Mortgage with BKR: what you need to know about your registration
Do you have a BKR-registratie (a registration with the Dutch Credit Registration Office) and wonder whether a mortgage with BKR is still possible? That depends on the type of registration, the amount of any outstanding loan, and your overall financial situation. We explain how the BKR works, what the difference is between a positive and a negative BKR registration, and what this means for your maximum mortgage.
What exactly is the BKR?
The BKR, the Bureau Krediet Registratie (Credit Registration Office), keeps track of which loans and credit facilities you have or have had. Think of a consumer credit (in Dutch), a credit card, a revolving credit, or a phone subscription with a device included. Almost every debt is registered, with one important exception: your student debt is not recorded with the BKR.
A BKR registration does not automatically mean you cannot get a mortgage. The BKR exists precisely to prevent over-borrowing, so that you never lend more than is responsible. When you apply for a mortgage with BKR, we review your BKR overview together with you to get a clear picture of your financial situation.
Positive or negative BKR registration: the difference
Positive registration
Have you always paid off a loan or credit on time? Then this is recorded as a positive registration. A positive registration is usually not an obstacle to getting a mortgage. However, an outstanding loan or credit does count toward the calculation of your maximum mortgage, since its monthly costs affect your borrowing capacity.
Negative registration
If a payment arrears arises on a loan or credit and it meets the conditions for registration, this is recorded as a negative registration with the BKR. The exact rules behind this depend on the lender and the registration code used. A negative BKR registration can affect your mortgage application, but it does not automatically rule out a mortgage.
Can you apply for a mortgage with BKR?
That depends on the type of registration, the amount of any credit, and your overall financial situation. With a positive registration, a mortgage is usually well within reach. With a negative BKR registration, lenders assess your situation more extensively, and the registration code also plays a role.
| Situation | Effect on your mortgage |
| Positive BKR registration | Usually not a problem, an outstanding credit does lower your maximum mortgage |
| Negative BKR registration | Depends on the registration code and the lender's assessment |
| Student debt | Not registered with the BKR, but still counts toward the mortgage calculation |
Want to know what your situation means for your maximum mortgage? In a free consultation, we calculate directly how much you can borrow and which lenders fit your situation.
What can you do yourself?
- Request your own BKR overview
This way you know exactly what is registered about you before applying for a mortgage with BKR. - Pay off outstanding credit where possible
The fewer ongoing obligations you have, the higher your maximum mortgage. - Keep the duration of a negative registration in mind
A negative registration remains on file for five years after the payment arrears has been resolved. - Discuss your situation with us
We look independently at your options and find the mortgage type that fits, even with a negative BKR mortgage situation.
Frequently asked questions about a mortgage with BKR
Does my student debt count with the BKR?
No, your student debt is not registered with the BKR. We do take it into account when calculating your maximum mortgage, since student debt affects your borrowing capacity.
Can I get a mortgage with an A-code?
An A-code indicates that a payment arrangement has been made for an arrears. A mortgage is often still possible, but lenders will assess your application more extensively. We look together with you at which lenders fit your situation.
Can I get a mortgage after my BKR registration has expired?
Once a negative registration has expired, it no longer counts toward the assessment of your mortgage application. Applying for a mortgage is then in most cases just as possible as without a previous registration.
How long does a negative BKR registration stay on file?
A negative registration remains visible for five years after you have settled the payment arrears. After that, the registration is automatically removed.
Does a consumer credit affect my maximum mortgage?
Yes. An outstanding consumer credit (in Dutch) lowers the amount you can maximally borrow, even with a positive registration. The higher the monthly costs of your credit, the lower your mortgage room.
Curious about your options?
With or without a BKR registration, we always look at your complete situation and find the mortgage that fits you. Schedule a free consultation, online or at our office in Enschede.