The Dutch mortgage process in 6 steps

6 steps to get your dream home:

1. Before you start searching on www.funda.nl (or any other housing website), it is useful to consult a mortgage advisor to define your budget.
   After the meeting, which is free of charge, you get a better understanding if the dream house is affordable, and how your maximum mortgage compares to the asking price.
2. After the meeting with the mortgage provider, you can start looking for your property. It is wise to consult a real estate agent to help you in the process. The real estate agent can help you check the condition of the building, the location and any other specifics of the house.
3. Together with the real estate agent, your mortgage advisor or by yourself, you can make an offer on a property. If it gets accepted, you will get the purchase agreement (koopovereenkomst) after a few days. We will help you check the document before signing it.
4. In the meantime, we start checking all the available mortgage types and possibilities for your situation. We will apply for a suitable mortgage and start collecting all the documents needed.
5. Once everything is agreed, we sign the offer and make an appointment at the notary’s office. You can review the full mortgage application timeline beforehand to know what to expect.
6. Move in and enjoy your dream home!

What do you need to qualify for a mortgage in the Netherlands?

In the Netherlands, lenders require proof of income when applying for a mortgage in the Netherlands.
This is usually provided through an employment contract and a statement from your employer, known as a werkgeversverklaring, which outlines your contract type and salary.

If you have a temporary contract, or work for a Dutch university as a PhD student or researcher, additional confirmation may be required. In these cases, your employer or institution must confirm that your position is ongoing or likely to become permanent.

Please note that all documents must be approved by the mortgage lender before your financing is final.

Read more about getting a mortgage with a temporary contract.

Find out if you qualify for a mortgage in the Netherlands

Mortgages for EU citizens

If you are an EU citizen (but not a Dutch national) banks may require you to fulfil some or all of the following Dutch mortgage requirements:

• You have lived in the Netherlands for five years.
• You are employed and financially independent.
• You may need to pay a deposit.
• Your mortgage may be limited to 90 percent or less of the property value.

Mortgages for non-EU citizens

Applicants from outside the EU will have to fulfil similar requirements to those of EU citizens, although banks may be stricter in enforcing the conditions. Requirements can differ per bank, as not all Dutch mortgage lenders apply the same criteria.

What types of mortgages exist

We at De Financiële Alliantie want you to understand the mortgage types. We will be your advisor before and after the finalising of the mortgage. A mortgage lasts for 30 years, and we want to be your partner throughout this time.

Annuity mortgage

In the early years of an annuity mortgage, most of your monthly payment goes toward interest, with only a small amount applied to the principal. As you pay off the loan over time, the interest portion decreases, allowing more of your payment to go toward the principal. Toward the end of the mortgage term, this shift results in lower interest payments and higher principal repayments. Annuity mortgages generally have lower monthly payments than linear mortgages during the initial phase of the loan.

Linear mortgage

With a linear mortgage, you pay a fixed amount toward the principal each month, plus the interest. As your debt decreases each month, the interest portion of your payment also declines. This type of mortgage is beneficial if your goal is to pay off your mortgage quickly, though the initial payments are generally higher.

Interest-only mortgage

With an interest-only mortgage, you only pay the interest each month without making any repayments on the loan principal. Banks allow this type of mortgage under specific conditions, and you’ll need to repay the principal later using funds from savings or investment accounts.

Bouwdepot

Are you planning to renovate your home in the Netherlands? Consider a bouwdepot, a construction fund that accompanies your mortgage and is specifically designed to finance your renovation project. You can apply for a bouwdepot at the same time you apply for your mortgage.