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Mortgage types for expats in the Netherlands: what you need to know before buying a home

If you’re an expat planning to buy a house in the Netherlands, one of the first questions you’ll face is: which mortgage type should I choose? The Dutch mortgage market offers several options, and the right choice depends on your income, future plans, and how much certainty you want about your monthly costs. 

On this page, we explain the main mortgage types in the Netherlands, how they work for expats, and what to consider if you are a first-time buyer, self-employed, or earning income from abroad. 

What types of mortgages are there in the Netherlands? 

Most expats will come across three common mortgage types: 

  1. Annuity mortgage 
  2. Linear mortgage 
  3. Interest-only mortgage (combined with another type) 

Dutch banks usually expect at least part of your mortgage to be repaid during the term. This is important not only for affordability, but also for mortgage interest deductibility and long-term financial security. 

If you’re still at an early stage, it can help to first understand the overall process. Read more about: How to Get a Mortgage as an Expat in the Netherlands

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Many expats struggle to choose between an annuity and a linear mortgage. While both repay the loan in full, they work differently. 

What is the difference between an annuity and a linear mortgage? 

Annuity mortgage

With an annuity mortgage, your gross monthly payment stays the same during the interest-fixed period.
In the beginning, you pay mostly interest; over time, repayment increases and interest decreases.

Why expats choose this option:

  • Predictable monthly payments
  • Popular with first-time buyers

Linear mortgage

With a linear mortgage, you repay a fixed amount of the loan every month. As a result, your monthly payments start higher
but decrease over time.

Why expats choose this option:

  • Lower total interest paid over the full term
  • Rapid reduction of outstanding debt
  • Increasing financial flexibility later on
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De Financiële Alliantie
De Financiële Alliantie

Is an interest-only mortgage possible for expats in the Netherlands? 

Yes, an interest-only mortgage is still possible for expats but only for part of the mortgage. 

With this type, you pay only interest during the term and do not repay the loan. This keeps monthly costs low, but the debt remains outstanding at the end of the mortgage term. 

Important points for expats: 

  • Often limited to a percentage of the property value 
  • Mortgage interest is not tax-deductible for new interest-only loans 
  • You need a clear repayment or refinancing strategy 

You can read more about the potential downsides on the Risks page, especially regarding long-term affordability and retirement planning. 

Which mortgage type is best for expats (first-time buyers)? 

There is no single “best” mortgage type for every expat. That said, many first-time buyers choose for an annuity mortgage. 

When choosing a mortgage, ask yourself: 

  • How long do I expect to stay in the Netherlands? 
  • Do I want stable monthly payments or lower total interest? 
  • How important is flexibility for future refinancing or selling? 

Changes are always possible later through refinancing, for example if your income grows or your plans change. 

If you’re buying your first home in the Netherlands, it’s important to look at your personal situation and future plans. Our guide on buying your first home explains the full process step by step.

Schedule a free consultation.

Choosing the right mortgage type as an expat 

Selecting a mortgage type is not just a technical decision it affects your monthly budget, long-term wealth, and flexibility if your life situation changes. 

Do you have any questions or is anything unclear? Feel free to contact us!

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With the help of Laurens from De Financiële Alliantie, we were able to arrange the mortgage for our new home in no time. Less than two weeks after the purchase agreement, the mortgage was finalized, thanks to Laurens’s proactive approach. We had great conversations, received excellent advice, and it felt very personal. A huge thank you to De Financiële Alliantie, and especially to Laurens, for all your help! Highly recommended.

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Erik en Mirjam via Google.nl on 18-7-2024

Laurens Thunnissen

We were recently very well assisted by De Financiële Alliantie regarding our mortgage application. Mr. Eric Fillet (advisor) helped us navigate the maze of the financial world. We highly recommend Mr. Fillet.

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We worked with Magda from De Financiële Alliantie. She really went above and beyond for us. Since my husband is a business owner, there are many rules to navigate when obtaining a mortgage. Thanks to Magda’s perseverance, clear explanations, and determination, we were able to secure the mortgage we wanted. Additionally, she is very pleasant to work with.

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We received excellent assistance from Robin once again. He takes the time for you and always answers his phone. Communication is quick, and the advice is professional.

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Having used the services of DFA three times, they have consistently provided the best advice tailored to our needs! They are very committed and prefer short, personal communication. If you need financial advice, I highly recommend DFA! (In our case, for a mortgage.)

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