You are thinking to buy a house in the Netherlands. Exciting, but also financially daunting. You set up an appointment with an (independent) mortgage advisor. Think it through. What should you ask? You should consider not only the monthly costs, the interest rate and the total term of your mortgage. There are many other things to check before you sign. You can see a list of questions below:
1. What is the maximum mortgage I can take?
One of the most important questions. Think it through, do you want to get the maximum mortgage possible? What happens for example if you lose your job? How much of your income is going to the mortgage?
2. How much money can I spend per month on mortgage payments?
A good financial advisor should be able to explain that. If he cannot, change mortgage advisor. There are some widely spread rules on how much percentage of your income is good to spend on housing. But most importantly depends on your situation and how much YOU are comfortable spending on your home. Maybe you have loans or you like to spend on holidays so this amount has to be well thought off.
3. What types of mortgages exist in the Netherlands?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of each type of mortgage? Which type fits your financial goals? Make sure to understand well the repercussion of any type of mortgage on your wallet.
4. What other costs buying a house entail?
Yes, you can get 100% mortgage of your house value in the Netherlands. But you still need a good chunk of savings to buy a house. Make sure to be fully aware of the total costs.
5. Can I repay the mortgage earlier?
Most of the mortgage providers allow to repay 10% of the total value of the mortgage per year. Others let you pay it all at once if the market interest rates are higher than your mortgage rates. Ask, ask, ask. Maybe you do not care now, but one day this information might come handy.
6. How often can I request to lower my mortgage’s interest rate?
Most of the lenders allow you to reduce your mortgage’s interest rate under certain conditions. Ask your advisor for all the details that apply in your case.
7. Can I rent the house?
A classic question. Can I rent the house where I am on holiday? Can I work outside the country? Can I rent it and buy another one? Most of the times the answer is no. But better ask and maybe your advisor can find you a good mortgage deal.
8. Can the mortgage be moved to another house?
In the Netherlands when you sell your house the remaining mortgage can be usually be moved – with the same conditions – to your newly purchased house. Ask your advisor if this is the case with your mortgage.
9. Do I get tax mortgage interest deduction (hypotheekrenteaftrek)?
For your primary home you get a maximum mortgage interest deduction of of 37.48 per cent in 2025. The actual amount depends on your income.
10. Are there any other costs I should be thinking about?
Think of land lease, maintenance costs, renovations costs, house insurance and others.
Make sure you do not leave your advisor’s office with all your Dutch mortgage questions answered!
