Our take, at a glance
Search yourself if you have the time, a workable application and the confidence to manage the process. Consider hiring a relocator when you want active help, local contacts and support through the steps between finding a listing and receiving the keys. Confirm what each provider includes.
Written by YEB. We explain our strengths and where another option may fit better.
The practical comparison
| What matters | Hiring a relocator | Searching yourself |
|---|---|---|
| What you get | A personal service running an agreed rental search. | Platforms to discover advertised homes and contact the listing agent. |
| Sources of homes | Public opportunities and, depending on the provider, a local or off-market network. | Properties advertised on the platforms. |
| Viewings and applications | Agreed help coordinating viewings, preparing documents and making proposals. | You coordinate these with the property’s contact person. |
| Costs | An agreed service fee; request a quote and confirm what is included. | A self-managed search avoids commissioning a search agent; optional platform services may cost extra. |
A listing is a starting point
Funda and Pararius publish rental listings. They help you discover homes, compare what is being offered and contact agents. Those functions are valuable whether or not you hire a search specialist.
The remaining work is yours in a self-managed search: deciding what fits, following up, arranging viewings, preparing the application, discussing the contract and organising handover. The agent advertising a home is not automatically commissioned to search for other homes on your behalf.
When searching yourself is the sensible choice
You may not need paid search help if you already understand the area, can attend viewings, can respond during the day and feel comfortable handling the documents and communication. Keep a clear record of the homes you contact and the next action for each one.
If the search stalls, first review the brief. A different area, start date or housing requirement may matter more than changing tools. No agency can remove the limits of the available supply or guarantee a landlord’s decision.
What a relocator can add to the search
Services vary by provider. At YEB, our off-market network adds another route to opportunities. We also help prepare your application, arrange viewings, discuss proposals and explain the lease. When you are abroad, video viewings can make the practical side of searching easier.
YEB is an official Pararius partner according to our public website. That is entirely compatible with using Pararius as a search source. Our value is the work and relationships around the search, not a claim that public platforms are ineffective.
Off-market opportunities depend on availability and suitability. A network broadens the search; it cannot guarantee a property, a lower rent or acceptance by a landlord.
Compare the full quote, not just the headline fee
Our individual search fee depends on the assignment and is discussed in the free consultation. Compare written quotes for the same city, household and level of help. A broader relocation package and a housing-only search are different purchases.
Ask what is included, whether VAT is included, when payment is due, what happens if the search stops, and which costs belong to third parties. Also confirm how many viewings are covered, who attends them, and whether help continues after you receive the keys. The useful comparison is the total cost of the help you will actually use.
How your search works with us
From the first consultation to key handover, your team guides you through each stage of your home search.
Agree your search requirements
We discuss your budget, preferred locations, moving date and housing needs. We set up a WhatsApp group with your team for daily communication, questions and updates.
Review matches in your client portal
We send suitable homes to your client portal, including off-market opportunities when available. Indicate which properties you like, and we request viewings on your behalf.
Attend a viewing with us or remotely
Choose whether to attend the viewing with us or follow remotely. If you cannot be there, we record videos or arrange a FaceTime call to help you assess the property.
Discuss your proposal strategy
If you would like to proceed, we discuss the proposal strategy together and help prepare your application. The landlord makes the final decision.
Settle into your new city
We explain the lease, support key handover and offer practical guidance on your new city. Our support continues with aftercare as you settle in, including local recommendations for a good stroopwafel.
For partners and HR teams, too
We also have a partner portal and a portal for HR teams. Ask us for a walkthrough to see how they fit your move or your employees’ housing searches.
Ask for a portal walkthroughCommon questions
Can I find a home without paying an agency?
Yes, a self-managed search is an option. Whether it is the right option depends on your time, application, location and housing brief. Paid assistance does not guarantee a result.
Does YEB only look at off-market homes?
No. Public listings and network opportunities can both be part of the search. Suitability matters more than where a property was first found.
Is Pararius a competitor or a partner?
It is a listing platform and an official YEB partner according to our site. Here we compare searching independently with engaging a personal search service.
When is searching yourself a practical choice?
It can suit you if you know the area, can respond to listings during the day, can attend viewings and are comfortable managing documents and communication. Keep track of applications and follow-up tasks so opportunities do not get missed.
Does the agent advertising a property search for other homes for me?
A listing contact handles enquiries about that property. Do not assume that this includes a separate search for other homes on your behalf. Ask what service is being offered and who will carry out the tasks you need.
What work can a relocator take over?
Depending on the agreement, a relocator can help find suitable homes, prepare documents, coordinate viewings and support proposals and handover. At YEB, we also explain the lease and provide practical aftercare. Confirm the scope in your quote.
What should I change if my self-managed search is not progressing?
Review your preferred areas, timing, requirements and application before adding more tools or services. Consider which tasks are causing difficulty, then discuss whether local support would help with those specific tasks.
Sources & approach
We reviewed the providers’ public service pages. This is a YEB-authored comparison, not an independent market-share ranking or a mystery-shopping test. Where a service is not clearly described, we ask you to confirm it rather than label it unavailable.
YEB’s figure of 1,400 expats helped is company-reported as of September 2026. Service details and statistics were reviewed on 15 September 2026; source years are stated where relevant.
- Funda: homes to rent and buy
- Pararius: public rental listings and expat information
- Your Expat Butler: housing search, viewings and aftercare
- Your Expat Butler: off-market expertise
- Your Expat Butler: our approach and platform partnerships
