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  • Mortgages
    • Buying your first home
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  • Mortage & Interest
    • Dutch mortgage lenders explained and compared
    • Mortgage types for expats in the Netherlands
    • Why working with a mortgage advisor makes sense for expats
    • Current mortgage interest rates in the Netherlands
    • Applying for a mortgage in the Netherlands: how it works for expats
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Frequently asked questions

Do you have any questions or comments? Our team is here every day, ready to help you with the questions.

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.

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.

What is the National Mortgage Guarantee?

The National Mortgage Guarantee, or NHG, is a safety net in case you encounter financial difficulties. It also usually allows you to secure the lowest interest rate!

Do I need personal funds to buy a home?

For several years now, you can finance up to 100% of the property’s value with a mortgage. If you’re making additional sustainability upgrades, this can go up to 106%. Additional costs, however, must be covered with personal funds. In a no-obligation consultation, we’ll make this fully transparent so you know exactly how much personal savings you’ll need.

Can I renovate or make my home more sustainable with my mortgage?

The answer is YES. It’s possible to finance renovations and sustainability improvements with your mortgage. We’ll need to consider your current mortgage and the property’s value after renovations. We’ll review this together with you!

What additional costs are there with a mortgage?

When taking out a mortgage, you’ll encounter additional costs. The main ones are: valuation fees, notary fees, mortgage advice, NHG costs, and transfer tax. Fortunately, there’s also a first-time buyer exemption for the transfer tax.

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!

What types of mortgages are available today?

Here are the different types of mortgages:

  • Annuity Mortgage: Initially, you pay mostly interest with little principal repayment. As time progresses, you repay more of the principal and less interest, keeping your gross monthly payments the same.
  • Linear Mortgage: You repay the same amount of principal each month and pay interest on top of it. Since your debt decreases monthly, you pay less interest over time, lowering your monthly payments.
  • Interest-Only Mortgage: You don’t repay the principal monthly; instead, you pay only the interest each month and repay the principal in full at the end of the term.
  • Savings Mortgage: You save each month to repay the loan through a capital insurance policy. The saved amount is used to pay off the mortgage at the end of the term. This type of mortgage can only be taken out if it already exists in your current situation.

What is the first-time buyer exemption?

The first-time buyer exemption provides a tax benefit for young homebuyers. Under certain conditions, you don’t have to pay transfer tax when purchasing your first home.

To qualify, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Age: You must be between 18 and 35 years old at the time of purchase.
  • First property purchase: This must be your first time claiming the first-time buyer exemption.
  • Primary residence: You must live in the property yourself and not rent it out.
  • Maximum property value: In 2024, the property’s value must not exceed €510,000.

These conditions offer young buyers a financial incentive when buying their first home, reducing the amount of personal funds needed.

Is there a risk with an interest-only mortgage?

With an interest-only mortgage, you only pay interest during the term, with no monthly principal repayment. At the end of the term, you’ll need to repay the full mortgage amount. This can be done with personal funds, a new mortgage, or by selling your property. If you’d like a clearer view of the risks, invite us for a no-obligation consultation.

Can expats get a mortgage in the Netherlands?

Yes. In most cases, expats can get a mortgage in the Netherlands, even without Dutch nationality or permanent residency. Banks mainly assess your income, contract type and financial stability.

Do I need permanent residency or Dutch citizenship?

No. You do not need Dutch citizenship or a permanent residence permit. Some lenders require you to have lived and worked in the Netherlands for a short period (often between 1 and 6 months).

Can I get a mortgage with a temporary contract?

Yes. A temporary contract is usually accepted if you have an employer’s statement of intent. In some professions, a mortgage may even be possible without this statement.

Can expats get a 100% mortgage?

Yes. Many expats can finance up to 100% of the property’s market value. You do need your own savings to cover buyer’s costs such as tax, notary fees and advice costs.

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.

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.

Is foreign income accepted for a Dutch mortgage?

Often yes. Income earned within the EU is commonly accepted. In some cases, income from outside the EU may also be accepted, depending on the lender and situation.

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 bonuses or commissions be included?

Sometimes. Bonuses are usually averaged over several years, while commissions are assessed based on consistency and stability.

What if my employer is not based in the Netherlands?

That is usually not a problem. International employers are commonly accepted by Dutch lenders.

How long does a mortgage application take?

On average, the process takes 4 to 6 weeks from application to final approval.

Can I get mortgage approval before bidding?

No formal approval is possible before bidding. However, a mortgage advisor can calculate your maximum borrowing capacity so you can bid with confidence.

What mortgage types are available for expats?

  • The most common mortgage types are:

    • Annuity mortgage
    • Linear mortgage
    • Interest-only mortgage (for part of the loan)

Which mortgage type is best for expats?

There is no single best option. Many first-time buyers choose an annuity mortgage for stable monthly payments, while others prefer a linear mortgage for lower total interest costs.

Is an interest-only mortgage possible for expats?

Yes, but usually only for part of the mortgage. Interest-only loans are subject to limits and mortgage interest is not tax-deductible for new loans.

What documents do expats need for a Dutch mortgage?

Key documents include:

  • Valid passport or ID
  • BSN number
  • Proof of income (payslips, employer statement)
  • Purchase agreement and valuation report

Additional documents may be required for foreign income or self-employment.

Do documents need to be translated into Dutch?

No, the full process can be done in English.

Are digital documents accepted?

Yes. Digital documents are standard, as long as they are complete, readable and preferably provided as PDFs.

Do expats need a mortgage advisor?

Not mandatory, but highly recommended. Dutch mortgage rules differ from many other countries, and expat situations often involve additional complexity.

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038 421 44 57
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Expat mortgage in the Netherlands

  • Buying your first home
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  • Mortgage with a temporary contract

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  • Mortgage advisor
  • Mortgage application process
  • Mortgage application timeline

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  • Mortgage types in the Netherlands
  • Current mortgage rates
  • Dutch mortgage lenders

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  • Mortgages
    • Buying your first home
    • Mortgage with a temporary contract
    • Buying your next home
    • Second home in the Netherlands
    • Increasing your mortgage
    • Self-employed expats
    • Refinancing your mortgage
    • New build homes
  • Tools & Calculations
    • Do I qualify for a mortgage in the Netherlands?
    • Mortgage calculator
    • Mortgage calculation explained: how your Dutch mortgage is calculated
    • Mortgage costs in the Netherlands for expats
    • Mortgage application timeline: how long does it take in the Netherlands?
  • Mortage & Interest
    • Dutch mortgage lenders explained and compared
    • Mortgage types for expats in the Netherlands
    • Why working with a mortgage advisor makes sense for expats
    • Current mortgage interest rates in the Netherlands
    • Applying for a mortgage in the Netherlands: how it works for expats
  • Insurances
    • Compare Your Premium
    • Popular Insurance
    • Personal
    • Home
    • Car & Transport
    • Contact Us About Insurance
  • Knowledge base
    • FAQ
    • Knowledge Hub

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