Buying your first home in the Netherlands as an expat

Before you start viewing properties, it’s important to understand what is financially realistic for you in the Netherlands. During this orientation phase, we look at how much you can borrow, what your monthly costs would be and what type of property fits your situation.

We also discuss whether buying now makes sense for you, or if it’s better to wait for example if you’re still renting or new to the Netherlands. This first orientation helps you make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary risks later in the process.

You can also read more about what to expect from your first mortgage meeting in the Netherlands so you’re fully prepared.

In the mortgage consultation, we take a closer look at your income, contract type and financial obligations. Based on this information, we calculate your maximum mortgage and explain what this means in practice.

We also discuss different mortgage types, interest rate options and what lenders will look at when assessing your application. Everything is explained clearly, so you know exactly where you stand before taking the next step.

Once you know your budget, you can start searching for a suitable home. The Dutch housing market can be competitive, and properties are often sold through a bidding process.

By preparing properly in advance, you can make an offer with more confidence. We help you understand how bidding works in the Netherlands, what conditions you can include, and how to avoid taking on unnecessary financial risks.

When your offer is accepted, the mortgage application process begins. The purchase agreement is drawn up by the selling agent, and after signing you usually have a cooling-off period of three days.

During this phase, we submit your mortgage application to the lender, collect the required documents and guide you through each step. We stay in close contact with you and keep you informed throughout the process.

Once the lender approves your mortgage application, you receive a binding mortgage offer. After signing this offer, the final step takes place at the notary.

At the notary’s office, you sign the deed of transfer and the mortgage deed. This is the official moment when ownership of the property is transferred to you and your mortgage becomes active.