Separation is a difficult moment in life. If, in addition to the emotional side of the situation, there is also a jointly owned home and a mortgage, things can quickly become complicated from both a financial and a formal perspective.

Have you been self-employed in the Netherlands for just one year and are wondering whether you can already apply for a mortgage?
Many people still believe that entrepreneurs need to have been in business for at least three years before a lender will even consider their mortgage application.

Selling a property in the Netherlands may seem like a straightforward process, especially when the housing market is active and buyer demand remains high. In reality, however, selling a house or apartment involves much more than simply listing the property and signing the deed at the notary's office.

Can You Afford a House in the Netherlands?

If you want to buy your first home in the Netherlands, you probably already know one thing:
Houses are expensive.
Many first-time buyers feel stressed because: house prices are high, there are not many homes available, and many buyers compete for the same property.

Mortgage Interest Refund in the Netherlands

As mortgage advisors, we help our clients calculate their borrowing capacity and - hypothetically, “on paper” - simulate the purchase of a property. This allows us to clearly show what the monthly mortgage costs will look like.

If you're planning to buy a home in the Netherlands, 2026 brings several important changes. From higher NHG limits to new rules around transfer tax and energy-efficiency incentives, here’s what you need to know.

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.