First Home Buyer Guide in Netherlands 2026

Your First Home in Netherlands — Where to Start

Buying your first home in Netherlands is one of the biggest financial decisions you will make. The process can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into clear steps makes it manageable. This guide covers everything from saving your deposit to collecting the keys.

Saving for Your Deposit

Most lenders in Netherlands require a deposit of 0% (100% financing available) of the property price. The more you save, the better your loan terms and the less you pay in additional costs.

While 100% financing is available, you need savings for the kosten koper (buyer’s costs) of approximately 4-6% — notary, transfer tax (if not exempt), valuation, and advisor fees. NHG guarantee cost of 0.6% is also upfront. Build this reserve before house hunting. Register with a hypotheekadviseur early

Government Support for First-Time Buyers

First-time buyers aged 18-35 are exempt from the 2% transfer tax on properties up to €510,000. NHG (Nationale Hypotheek Garantie) provides a government-backed guarantee for mortgages up to €435,000, offering lower rates and residual debt protection. These benefits combined can save €15,000-25,000+ on a typical first purchase

Check our government grants guide for the full list of current programmes and eligibility requirements.

Getting Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

Pre-approval tells you exactly how much you can borrow and shows sellers you are a serious buyer. In Netherlands, the process works as follows.

Engage a hypotheekadviseur (mortgage advisor) — legally required and their independent advice is invaluable. They submit your application to selected lenders and manage the process. Get a pre-approval letter for confidence when making offers in the competitive Dutch market

Use our mortgage calculator to model different scenarios before applying. Read our mortgage types guide to understand which loan product suits your situation.

Understanding the Full Cost of Buying

The purchase price is just the beginning. Budget for additional costs that can add significantly to your total outlay.

Overdrachtsbelasting (transfer tax): 0% for first-time buyers 18-35 (up to €510,000), 2% for other primary residences, 10. Read our buying costs guide for a complete breakdown of every expense.

Common First-Time Buyer Mistakes

Not using the first-time buyer transfer tax exemption (it only applies up to age 35 and up to €510,000), skipping the NHG guarantee for eligible purchases (missing the 0.3-0.6% rate discount), not budgeting for kosten koper (4-6% that must come from savings despite 100% financing), and not getting a bouwkundige keuring (building inspection) — increasingly required by lenders

Avoid these pitfalls by taking your time, doing thorough research, and leaning on qualified professionals throughout the process. Our property inspection checklist covers what to check before committing.

Your Step-by-Step Timeline

The typical first home purchase follows these stages: establish your budget and savings target, explore government support options, get pre-approved for financing, search for the right property, make an offer, complete legal due diligence and inspections, and finalise settlement.

Our property buying guide walks through each stage in detail, and our mortgage guide covers everything about financing.

Next Steps

Ready to start? Use our mortgage calculator to see what you can afford, browse Netherlands FAQs for quick answers, or explore our full property buying guide.