appointment with a client for another five months. This combination of more work and fewer people is resulting in longer waiting times, staff overload, and risks to the quality of service. At the same time, the complexity of deeds and the requirements of legislation and regulations, such as the reporting of unusual transactions based on anti-money laundering regulations, are increasing. To prevent the notarial profession from becoming gridlocked and access to legal certainty from being compromised, fundamental policy changes are necessary and possible.
Notary offices in the Netherlands are under increasing pressure. The number of notarial deeds executed is reaching record highs, while the total number of notaries has been declining for years. Between 2016 and 2026, the number of notaries fell from 1,283 to around 1,181, while more than two million deeds were executed last year—a historic record. Some notaries told the NOS news that they won't be able to schedule an appointment with a client for another five months. This combination of more work and fewer people is resulting in longer waiting times, staff overload, and risks to the quality of service. At the same time, the complexity of deeds and the requirements of legislation and regulations, such as the reporting of unusual transactions based on anti-money laundering regulations, are increasing. To prevent the notarial profession from becoming gridlocked and access to legal certainty from being compromised, fundamental policy changes are necessary and possible.
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You can come to us right away!
The NOS 8 o'clock news on January 11th featured a segment about the busyness of the notary profession. It stated that notaries have had a busy year and that with many, your appointment won't be for another five months. With us, however, you'll be seen immediately.
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Weak meal or haute cuisine?
Not all notaries are created equal. A good notary will assist you impeccably, dedicatedly, and with integrity. With your home and mortgage. Your family and relationships. Or with your business. But quality, speed, service, and price vary considerably among notaries. Our staff already knew that. Our clients know that too. They give us an average of 9 out of 10.
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Adjustment of rates as of January 1, 2026
We'd like to inform you of an important change to our services. Effective January 1, 2026, we will be adjusting the rates for several services. For some services, the rates will be increased, for others, they will be decreased, and for others, the rates will remain unchanged.
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Inheritances are not a law of nature - the government can intervene and thus make the housing market fairer
All the wealth that baby boomers saved over the years will end up in the hands of a generation that already has a foot in the door in the housing market.
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Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year
Wishing you joy, success, and wonderful new adventures in the year ahead, filled with love, laughter, grace and fulfilled dreams.
May your year be bright with fresh opportunities, good health, and cherished memories, as you embrace new beginnings and positive changes.
May your year be bright with fresh opportunities, good health, and cherished memories, as you embrace new beginnings and positive changes.
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Opening hours during the holidays
We will be closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, December 25th and 26th, 2025. We will be open again on Monday, December 29th, 2025.
On Tuesday, December 31, 2025, at 12:30 p.m., we will pass the last act of this year, and then we will quickly go home and bake some oliebollen for family, friends, and neighbors.
We will be closed on New Year's Day and Friday, January 2, 2026. We will be happy to serve you again in the new year starting January 5, 2026.
On Tuesday, December 31, 2025, at 12:30 p.m., we will pass the last act of this year, and then we will quickly go home and bake some oliebollen for family, friends, and neighbors.
We will be closed on New Year's Day and Friday, January 2, 2026. We will be happy to serve you again in the new year starting January 5, 2026.
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Free inheritance law information meeting on January 20, 2026
Come to the inheritance law information meeting hosted by MAES civil-law notaries on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. You'll receive free tips & tricks to help keep your assets (such as home equity) within the family and prevent them from disappearing unnecessarily into the national treasury.
Register now! Participation is on a first-come, first-served basis. It's full.
Beware. There are "fake notaries" operating in the region. They are commercially driven salespeople, like door-to-door salespeople, who cleverly try to foist useless wills and other products on often vulnerable consumers in rented rooms and at people's homes. Stay away from them. Such individuals, often not always honest, are unskilled, not subject to disciplinary law, and not subject to the strict professional and behavioral rules that apply to (real) notaries.
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Four Pitfalls in Market Analysis, Recording & Investments and How to Avoid Them
A letter from MAES Notarissen appeared on Vastgoedjournaal about four common pitfalls in market analysis, listing, and investments. The article explains which risks are often underestimated and how to cleverly avoid them. A must-read for anyone who wants to make well-informed real estate decisions.
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Who will run your business if you suddenly become incapacitated? Appoint a trustee in your living will.
As an entrepreneur, you make important decisions for your business every day. But what happens to your company if you are temporarily or permanently unable to manage your affairs due to illness or an accident? It's wise to formally appoint someone to ensure business continuity in that case.
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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.