About

Expertise in real estate development and project management

Real estate and construction have always been my greatest passions,” says Michael van Zanten of Van Zanten Real Estate Development & Consulting. “My interest lies in entrepreneurship and creating something of value that shapes our living environment.” Technology and collaborating with driven people also ensure that I approach my work in this sector with enthusiasm every day. Early in my life, I decided to combine a technical education with business administration, a choice that quickly led me to an unexpected start at a financial institution.

My career began at Heijmans, after which I joined the Rabobank organization. Over the course of 23 years, I have worked at various group subsidiaries, including DLL Real Estate Finance, FGH Bank, Rabo Real Estate Finance, SmartBuilds, and Boeren, Wonen & Natuur.

During this time, I worked on a variety of projects, ranging from residential to commercial construction, including neighborhood developments, renovations, redevelopment projects, and building conversions. Each project presented unique challenges, and I was involved from the initial sketch through to the final result.

My experiences at SmartBuilds and Boeren, Wonen & Natuur have given me insight into the dynamics and challenges of startups. It was a privilege to be part of the early stages of these new companies, and it also inspired me to launch my own business.

From the very beginning, I have been committed to making our built environment more sustainable. Around 2005, I initiated the first discussions on the meaning of sustainability within the sector, together with major contractors, developers, and RVO (formerly SenterNovem). Years later, I developed a sustainability tool for clients. From 2010 to 2025, I served on the NEPROM Sustainability Committee. My approach has always been pragmatic: sustainability must both support a strong business case and contribute to a better environment. I successfully put these principles into practice in projects such as Texelwende, a modular construction initiative.

I had been nurturing the idea of starting my own business for quite some time. With the launch of VZVA (Van Zanten Real Estate Development & Consulting) on May 1, 2026, this dream is finally coming true.

VZVA is committed to quality and reliability, with a clear focus on realizing successful and future-proof real estate projects. Our mission is to combine in-depth knowledge with personal involvement to achieve valuable results.

I look forward to making new connections and contributing to great projects, big or small!