Additional costs when buying a house in the Netherlands

When you decide to purchase a home, additional costs when buying a house in the Netherlands are an important factor to consider. While buying a home is an exciting milestone, it involves more than just the property’s price. These additional expenses can accumulate quickly, and understanding them upfront is key to budgeting effectively and avoiding unexpected financial surprises. In this blog post, we’ll explore the most common additional costs when buying a house in the Netherlands that you may face.

Transfer tax

A key additional cost when buying a house in the Netherlands is the transfer tax, or “overdrachtsbelasting”. This tax is calculated at a rate of 2% of the purchase price, but there’s a temporary exemption for first-time buyers, provided they meet specific conditions. The exemption only applies if the property will be used as the buyer’s primary residence.

Property valuation

Before securing a mortgage in the Netherlands, most lenders require a property valuation. This process determines the current market value of the house to ensure the loan amount aligns with the property’s worth. A property valuation typically costs between €750 and €1.000, depending on the property’s size and complexity.

Technical inspection (optional)

A technical inspection or “bouwkundige keuring” is not mandatory but highly recommended to assess the structural condition of the property. A certified inspector will identify potential defects or maintenance issues that may not be immediately visible. The cost of a technical inspection generally ranges from €300 to €600, depending on the property.

Mortgage advice

Obtaining mortgage advice is crucial when buying a home. A mortgage advisor or broker helps you navigate the mortgage market and choose the best mortgage for your situation. The cost for this service can vary, but at Kamp & Vulhop, we offer an all-inclusive service for €2.950, which covers mortgage advice and house-buying assistance.

Notary fees

In the Netherlands, a notary is required for property transactions. The notary ensures the proper legal transfer of ownership, registers the property, and handles various legal formalities. Notary fees typically amount to around €1.750.

Real estate agent (optional)

You may choose to work with a real estate agent or “makelaar” to help you find the perfect home, negotiate the price, and manage the paperwork. The cost for a real estate agent usually ranges around 1% of the purchase price, though this fee can vary depending on the services provided.

Bank guarantee (optional)

When buying a house, you’re generally required to deposit 10% of the purchase price as a security deposit. This can either be done directly with the notary or via a bank guarantee. If you opt for a bank guarantee, the cost is typically around 1% of the deposit amount. For example, if you’re purchasing a house for €400.000, the deposit is €40.000, and the bank guarantee cost would be €400.

National Mortgage Guarantee (optional)

For homes costing €450.000 (2025) or less, you may choose to finance your property under the National Mortgage Guarantee (NHG). This provides a safety net in case you’re unable to pay your mortgage due to unforeseen circumstances. The NHG fee is 0,4% (2025) of the mortgage amount, offering peace of mind should things go wrong.

Tax-deductible expenses

Some additional costs when buying a house in the Netherlands are tax-deductible, particularly those related to financing the property. Expenses that qualify for tax deduction include appraisal fees, mortgage advisory fees, National Mortgage Guarantee fees, and mortgage deed fees at the notary.

By being aware of these additional costs when buying a house in the Netherlands, you can plan your budget more effectively and avoid any surprises during the buying process.