Buying a house in the Netherlands

Buying a house in the Netherlands is an exciting journey and a significant milestone for many. If you’re considering buying a house in the Netherlands, it’s important to understand the process and know what to expect. With its stable economy and high quality of life, the Netherlands offers a great environment for both living and investing in property. Whether you’re looking to move to a vibrant city or settle in a quiet suburb, owning a home here can be a smart financial decision.

Why you should consider buying a house in the Netherlands

While renting is an option, buying a house in the Netherlands presents many advantages. For one, the average home prices have shown an upward trend, making it a favorable time to invest. Even though mortgage rates have risen slightly this year, they remain far below the historically high rates of the 1980s. During that time, mortgage interest rates were as high as 12%, but now the rates are much more manageable.

Another compelling reason to buy is the tax benefits. The interest you pay on your mortgage is tax-deductible, providing a significant financial advantage over renting. Additionally, paying off your mortgage is an investment in capital creation, helping you build equity over time.

If you plan on moving away from the Netherlands in the future, buying a house can still be beneficial. You can rent out the property and generate income, making it an attractive option for those considering long-term investments. Plus, as a homeowner, you have the freedom to furnish and renovate your home as you please, something that renters often can’t do without restrictions.

Moreover, owning a house gives you the opportunity to make your property more energy-efficient. Sustainable upgrades can help you save on energy costs, which is an increasing concern for many homeowners.

The steps to take when buying a house in the Netherlands

With our expert guidance, buying a house in the Netherlands is straightforward and manageable. Here’s what you can expect:

Step 1: Explore your mortgage options

Start by scheduling a free consultation with one of our mortgage consultants. This meeting will help us understand your goals and budget for buying a house. We’ll assess your financial situation and determine the amount you can afford to spend on a property.

Step 2: House hunting

Once you know your budget, it’s time to start house hunting. Websites like www.funda.nl list most properties for sale in the Netherlands, making it easier for you to explore the market. Once you find a house you’re interested in, we can arrange a viewing for you.

Step 3: Making an offer

After you’ve found the perfect home, it’s time to make an offer. We’ll assist you with this process, ensuring that your offer stands out among the competition.

Step 4: Signing the purchase contract

If your offer is accepted, a purchase contract will be drafted. We’ll explain all the terms of the contract and address any questions you may have. We also have a network of trusted home inspectors who can perform an inspection to ensure the property is in good condition.

Step 5: Home valuation and mortgage advice

To make sure you don’t borrow more than the house is worth, a home appraisal is necessary. We’ll arrange for the house to be appraised by a professional, and we’ll guide you through the mortgage application process.

Step 6: Mortgage assessment

Once you’ve submitted all the required documents, our team will assess your mortgage application. This typically takes between 3 to 10 working days.

Step 7: Notary appointment

Once your mortgage has been approved, it’s time to finalize the purchase at the notary’s office. You’ll sign the mortgage and title deeds, and the seller will hand over the keys to your new home. When you arrange your mortgage through our office, we can recommend a notary for you, at no extra cost. We’ll be there with you during the appointment to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Additional costs when buying a house in the Netherlands

When buying a house in the Netherlands, you’ll encounter additional costs beyond the property price. These are some of the key expenses:

Transfer tax: This is typically 2% of the purchase price, but first-time buyers under 35 years of age can avoid the tax for homes worth up to €440,000.
Notary fees: Expect to pay between €1.500 and €2.000 for notary services.
Home valuation: This is required for your mortgage application and costs between €500 and €1.000.
Building inspection: Optional but recommended, typically costing between €300 and €500.
Mortgage advice: Our expert mortgage services cost €2.950.
National Mortgage Guarantee (NHG): Available for homes under €450.000 (2025), NHG costs 0,4% (2025) of the loan amount and provides added security.

Our clients choose us for:

Customized and all-inclusive assistance
We understand that every expat’s situation is unique, that’s why we offer a tailored and comprehensive assistance that addresses all your needs from the beginning to the end.
Full-service support
Whether you need help getting familiar with the process or assistance at the notary, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Efficient communication with expat-friendly banks
We have established relationships with banks that understand the needs of expats and are committed to providing exceptional service.
Flexible scheduling
We understand that expats have busy schedules, that’s why we offer flexible office hours to accommodate your needs.
Transparent and fair pricing
We believe in being upfront about our fees and providing a fair flat fee for our services.
Direct client communication
We value open communication and will keep you informed every step of the way. We’ll be in direct contact with you to discuss bidding and any other concerns you may have.
Coordination with real estate agents
We understand the importance of a smooth transaction and will work closely with your real estate agent to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Building Inspection, valuation and notary
We go the extra mile and take care of all the necessary inspections and appointments, including arranging a building inspection, property valuation and notary appointment.

Expert expat mortgages service

Ready to take the next step and learn more about our expert expat mortgages service? Looking to schedule a consultation? Our team is here to help! Don’t hesitate to contact us for more information or to schedule your appointment today.

Do you have any questions?

Don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions you may have about mortgages for expats or buying a house in the Netherlands as an expat. You can contact us via our online form or reach out to David or Erik directly via Whatsapp, either way we are here to help you and answer your question as soon as possible.