Buying a home in the Netherlands is a great step. But if you live abroad or are moving here from another country, everything can sometimes feel extra complicated. New rules, different systems, and a lot of paperwork.
Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be difficult. With the right explanation and guidance, you can simply obtain a comfortable and affordable mortgage.
An expat mortgage is a mortgage specifically for people who do not live in their home country. You can use such a mortgage to buy a home in the Netherlands, or in some cases even in your home country.
As an expat, you often have to deal with different rules. Think of income in foreign currencies, exchange rates, or stricter requirements from banks. That is why it is especially important to know what is and is not possible. With the right preparation, you can buy safely and responsibly.
You take out the mortgage with a Dutch bank or lender.
Advantages:
Often a favorable interest rate
The rules align well with the Dutch housing market
Banks understand the system and can guide you better
This is offered by international banks or lenders.
Advantages:
Useful if you live abroad but want to buy a home here
Sometimes suitable for expats with global income
Disadvantages:
Stricter requirements
Sometimes higher costs
Not all banks finance properties in the Netherlands
We always help you determine which option best suits your situation.
Each bank applies its own criteria, but these are the points almost all lenders look at:
Some banks require your income to be stable and that you have been working in the Netherlands for some time.
Do you earn in another currency? Then the bank pays extra attention to exchange rates.
Banks want to know how you manage your finances. Sometimes they ask for your Dutch credit score, but often also for a report from your home country.
With an EU passport, you can usually obtain a mortgage without any issues.
Als non-EU expat zijn er soms extra eisen, maar ook dan zijn er vrijwel altijd mogelijkheden.
We explain all the steps and assess which bank best suits your situation.
Passport or ID
Proof of income (payslips, employment contract, annual statements)
Bank statements
Overview of loans or debts
Sometimes an employer’s statement
Tip: gather as many documents as possible in advance. This makes the application much faster and easier.
A buying agent helps you with:
Finding properties that match your preferences
Assessing the structural condition of the property
Negotiating the price
Reviewing legal documents
For first-time buyers and expats, this is often a major advantage, as the market moves quickly and many processes are new.
Open houses are an accessible way to view properties. Take photos and notes so you can compare homes properly.
Each bank applies different interest rates. We compare all options for you, so you know exactly what you will pay each month.
Additional costs you need to take into account
In addition to the purchase price, there are also other costs, such as:
Notary fees
Transfer tax
Valuation
Advisory fees
Possible renovation costs
On average, you should allow for an additional 5–10% on top of the purchase price.
As mortgage experts, we know the lenders and their terms, so you don’t have to do it alone. We help you, among other things, with:
