What are the differences between a first home and second home mortgage?

With a second home mortgage, you can often borrow only 60%–80% of the property value. Interest is not tax-deductible, and rates are higher. You’ll need savings or equity for the remainder. Lenders also apply stricter conditions.

Can I use equity from my current home?

Yes, if your current home has appreciated, you can use the equity by increasing your existing mortgage or taking out an additional one. Your income must support the higher monthly payments. We help calculate what’s realistic.

What kind of mortgage structure is used for a second home?

Most lenders require a partly or fully interest-only mortgage. This means you only pay interest during the term, and repay the principal at the end. Monthly costs are lower, but the long-term impact must be considered.

What are the conditions for a second home mortgage?

Conditions include: the property may not be used as permanent residence, must have a fixed foundation, meet building standards, and not be movable. Conditions vary by lender, making independent advice crucial.

Why does independent advice matter?

Second home financing has more risk and fewer lender options. De Financiële Alliantie provides 100% independent advice, compares 41 lenders, and helps expats navigate the rules and risks clearly.

How much can I borrow?

The exact amount you can borrow is determined by your income, financial obligations, and the property’s value. Under ‘Calculate,’ you can use our tools to quickly estimate how much you can borrow.

In which regions does De Financiële Alliantie operate?

De Financiële Alliantie has years of experience with mortgages, allowing us to provide reliable, honest, and independent advice. This can be done not only at our office in Zwolle, but also online or at your kitchen table anywhere in the Netherlands.

Is De Financiële Alliantie independent?

A clear YES: completely independent! We provide fully independent mortgage advice. We receive no compensation from any lender; instead, our clients cover our fees. This allows us to offer all possible lenders. Together, we’ll find the best provider with the best terms and the lowest rate!

Does the 30% tax ruling increase my mortgage?

It can. Some lenders take the 30% ruling into account, which may increase your borrowing capacity. Whether it truly benefits you depends on your personal situation and future plans.

Can I use savings from abroad?

Yes. Foreign savings are accepted, as long as the origin of the funds is clear and traceable. Banks may ask for bank statements and proof of origin.

How much savings do I need as an expat?

In addition to the purchase price, you typically need around 4–6% of the property value for buyer’s costs. This amount cannot always be included in the mortgage.

Home » Expat mortgage Netherlands » Second home mortgage in the Netherlands

Second home mortgage in the Netherlands

Buying a second home in the Netherlands (whether as a holiday home or an investment property) comes with different rules than buying your primary residence. Financing options are more limited, conditions are stricter, and tax treatment works differently.

At De Financiële Alliantie, we help expats understand whether a second home mortgage is possible and financially sensible. We listen carefully to your plans and compare 41 mortgage lenders to find the option that fits your situation. Not just today, but long term.

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What is a mortgage for a second home?

A second home mortgage is a mortgage used to finance a property that is not your primary residence. This could be:

A holiday home
A second property for personal use
A property intended for (partial) rental

Unlike a first home, you usually cannot finance the full purchase price with a mortgage.

Difference between a first home mortgage and a second home mortgage

There are several key differences:

You can typically borrow 60%–80% of the property value
You must fund the remaining amount with your own savings or equity
Mortgage interest is not tax-deductible
Interest rates are often higher than for a primary residence

This doesn’t mean a second home mortgage can’t be attractive. It simply requires careful advise.

Using equity from your current home

If your current home has increased in value, you may be able to use that equity to help finance a second home.

This can be done by:

Increasing your existing mortgage, or
Taking out an additional mortgage on your primary residence

This option is only possible if your income can support the higher monthly payments. We calculate this clearly in advance, so you know exactly what’s realistic.

Mortgage structure for a second home

Many lenders require a partly or fully interest-only mortgage for a second home. With an interest-only mortgage:

You pay only interest during the term
The loan amount is repaid at the end of the mortgage term

This structure keeps monthly payments lower, but it’s important to understand the long-term implications. We explain these clearly before you commit.

Schedule your consultation

Conditions for a second home mortgage

Lenders apply additional conditions when financing a second home. Common requirements include:

The property may not be used as permanent residence
The home must have a stone or concrete foundation
The property must meet standard construction requirements
The property cannot be movable (e.g. houseboat or chalet)
Location-specific restrictions may apply

Conditions vary per lender which is why independent advice is essential.

What does a second home mortgage cost?

Monthly costs depend on:

The mortgage amount
The interest rate
The mortgage structure
Your overall financial position

In addition, you should account for:

Property taxes
Maintenance
Insurance
Possible vacancy if rented out

We help you calculate realistic monthly costs, so there are no surprises.

Why independent advice matters

Financing a second home involves more risk and fewer lender options than a first home.

At De Financiële Alliantie:

We provide 100% independent advice
We compare 41 mortgage lenders
We clearly explain risks and limitations
We have extensive experience with expats and complex situations

Our role is to help you make a well-considered decision

Free, no-obligation consultation

Considering buying a second home in the Netherlands?
Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.

We’ll discuss:

Whether a second home mortgage is possible
How much you can realistically borrow
Monthly costs and long-term impact
The best lender options for your situation

Schedule your consultation

Explore our articles for clear explanations and practical guidance.

Looking for more information?

How can I increase my current mortgage?

Learn when and how you can increase your current mortgage to help finance a second home.

How much of your home equity can you acces?

Discover how to use home equity from your current property toward buying another one.

Looking for more information?

Explore our articles for clear explanations and practical guidance.

View all articles

Ask us your question directly, and we’ll get back to you shortly!

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What customers say about us

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.

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.

Fam. van der Heide via Google.nl on 12-7-2024

Eric Fillet

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.

Ida Hoekstra via Google.nl on 12-7-2024

Magda van Veen

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.

Wessel Idzerda via Google.nl on 11-7-2024

Robin van Dam

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.)

E. Alten via Google.nl on 17-6-2024

Marcel van Assen

Great guidance, quick responses, and friendly people! Always available for any questions.

Tim van der Kolk via Google.nl on 5-6-2024

Joost Fokke