Mortgages
Mortgage adviser for first-time buyers and expats in the Netherlands
If you are buying your first home in the Netherlands, whether you grew up here or moved here for work, I calculate what you can responsibly borrow, check whether you qualify for the National Mortgage Guarantee (NHG) and the starter's exemption (startersvrijstelling), and compare the terms of all Dutch lenders. I have more than 20 years of experience and am not tied to any bank. From orientation to notary, you have one point of contact.
Who it's for
Salaried first-time buyers, Dutch or international
You have a job in the Netherlands, perhaps after moving here from abroad, and want to know which purchase price fits your income and savings. I put three figures side by side: what the bank allows, the monthly payment you are comfortable with and what you can contribute yourself. Conditions vary by lender, so I compare them for you.
Buyers under 35
You are buying a home to live in yourself. The starter's exemption can then save you the 2% transfer tax (overdrachtsbelasting).
Buying together
You are buying with your partner or with someone else. I take both incomes into account and show what happens if one of you starts working less.
First-time buyers with family support
Your parents want to contribute with a gift or a loan. I include this in the application, so the bank and the notary have the right documents in time.
Self-employed first-time buyers
You are self-employed (ZZP) or run your own company and are buying for the first time. I know which lenders will work with one to three years of figures.
What I arrange for you
Calculating your maximum mortgage
In the orientation meeting I calculate the most you can borrow and what is sensible. I take student debt, a private car lease and other loans into account.
Your own funds and buyer's costs
I list the buyer's costs (kosten koper): transfer tax, notary, valuation, building survey and advice fees. You usually pay these yourself, because as a rule you cannot borrow more than the value of the home.
Comparing lenders
I compare not only interest rates but also penalty-free repayment, the option to take your mortgage with you when you move and the room to renovate or make the home more energy-efficient later.
Support with your offer
You make an offer with a clear budget. I check the get-out clauses (ontbindende voorwaarden) in the purchase agreement and note the deadline for the financing condition.
Application and file
Once the purchase agreement is signed, I collect your documents, request the mortgage offer and arrange the valuation report (taxatierapport). A complete file prevents delays.
Guidance through to the notary
I go through the mortgage offer with you and make sure the conditions are met on time. My support continues until the deed has been signed at the notary.
What to watch out for
- NHG limit 2026: € 470,000
- A mortgage with the National Mortgage Guarantee may be no more than € 470,000 in 2026, or € 498,200 if you also finance energy-saving measures. You pay a one-off guarantee fee (borgtochtprovisie) of 0.4% of the mortgage amount.
- Starter's exemption up to € 555,000
- You pay no transfer tax if you are 18 or older and under 35, will live in the home yourself and have not used the exemption before. In 2026, the value of the home may not exceed € 555,000. If it is higher, you pay 2% on the full amount.
- No more than 100% of the home's value
- As a rule, you cannot borrow more than the market value of the home. The only exceptions are for energy-saving measures.
- Repay within 30 years for tax relief
- To qualify for mortgage interest relief (hypotheekrenteaftrek), a new mortgage must be repaid on an annuity or linear basis within 30 years. Interest on an interest-only part is not deductible.
- Starter Loan via SVn
- In a number of municipalities you can get a Starter Loan (Starterslening) from SVn, the national housing incentive fund, on top of your maximum mortgage. You usually pay nothing on it for the first few years. Whether your municipality takes part, and for which homes, varies by municipality.
- Three-day cooling-off period
- After signing the purchase agreement, as a private buyer you have a statutory cooling-off period of three days. In addition, always agree a get-out clause for the financing.
How it works
- 1
Introduction
In a free 30-minute online call we discuss your plans and your situation.
- 2
Orientation and calculation
I calculate your maximum mortgage and set out your own funds and the buyer's costs.
- 3
Advice and comparison
You get an advice meeting with a full comparison of lenders, interest rates and terms.
- 4
Application
As soon as you have bought a home, I apply for the mortgage with the chosen lender and arrange the valuation.
- 5
Offer and acceptance
We go through the mortgage offer together. Once you agree, I make sure the bank has all documents on time.
- 6
Notary and keys
At the notary, who handles the legal transfer in the Netherlands, the deed is signed and the mortgage is paid out. Then you get the keys.
Frequently asked questions
How much can I borrow as a first-time buyer?
That mainly depends on your income, your financial commitments, the fixed-rate period and the value of the home. As a rule, you can borrow up to 100% of the market value. Student debt, a private car lease and other loans reduce your borrowing capacity. In the orientation meeting I calculate your maximum and set it against a monthly payment you are comfortable with and the savings you have.
What is the NHG limit in 2026?
In 2026, a mortgage with the National Mortgage Guarantee (NHG) may be no more than € 470,000. If you also finance energy-saving measures, the limit is € 498,200. You pay a one-off guarantee fee of 0.4% of the mortgage amount and you must live in the home yourself. NHG can lead to a lower interest rate and provides a safety net if you have to sell the home at a loss because of a major life event.
Who qualifies for the starter's exemption in 2026?
You qualify for the starter's exemption (startersvrijstelling) if you are 18 or older and under 35 on the day of transfer at the notary. You must live in the home yourself for a longer period and must not have used the exemption before. In 2026, the value of the home may not exceed € 555,000. You then pay 0% instead of 2% transfer tax (overdrachtsbelasting).
How much of my own money do I need for my first home?
You need your own money for the buyer's costs, because as a rule you cannot borrow more than the value of the home. Think of the notary, the valuation, a building survey, advice fees and 2% transfer tax if you do not qualify for the starter's exemption. Keep a buffer for setbacks as well. For the deposit, often 10% of the purchase price, you can usually arrange a bank guarantee instead.
What does a mortgage adviser for first-time buyers cost?
According to my comparison card (vergelijkingskaart), a salaried first-time buyer pays an average of € 3,250 for advice and arranging the mortgage. For a self-employed person buying for the first time, the average is € 3,750. The exact price depends on your situation and we agree it in advance. The introductory call is free.
When should I bring in a mortgage adviser?
Ideally before you start viewing homes. You then know which purchase price fits, you can make an offer faster and your documents are already in order. Once the purchase agreement is signed, there is a fixed deadline for the financing condition. If you only start then, you are under time pressure and have less room to compare lenders properly.
Further reading (in Dutch)
Mortgages
Eerste huis kopen: stappenplan van hypotheek tot sleuteloverdracht
Eerste huis kopen in 2026: maximale hypotheek, NHG tot € 470.000, startersvrijstelling tot € 555.000, kosten koper, bieden en de overdracht stap voor stap.
8 min read, in Dutch
Mortgages
Hypotheekstrategie 2026: waarom de laagste rente niet alles is
Hypotheek kiezen in 2026? Waarom voorwaarden zwaarder wegen dan rente, wat maximaal lenen kost, welke kosten u vergeet en 7 vragen voordat u tekent.
7 min read, in Dutch
Would you like to know how much you can borrow?
Book a free 30-minute introductory call. I will calculate your options and explain the steps you can take. If you prefer to email first, I usually reply within one working day.