A bid log is an official record of all bids placed on a property during the sales process. The log lists the amount, date, and key conditions for each bid, making it possible to review how the negotiations unfolded after the fact. In the Netherlands, the bid log was introduced to bring greater transparency to buyers and sellers in the housing market.
In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about the bid log: from the reasons behind its introduction to how to request one and what you can practically do with it.
Why was the bid log introduced in the Netherlands?
The bid log was introduced to make the bidding process in property sales fairer and more transparent. Before it was introduced, there was no legal requirement to record bids, which meant buyers had no way of verifying whether their offer had been handled fairly. The log gives buyers insight into how the bidding played out once the process is complete.
The impetus for its introduction came from the overheated housing market of recent years. Buyers felt they were bidding into a black hole: they had no way of knowing whether other bids actually existed, or whether an agent was strategically withholding information. This led to distrust and complaints about the practices of selling agents.
From 2023 onwards, the bid log became mandatory for NVM agents, with other industry associations such as VastgoedPRO and Vastgoedpro following suit. The obligation falls on the selling agent, who must record all bids and make the log available to unsuccessful bidders after the sale. The goal is not only transparency, but also the prevention of unfair practices such as artificially driving up the price.
What information does a bid log contain?
A bid log includes the following key details for each bid submitted: the bid amount, the date and time the bid was placed, and the main conditions such as a financing contingency or structural survey. The personal details of other bidders are not included in order to protect their privacy.
In practice, a bid log typically contains the following elements:
- Bid amount: the exact amount each bidder offered
- Date and time: when the bid was submitted
- Conditions: such as a financing contingency, structural survey, or requested completion date
- Bid sequence number: so the order in which bids were placed is clear
What you will not find in the log are the names or contact details of other bidders. The Dutch Data Protection Authority has made clear that this information is privacy-sensitive and may not be shared. You can therefore see what others bid, but not who they were.
How do you request a bid log after a sale?
You request the bid log by contacting the selling agent after the sale has been completed. As an unsuccessful bidder, you have the right to view the log. The agent is required to provide it within a reasonable timeframe, typically within a few days of the sale being finalized.
In practice, the process works as follows:
- Wait until the sale is finalized — the log is only made available once the purchase has been completed.
- Contact the selling agent — this can be done by email or phone. State that you submitted a bid and would like to receive the bid log.
- Receive the log — the agent will send you an overview, often as a PDF or through a digital system.
If the agent refuses to provide the log or ignores your request, you can file a complaint with the industry association the agent is affiliated with, such as the NVM or VastgoedPRO. These organizations have a complaints committee that handles issues of this kind.
What may and may not an agent include in the bid log?
An agent may include all factual bid data: amounts, timestamps, and conditions. What an agent may not include is bidders’ personal information, such as names, addresses, or contact details. This is established in privacy legislation and the guidelines of the industry associations.
In addition, there are substantive rules about what does and does not belong in the log:
- Must be included: all bids submitted, including any that were subsequently withdrawn
- Must be included: the specific conditions attached to each bid
- Must not be included: internal notes or communications between the agent and seller regarding strategy
- Must not be included: names or other identifying information about bidders
An agent may also not omit bids or alter the log after the fact. The log must provide a complete and accurate picture of the bidding process. If you suspect that bids are missing or that the log has been manipulated, filing a complaint with the relevant industry association is the appropriate course of action.
Can a bid log help you place a better offer?
A bid log will not directly help you when placing a bid on an active listing, since you only gain access to the log after the fact. What it does do is teach you how bidding processes work in practice. By reviewing multiple logs, you can identify patterns in bidding behavior and develop a better understanding of how much above the asking price you need to go in order to have a realistic chance.
What you can concretely learn from a bid log:
- How many bidders were active on comparable properties in your search area
- By what percentage above the asking price the winning bidder purchased the property
- Which conditions are most common — for example, whether winning bidders more often bid without a financing contingency
- How quickly the bidding process moved and whether multiple bidding rounds took place
These kinds of insights help you put together a more realistic and competitive offer the next time you view a property. The bid log is therefore a valuable learning tool, even if it offers no guarantee of success in a future purchase.
How we support you when selling your home
At Urban Homies, we guide you from start to finish through the sale of your home. We develop a well-considered marketing strategy, carry out an accurate property valuation, and ensure professional presentation with photography and a tailored listing. But we go further than that: we also manage the bidding process, document everything transparently, and make sure you as the seller always know exactly where things stand.
What we take care of for you:
- Tailored property valuation and sales strategy
- Professional photography and property presentation
- Guidance during viewings and bidding rounds
- Transparent documentation of the bidding process
- Support through to the notary and aftercare
Want to know what your home is worth or how we approach the sales process? Get in touch with us and we will discuss the options with you, no strings attached.
