Buying Your First Home in the Netherlands? Don’t Ignore Older Houses

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.

Because of this, many people think: “Maybe I cannot afford a house in the Netherlands.”
But sometimes the problem is not your budget. Sometimes you are only looking at homes that are already perfect.

Why Many Starters Make the Same Mistake

When people buy their first house, they often search only for homes that are:

• modern,
• renovated,
• and ready to move into.

Of course, this feels easier.

But these homes are also:

• more expensive,
• more popular,
• and harder to win during bidding.

This often causes:

• overbidding,
• financial stress,
• and fewer choices.
  
  

Why Older Houses Can Be a Smart Choice

Instead of searching only for perfect homes, think about this:

What if you buy an older house and renovate it slowly over time?

Older homes are often:

• cheaper,
• less competitive,
• and full of potential.

This can give you more options when buying a house in the Netherlands.

Is It Cheaper to Buy and Renovate a House?

Let’s look at a simple example.

Option 1 - Ready-to-move-in home

• House price: €400,000
• No renovation needed

Option 2 - Older house

• House price: €320,000
• Renovation costs: €60,000

👉 Total cost: €380,000

This means you could save around €20,000 and still create a beautiful home for yourself.

In some cases, the value of the property can even increase after renovation or become more attractive for the future potential buyer.

Can Renovation Costs Be Included in Your Mortgage?

Many buyers ask us:

“Can I include renovation costs in my mortgage?”

In many situations, the answer is yes.

In the Netherlands, it is often possible to:

• finance renovation costs through your mortgage,
• borrow extra money for energy-saving improvements,
• and spread renovation payments over time.

Many first-time buyers do not know this, but it can make buying a home much easier.

Is Buying an Older House Risky?

It is normal to feel nervous about renovation.

People often worry about:

• renovation costs,
• hidden problems,
• or going over budget.

These concerns are understandable.

But renovation becomes much easier when you have:
✔ a clear renovation plan,
✔ a realistic budget,
✔ and professional advice.

With the right support, renovating a house can be a safe and organised process.

How Much Does House Renovation Cost in the Netherlands?

Renovation costs depend on the condition of the house and your plans.

Average renovation prices in the Netherlands:

• Light renovation: €500–€800 per m²
• Medium renovation: €800–€1,200 per m²
• Full renovation: €1,200+ per m²

Understanding renovation costs before buying a property helps you make smarter decisions.

Why Buying an Older House Can Be a Good Investment

Buying and renovating an older home can help you:
✔ buy a cheaper property,
✔ create a home that fits your lifestyle,
✔ increase the property value,
✔ improve energy efficiency,
✔ and enter the housing market faster.

For many starters and expats, this is a realistic way to buy a home in the Netherlands.

How M/V Works Helps First-Time Buyers

At M/V Works, we help you understand the complete process:

• how much you can borrow,
• which houses have renovation potential,
• what renovation may cost,
• and how renovation financing works.

Together with our interior architect and contractors, we help transform older houses into comfortable modern homes.

What Will We Talk About Next?

In our next articles, we will explain:

• renovation mortgages,
• real renovation budgets,
• hidden costs when buying a house,
• and real before-and-after renovation projects.
  
  

Thinking About Buying Your First Home?

Maybe the perfect home is not the one that is already finished.

👉 Maybe it is the one you can create yourself.