The Dutch mortgage process: how does it work?

Thinking about buying a home in the Netherlands as an expat? Great choice! But if you’re new here, you might wonder:
how does the Dutch expat mortgage process work? No worries! I’ll guide you through it in 6 simple steps. This way you know exactly what to expect when buying a home in the Netherlands.

Step 1: Know your budget

Before you start scrolling through www.funda.nl (or any other housing website), it’s smart to first meet with a mortgage advisor. In this free meeting, the advisor will help you understand how much you can borrow and what your monthly payments will be. That way you’ll know if your dream home is affordable, before falling in love with it.

Step 2: Start house hunting

Once you know your budget, it’s time to start looking for your property. You can do this on your own or with the help of a real estate agent. An agent can assist with:

• Checking the condition of the house
• Evaluating the neighbourhood
• Advising on price and making an offer

Step 3: Make an offer

Found the perfect place? Together with your real estate agent (or by yourself), you can make an offer on the property. If your offer is accepted, you will receive the purchase agreement (koopovereenkomst) within a few days. We’re happy to help review this document before you sign.

Step 4: Apply for your mortgage

While you’re sorting out the purchase agreement, we’ll get started on finding the right mortgage for you. We will:

• Compare mortgage offers from different banks
• Collect all required documents
• Submit your mortgage application

Step 5: Sign and finalise

Once the mortgage is approved, you’ll sign the official offer and set up an appointment with a notary (notaris). The notary will handle the official signing and transfer of the money. After this step, the house is officially yours!

Step 6: Move in and enjoy your new home

Congratulations, you are now the proud owner of a Dutch home! Time to move in and make it your own.

Make an appointment

We’re here to help you at every step. Book a free appointment and let’s get started.

Who can get a mortgage in the Netherlands?

In the Netherlands, you need to show proof of income. This usually includes:

• Your employment contract
• A statement from your employer (werkgeversverklaring) confirming your contract and salary

If you have a temporary contract, or work as a PhD student or researcher at a Dutch university, you will also need an employer’s statement confirming that your position is ongoing or likely to become permanent. Please note: your documents still need to be approved by the mortgage provider before your financing is guaranteed.

Mortgages for EU citizens

If you are an EU citizen (but not a Dutch national), banks may ask you to meet one or more of these conditions:

• You have lived in the Netherlands for at least 5 years
• You are employed and financially independent
• You may need to pay a deposit
• Your mortgage may be limited to 90% (or less) of the property value

Mortgages for non-EU citizens

If you are from outside the EU, requirements are similar to those for EU citizens, but banks may be a little stricter. You may also need to prove that your residence permit can be extended.

Types of mortgages in the Netherlands

At De Financieelë Alliantie, we want you to understand your mortgage — because a mortgage in the Netherlands typically lasts for 30 years, and we want to be your trusted partner throughout this time.

Here are the most common types of mortgages in the Netherlands:

• Annuïty mortgage (annuïtitenhypotheek)
  In the first years, most of your monthly payment goes toward interest, and only a small part goes to repaying the loan. Over time, the interest portion decreases and the repayment portion increases. Monthly payments stay the same, but the balance shifts over the years. This type of mortgage is popular because it offers stable payments.
• Linear mortgage (lineaire hypotheek)
  With this type, you pay a fixed amount of the principal each month, plus the interest on the remaining loan. Your monthly payments start higher but decrease over time. This option is good if you want to pay off your mortgage faster.
• Interest-only mortgage (aflossingsvrije hypotheek)
  Here you only pay interest each month. You don’t repay the loan principal during the term, so you will need to pay back the full loan later (often from savings or investments). Not all banks allow this option, and there are strict conditions.
• Construction deposit (bouwdepot)
  Planning to renovate your new home? You can apply for a bouwdepot when you apply for your mortgage. It’s a special fund connected to your mortgage, designed to finance renovation costs.

Every situation is different, and we understand that it can feel complicated — especially if you’re new here. Feel free to contact us. We’re happy to guide you through the entire process and help you find the mortgage that fits your needs.