What is a parcel report?
A parcel report is a summary of all officially registered information about a cadastral plot in the Netherlands. It combines data from multiple government registries — the Kadaster (land registry), the Basisregistratie Adressen en Gebouwen (BAG, addresses and buildings), the Basisregistratie Topografie (BGT, large-scale topography) and the Actueel Hoogtebestand Nederland (AHN, elevation data) — and presents it in one readable document.
It is not a legal document and not an official Kadaster extract, but it gives buyers, owners and advisers a sharp picture of the situation before engaging a notary, architect or contractor.
What is typically in a parcel report?
1. Parcel identity
The report starts with the basic data: the official parcel number (e.g. ASD09-M-4151), the cadastral section, the municipality, the registered area in m² and the coordinates. These are the same data found in an official Kadaster extract.
2. Aerial photo with cadastral boundaries
A current aerial photo of the plot with the official parcel boundary overlaid. This immediately shows what the plot looks like in reality and where the legal boundary runs — including relative to neighbouring plots, fences or buildings.
3. Topographic breakdown
Based on BGT data: which objects are on the plot? Buildings, paving, unpaved yard, vegetated areas, waterways. This gives insight into the actual building situation and the presence of outbuildings.
4. Building setback distances
A dimensioned drawing showing the distance from each façade to the nearest plot boundary — calculated from officially registered building outlines. Essential for anyone wanting to know how much space there is for permit-free extensions.
5. Build envelope
An indicative calculation of the maximum permit-free build area in the rear yard, based on the national scale from the Bbl (art. 22.36). Including existing outbuildings already on the plot.
6. Terrain elevation profile
Based on AHN data: the ground level in metres above sea level (NAP). Relevant for drainage, flood risk and foundation type. A plot far below NAP (such as in a polder) requires different foundation choices from a plot on a dune ridge.
7. Soil and foundation
An indication of the soil type (clay, peat, sand) based on the BRO soil map, combined with the construction year to determine the likely foundation type. Including pile rot risk and drainage level.
8. Market information
The WOZ value per year, the last registered sale transaction and market value development per municipality — based on CBS transaction data.
9. Protected zones
Is the plot in or near a Natura 2000 area? Is there a drinking water protection zone? Protected townscape? National monument? An overview of all relevant protection regimes that may affect building plans.
What is the difference from an official Kadaster extract?
An official Kadaster extract shows only the ownership information: who is the owner, what is the parcel number and area, and are there any rights in rem (mortgage, leasehold) registered? That document has legal status and typically costs €13–€25 from the Kadaster itself.
A parcel report like PlotSense's adds the contextual information: the aerial photo, the topography, the setback distances, the soil. It is broader and more practical, but lacks the legal status of an official extract.
Who is it useful for?
- Home buyers who want to know what they are buying before the viewing
- Owners planning an extension or outbuilding
- Estate agents who want to quickly substantiate a plot in a presentation
- Architects who need the factual situation for the first consultation
How do I order a parcel report?
Enter your address on the PlotSense homepage. Address lookup is free and immediately shows your plot on the map. The full Parcel Report (€25) is available after payment and immediately downloadable. For the full build possibilities analysis including the zoning plan: the Build Options Report (€65). For more on how accurate cadastral dimensions are, read Kadaster maten perceel: how accurate are the official dimensions?.