A move-in-ready studio recently sold in Almere for € 190,000. A bargain, you'd almost say. Until you hear that it buys you 31 square meters. That's roughly the size of a decent garage — except here, you're allowed to live in it.
What do you need to earn in 2026 to become the proud owner of this 'pocket-sized palace'? We did the math for you.
The math: how much salary does 31 m² cost?
To get a € 190,000 mortgage in 2026, you fortunately don't need to own a multinational. Since this year, singles get a solid boost from the banks (you can borrow € 17,000 extra as a single buyer), which makes the numbers surprisingly achievable.
The table below shows exactly what you need to earn gross to finance this apartment.
| Mortgage amount | € 190,000 |
| Required gross annual salary (single) | approx. € 41,500 |
| Estimated gross monthly salary | approx. € 3,200 (excl. holiday pay) |
| Net monthly costs (annuity) | approx. € 645 per month |
Mind the fine print: this calculation assumes you've faithfully paid off your student debt and have no phone contract or private lease car running.
What do you actually get for € 190,000 in Almere?
Let's be honest: 31 square meters sounds like sleeping in your kitchen cupboard. But this studio was genuinely move-in ready. That means you don't need DIY skills — at most, a very tight minimalist interior plan.
If we calculate the price per square meter, we're talking € 6,129 per m². For comparison: the average price per square meter in Almere in 2026 is around € 4,183. So you pay a hefty premium for 'small but beautiful'.
Frequently asked questions about buying cheap in Almere
Can I finance the buyer's costs ('kosten koper') within the mortgage? No, in 2026 you can borrow a maximum of 100% of the home's value. For the transfer tax, notary, and appraisal (the buyer's costs), you need roughly € 5,000 to € 7,000 of your own savings. Under 35? Then you're in luck and pay no transfer tax!
Is Almere still the cheapest place around Amsterdam? Almere stopped being the Randstad's cheap commuter town a long time ago. With an average sale price of € 461,000 in the first quarter of 2026, prices here keep climbing fast. But compared to Amsterdam (where this money wouldn't even buy you a broom closet), Almere remains relatively affordable.
Conclusion: is it worth it?
Earning around € 3,200 gross per month and done with noisy housemates or living with your parents? Then this Almere apartment was your golden ticket onto the housing market. You do have to love compact living, because when you stretch your arms, you'll probably touch your fridge on one side and your front door on the other. But hey: it's yours!
