Before you start house hunting, it’s important to determine your budget. Start by assessing whether you meet the requirements for a Dutch mortgage. Despite the many rules and regulations that apply to expats, it is certainly possible. If so, there are different factors that define your mortgage limit, including your income, whether you are eligible for the 30% ruling or not, mortgage rates, the value of the property and other financial obligations.

Thinking about buying a house in the Netherlands? Just got relocated or moved (back) to the Netherlands? When you start thinking about buying a house, it’s important to get a feel for the housing market. Educate yourself, explore, and take your time. What does Holland have to offer? In what direction are home prices moving? Is now the right time to jump into the Dutch housing market? House or an apartment, city or suburb, what does your money get you? Especially when not familiar with the local market, our best advice is to consult a local real estate agent who has the answers to all these questions and points out all the things you need to know. With contacts all over the Netherlands, we are happy to connect you with a reliable real estate agent.

Found your dream home and ready to make an offer? You already know your mortgage limit as defined with your mortgage advisor, so now you need to determine—together with your real estate agent—the amount you’re comfortable with spending on a particular property and to get an appraisal. This can be below or over the asking price, and you’ll want to decide based on these factors. This can go back and forth a few times before you reach an agreement with the vendors/their real estate agent. As your personal finance and mortgage advisor, we are available if you need any additional information or recalculations. We’re also alongside you to do a little “happy dance” when your bid is accepted, and you sign the preliminary purchase agreement.

When all is signed, it’s time to seal the deal. To start the official mortgage application is where we come in again. As an independent mortgage broker, we will advise you on the type of mortgage which will best suit your financial situation, personal preferences and future plans. We will also find the best provider accordingly. We compare over 40 providers to do so and again—we only think in your best interest. We offer full service during this process which many of our clients have praised as the process requires a lot of paperwork and time (4 to 6 weeks normally). We’ll take all of this off of your hands, and you’ll receive real-time information on the status.

Delivery time! Preliminary purchase agreement signed at the notary’s office and sent to your mortgage broker, check. You may also be required to pay a deposit to the notary within a few weeks of signing. This is also something we can and will arrange for you. When all documents and the mortgage are finalised the transfer of ownership takes place at the civil law notary’s office and signed by the seller, the buyer and the notary. The transfer then becomes official, and you receive the keys to your new home. Now, you may proudly call yourself a homeowner in the Netherlands. We like the sound of that as much as a wine cork popping.