If you’ve owned your home in the Netherlands for several years, chances are you've built up significant home equity - often referred to as “invisible wealth.” Rather than sitting on this financial resource, let’s explore how expats can strategically tap into that equity for purposeful goals.

Kosten Koper (costs for the buyer)

These are all additional costs that the buyer must pay when purchasing a property in the Netherlands. They are not included in the purchase price and must be paid out-of-pocket. They typically amount to around 5–6% of the property's value.

​Navigating the Dutch real estate market can be a complex endeavor, prompting many to consider hiring a real estate agent. Let’s explore how buying a house with the help of real estate agent actually looks.

When considering purchasing a property in the Netherlands, one of the primary decisions is whether to invest in a house or an apartment. This choice significantly impacts your finances, lifestyle, and future plans. Below is a comprehensive comparison to assist you in making an informed decision.

Renovating a home in the Netherlands offers a unique opportunity to customize your living space, improve energy efficiency, and increase property value. Whether you’re buying a new house or already own one, understanding financial tools like the bouwdepot, local subsidies, and sustainability incentives can simplify your renovation journey.

Buying a house is a major milestone in life. After signing the purchase contract, you are typically required to provide a deposit, usually 10% of the purchase price, as security for the seller. In most countries, this deposit must come from your own savings, as mortgages typically cover only 80-90% of the house's market value. 

As 2024 ends, new regulations for the Dutch housing market in 2025 are already set, bringing with them a range of changes that aim to improve affordability, and adjust to the dynamic real estate market of the Netherlands. Whether you're a first-time buyer, an investor, or planning your next property purchase, understanding these updates is crucial for making informed decisions in the year ahead.

Lately you may have noticed an increase in number of affordable properties available on Funda. “Affordable” is, of course, relative, depending on each buyer’s financial situation, but here we’re talking about homes within the €250,000 to €500,000 range - an attractive bracket for many first-time buyers. Let’s unfold the cause of these changes in the housing market.

Navigating the world of insurance can be overwhelming, especially with the variety of options available in the Netherlands. Whether you're new to the country or a long-time resident, understanding the different types of insurance is crucial for protecting your health, home, and financial well-being. In this blog, we'll break down the essential types of insurance in the Netherlands, from mandatory health coverage to optional insurances like travel and house contents. By the end of this blog, you'll have a clearer picture of what coverage you might need to ensure you're fully protected in every aspect of your life.

As of 1^st of July 2024, the Dutch government has passed a new law the 'Affordable Rent Act', which introduces significant changes to the rental market. In this article, we discuss the key aspects of this Act and why it may be the perfect time to buy your own property instead of renting.

Buying a new-build property instead of an existing house comes with its pros and cons. The buying process of a new-build property differs from the standard process of an already existing house. Naturally, each option has its own benefits and downsides. In this blog, we will explain the process of purchasing a new-build property and the associated mortgage. Additionally, we will outline the advantages and disadvantages of buying a new-build property.

In this blog, we will focus on joint property, briefly discussing the situation of couples who are not married or are in a registered partnership, who do not have a contract on the issue of living together or who have not written down any arrangements on paper for the division of property/shared house in the event of break up. In Dutch, we refer to this as ‘samenwonen zonder samenlevingscontract’.

Entrepreneurs (ZZP, VOF, BV) in The Netherlands can obtain a mortgage. The mortgage application process and the method of assessing maximum mortgage capacity differs from the standard situation for people with an employment contract. 

There are many things to consider when buying a house in the Netherlands. In this M/V Works Blog, we outline the most important regulatory changes that became effective in 2024 with focus on NHG, transfer tax and energy label matters.