Mortgage interest rate review: what are your options?
For years you have paid exactly the same interest rate. That brings peace of mind. But now your fixed-rate period (rentevaste periode) is coming to an end and your lender sends you a renewal offer. What do you do with it? Simply accept, or are there better options? This is the moment to take a fresh look at your mortgage — and it usually pays off more than you expect.
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What is a mortgage interest rate review (renteherziening)?
A mortgage interest rate review (renteherziening) means that the interest rate on your mortgage is reset. This happens when your fixed-rate period expires. During that period you paid the same rate throughout. Once it ends, your mortgage provider proposes a new rate based on the current market rate, sometimes increased by a risk surcharge (renteopslag).
Three months before the review date, your lender sends a renewal proposal listing the available fixed-rate periods and their corresponding rates. You do not have to accept that offer as it stands. You have more choice at this moment than you may realise.
Important: if you do not respond to your lender's proposal, they will automatically renew your rate for the same period as before. That is rarely the smartest move.
Your options at the end of a fixed-rate period
The expiry of your fixed-rate period is the ideal moment to take action. You have three main options.
1. Renew with your current lender
You fix the rate again with the same mortgage provider. Straightforward and without extra costs, but not always the most competitive. Banks sometimes offer existing clients less favourable rates than new clients receive. Always compare first.
2. Switch to a different lender
You take out a new mortgage with another provider at a lower rate (oversluiten). At the end of your fixed-rate period you can switch without paying an early repayment charge. There are, however, additional costs such as advisory, valuation, and notary fees. A good adviser calculates whether switching leaves you better off overall.
3. Make an extra repayment
Do you have savings, a bonus, or an inheritance? When your fixed-rate period ends you can repay part — or all — of your mortgage without penalty. This reduces your outstanding debt and can significantly lower your monthly costs.
Has your home risen in value? Request a lower risk category
Your mortgage interest rate consists of a base rate and a risk surcharge (renteopslag). That surcharge depends on the ratio between your outstanding mortgage debt and the value of your home — also known as the loan-to-value ratio. The lower that ratio, the less risk for the bank and the lower the surcharge.
Has your home increased in value, or have you made significant repayments over the years? You may now fall into a lower risk category (tariefklasse) and be entitled to a lower interest rate. Banks do not adjust this automatically. You need to request it yourself and demonstrate the increase in value with a WOZ assessment (WOZ-beschikking) or a formal valuation report.
This does not apply to mortgages with National Mortgage Guarantee (NHG), which always fall into the lowest risk category.
Interest rate averaging (rentemiddeling): adjust your rate mid-term
Would you rather not wait until the end of your fixed-rate period and benefit from today's lower market rates instead? Interest rate averaging (rentemiddeling) may be an option. With this arrangement you fix a new rate mid-term. The new rate is an average of your current rate and the prevailing market rate.
The advantage: you pay no immediate early repayment charge. The remaining penalty is built into your new interest rate as a surcharge, spread over the new fixed-rate period. You pay slightly above the market rate, but avoid a large one-off payment.
Not every lender offers interest rate averaging. We will assess whether it makes sense in your specific situation.
Do you have a rate consideration period (rentebedenktijd)?
Some mortgages include a rate consideration period (rentebedenktijd). This gives you — typically up to two years — to choose your own moment to lock in a new interest rate, allowing you to wait for a favourable point in the market.
During this period you pay a daily rate (dagrente): the rate is reset every day. That gives flexibility but also uncertainty about your monthly costs. We advise you on when it makes sense to fix the rate and for which term.
Combine your interest rate review with home improvements
The moment of your interest rate review is also a good time to consider making your home more energy-efficient. Are you planning solar panels, a heat pump, or extra insulation? In some cases these can be co-financed through a building deposit (bouwdepot) or a sustainability loan.
Moreover, a better energy label entitles you to an interest rate discount at many banks. Always ask about this at the point of renewal. With some lenders you need to raise it yourself — if you forget, you miss the discount.
When should you take action?
- Three to six months in advance
Contact an independent adviser as soon as your review date comes into view. This gives you enough time to request quotes and compare them without pressure. - Check your risk category
Has your home risen in value, or have you made repayments? Request reclassification into a lower risk category before the new rate takes effect. - Compare multiple lenders
Your own bank's offer is the starting point, not the finish line. We request quotes from multiple lenders and compare not just the current rate but also the average rate over the full fixed-rate term. - Decide and confirm on time
Always respond before the review date. Anyone who fails to respond is automatically renewed on the bank's terms — and that is rarely the best outcome.
What does Libero Financieel do for you at your interest rate review?
At the time of your interest rate review you are under no obligation to stay with your current lender. But to make a well-informed comparison, you need someone who knows the market and puts your interests first. That is exactly what we do.
- 100% independent: we are not tied to any single bank. We compare offers from dozens of mortgage providers across the Netherlands.
- Full-term rate in view: a low starting rate looks attractive, but we also look at what you will pay over the entire new fixed-rate period.
- Risk category check: we verify whether you qualify for a lower risk category and handle the application on your behalf.
- Personal advice: your situation is unique. We look at your income, plans, and housing needs — not at a standard rate sheet.
- Digital and efficient: through our client portal you manage everything clearly and on your own schedule.
Frequently asked questions about mortgage interest rate reviews
When will I receive a renewal proposal from my lender?
You will receive a renewal proposal from your mortgage provider at least three months before the end of your fixed-rate period. It sets out the available fixed-rate terms and their corresponding rates. You are not obliged to accept the offer immediately and are free to compare it with other lenders.
Can I switch to a different lender without an early repayment charge?
Yes. When your fixed-rate period ends, most lenders allow you to switch to a different provider without an early repayment penalty. There are, however, additional costs to consider — including advisory, valuation, and notary fees. An independent adviser will calculate whether switching leaves you better off overall.
What happens if I do nothing at the end of my fixed-rate period?
If you do not respond to your lender's proposal, the fixed-rate period is automatically renewed for the same duration as before. You miss the opportunity to benefit from a lower rate, a better risk category, or more favourable terms with another provider. Taking action almost always pays off.
Can I change my mortgage type at the time of the interest rate review?
In some cases, yes. Certain lenders allow you to change your mortgage type at the point of review — for example, switching from an interest-only mortgage (aflossingsvrije hypotheek) to an annuity mortgage (annuïteitenhypotheek). Whether this is possible depends on your specific mortgage and provider. We will check this for you.
How far in advance should I start comparing?
We recommend contacting an adviser three to six months before your review date. This gives enough time to request quotes, check your risk category, and make a considered decision. Starting too late leaves you with less room to negotiate.
What does mortgage advice cost at the time of an interest rate review?
The cost of mortgage advice at the time of an interest rate review depends on your situation. Renewing with your current lender typically involves lower advisory fees than a full switch to a new provider. View our fee schedule or contact us for a personal overview.