What is the Transfer deed?

What is the Transfer deed?

When you buy a home (especially when buying your first home in the Netherlands), there comes a point where you officially become the owner and the property is registered in your name. This happens through the transfer deed (akte van levering), a legal document prepared by the notary. But what exactly does this deed involve? Who pays for it? And how does it differ from the mortgage deed? In this blog, I’ll explain it to you step by step!

The transfer deed: what is it?

The transfer deed is a legal document that officially changes the ownership of a property (like the home you’re buying). This process takes place at the notary’s office and must be signed by all parties involved — the buyer, the seller, and the notary.

Once all conditions precedent (like financing) have been met and you are applying for a mortgage in the Netherlands, the bank, your advisor, and the selling agent send all necessary documents to the notary, both the mortgage deed and transfer deed are prepared. Then, the transfer deed is signed by the buyer, seller, and notary.

As soon as the notary registers this deed in the Dutch Land Registry (Kadaster), you officially become the new owner of the home! Or, if you’re the seller… your old house now officially has a new owner.

Requesting a copy of the transfer deed

Need a copy later on? The notary can provide it, or you can request it directly from the Kadaster.

Who pays for the transfer deed?

• Existing property: When purchasing an existing home, the buyer pays the notary fees for the transfer deed. These costs fall under “kosten koper” (k.k.), meaning “buyer’s costs.”
• New built: For new construction, the transfer deed is usually included in the purchase price. This is referred to as “vrij op naam” (v.o.n.), meaning “free of charge for the buyer.” The developer or builder has already made arrangements with the notary.

In both cases, you’ll also need a mortgage deed, which you always pay for yourself. Notary fees for the transfer deed typically range from €500 to €1,000 and are part of the mortgage costs in the Netherlands for expats.and the same goes for the mortgage deed (they’re often handled together). It’s a good idea to request quotes from different notary offices to compare rates. Need tips? Just ask us!

What’s the difference between the transfer deed and the mortgage deed?

Many buyers wonder what the difference is between the mortgage deed and the transfer deed. These are two separate legal documents:

• Transfer deed: Arranges the transfer of ownership of the home and is registered in the Kadaster.
• Mortgage deed: Confirms that you are taking out a loan from the bank and that your property serves as collateral. This is also signed at the notary and registered.

In short:

Without a transfer deed, you’re not the owner.
Without a mortgage deed, you can’t finalize the mortgage.
Both are essential in the home-buying process.

In summary

The transfer deed is the document that makes you the official owner of a home. For existing homes, the buyer pays the notary fees, while for new builds, these costs are often included in the purchase price. The transfer deed is different from the mortgage deed, which relates to the financing of the property.

Make sure you’re well-informed about the notary costs and process so you don’t face any surprises. Of course, we’re here to help you every step of the way!

The notary process, deeds, and deadlines can be overwhelming especially if you’re unfamiliar with the Dutch system. That’s why many expats choose to work with a mortgage advisor who coordinates the entire process, from financing to the notary.

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