Housing
As well as housing all UK Service personnel posted to JFC HQ Brunssum, the UKDSU Property Management Office is responsible for the allocation of housing for virtually all personnel based in the Netherlands; we also house an officer in Belgium and provide accommodation for those posted to JHQ NORTHEAST in Denmark.
British families live in Dutch houses which are locally leased and spread throughout the local area (Floor Pans). Most of these houses have open plan layouts and often include very steep staircases. All houses are built in accordance with local Dutch Building Regulations and several points should be noted about Dutch properties.
1. As most of the houses have very steep staircases you should advise your removal company to arrange for a hoist to be available at move in and move out. Additionally, the supply of Child safety gates is no longer a responsibility of the Service supply system and therefore parents of young children should make their own arrangements
2. The majority of Dutch houses have large open plan living areas downstairs and the bedrooms may well be smaller than homes in the UK. They also lack adequate built-in storage space and so wardrobes should be requested on your Married Quarter Application if you do not have your own.
3. You should also remember that you will be living within the Dutch community and will need to respect their local customs and traditions.
4. Properties are normally furnished to UK scales, they have fitted carpets, curtains, central heating and cookers.
On receiving your posting notice, please contact the Property Management Office on 0031 45 526 3011 as soon as possible to let them know your housing needs. You will of course have to submit the relevant documentation, but a quick telephone call to let us know you are coming is always helpful.
If you have not served abroad before, the following additional points may be of interest:
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Continental (2 pin) electrical plugs are required, available from most local electrical dealers. A travel adapter is a temporary, but very expensive, solution in comparison.
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All houses are connected to a Dutch Cable TV network (at no charge !) but you will need a multi-system TV/Video. This service picks up BBC1, BBC2, CNN, Discovery + over 20 Dutch Channels. Many Dutch programmes/films are imported and use subtitles, therefore there are often many other viewing choices if you are prepared to "channel hop". Should you wish to consider Satelite television, you are reminded that you must first seek permission of the landlord through the Prom office before siting your dish.
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Screw-in style light bulbs are used locally, although 100 watt bayonet-fitting bulbs are available from Supply if required, as they are not available in the Netherlands.
Personnel wishing to bring their pets are to apply in writing, as some landlords do not allow animals in their properties. It is important that the Property Management Office is aware of your requirement as early as possible, to enable the staff to find suitable accommodation to meet your requirements.
A number of floorplans are listed below under lettered headings. Please ask the Housing office when allocated your house, which letter corresponds to your house. This is to ensure total security of the accomdation addresses. |
