Linear mortgage: how it works and is it right for you?
Buying your first home is probably the biggest financial decision you've made so far. At the same time, there's a lot to think about. How much can you borrow? How much savings do you need? Does a studieschuld (student loan debt) affect your mortgage? And how do you actually stand a chance in a tight housing market?
At Libero Financieel, we guide first-time buyers from all over the Netherlands through the purchase of their first home. We calculate what you can responsibly borrow, explain every scheme in plain language, and support you from the very first calculation right through to getting the keys. Thanks to our partnership with Libero Aankoop (in Dutch), we help you not only with financing but also with a smart bidding strategy.
How much can you borrow as a first-time buyer in 2026?
Before you start viewing homes, it's smart to know your maximum mortgage. That way you avoid disappointment and can act quickly once you find the right home.
How much mortgage you can get depends on several factors. The annual lending standards (in Dutch) form the basis, but your personal situation ultimately determines how much you can responsibly borrow.
What does a lender look at?
Your income
Your gross annual income is the most important factor in determining your maximum mortgage. Generally speaking: the higher and more stable your income, the more you can borrow.
Your partner's income
Buying a home together with a partner? Then your partner's income counts towards the mortgage calculation. That usually means your maximum mortgage is significantly higher than if you were buying alone.
Your student debt
Having a studieschuld (student loan debt) doesn't mean you can't get a mortgage. It does, however, affect your maximum loan amount. Lenders look at your current monthly repayment, not the original amount you borrowed.
The home's energy label
Buying an energy-efficient home, or planning to invest in making one more sustainable? In some cases you can borrow extra. How much depends on the energy label and the current mortgage rules.
Your own savings
You can finance a maximum of 100% of the home's value. Buyer's costs, such as notary fees, valuation costs and advisory fees, are usually paid from your own funds. How much savings you'll need varies per home and per personal situation.
Want to know how much you can borrow? During a free introductory meeting, we'll calculate your maximum mortgage and explain exactly how we arrived at that figure.
Schemes for first-time buyers in 2026
As a first-time buyer, you may be able to use several schemes that make buying your first home more affordable. Which ones apply to you depends on your age, income, the home you're buying and the municipality where you'll live.
During our advice sessions, we look at which schemes can be combined and which option works out best financially.
| Scheme | Benefit |
| Transfer tax exemption for first-time buyers | Buying a home for the first time and meeting the conditions? Then you pay no transfer tax. |
| National Mortgage Guarantee | Often a lower mortgage rate and extra security if, through no fault of your own, you're ever unable to pay your mortgage. |
| starterslening (starter's loan) | In some municipalities you can get an additional loan if your income falls just short of what's needed to finance your desired home. |
| Extra borrowing room for sustainability improvements | For an energy-efficient home or sustainability measures , you may be able to borrow extra under certain conditions. |
| Family mortgage | Parents or other family members can, under certain conditions, help finance your first home. |
Conditions and maximum amounts change regularly. That's why we always work with the most current rules and check which options apply to your specific situation.
Starter's loan: does your municipality offer this option?
With a starterslening (starter's loan), you can sometimes borrow that little bit extra needed to buy your first home. Not every municipality offers this scheme, and the conditions vary by municipality.
Use the search tool below to see straight away whether your municipality offers a starter's loan and what the possibilities are.
Not sure whether a starter's loan is worthwhile for you? During a free introductory meeting, we'll work out straight away whether the scheme benefits you and whether it can be combined with, for example, the National Mortgage Guarantee.
More chance of getting the home with Libero Aankoop
Arranging your mortgage is important, but first your offer needs to be accepted. That's exactly where many first-time buyers run into trouble. Good homes tend to sell fast, and you're often competing with buyers who have more experience or who bid without a financing contingency.
That's why Libero Financieel and Libero Aankoop work closely together. While our mortgage advisors make sure you know exactly what you can borrow, our buying agent helps you with a smart bidding strategy and the negotiations. That way, your financing lines up perfectly with the offer you make.
Why first-time buyers choose the Combi-Deal
Buying your first home? Then it helps when all the specialists work together. You don't have to switch back and forth between a buying agent and a mortgage advisor yourself. We coordinate everything, so you can act fast the moment you find your dream home.
With the Combi-Deal, you benefit from:
- a clear budget before you start looking
- a buying agent who represents only your interests
- a bidding strategy that matches your financial situation
- short lines of communication between the buying agent and mortgage advisor
- guidance from your first viewing all the way to the notary
Bidding without a financing contingency: when does it make sense?
In today's housing market, an offer without a financing contingency can be attractive to a seller. That doesn't mean it's always the right choice.
If you bid without a financing contingency and don't manage to arrange your mortgage in time, you may owe a contractual penalty. That's why we always check first whether it's responsible to bid without one.
In some situations, bid insurance can offer a solution. Under certain conditions, it lets you make a stronger offer while the financial risk is covered.
Whether bid insurance makes sense for you is something we discuss during your mortgage advice session. We'll explain the benefits, conditions and any risks clearly, so you can make a well-informed choice.
How we guide you to your first home
- Free introduction
During a no-obligation conversation, we discuss your income, savings, any student debt and your housing wishes. We'll also give you an early estimate of how much you can borrow and what options are available. The conversation can take place online via video call or at our office in Enschede. - Insight into your maximum mortgage
We calculate exactly how much you can responsibly borrow. We look not only at the current lending standards, but also at schemes such as the National Mortgage Guarantee, a possible starter's loan and extra borrowing room for sustainability improvements. After this conversation, you'll know exactly what budget you can search within. - Searching for your first home
Now comes the fun part: viewing homes. Chosen the Combi-Deal? Then Libero Aankoop guides you through the buying process. We help assess the home's value, work out a fitting bidding strategy together, and advise on the conditions of your offer. That increases your chances of a successful purchase, without bidding more than necessary. - Tailored mortgage advice
Has your offer been accepted? Then we compare mortgages from different lenders and look for the solution that best fits your situation. We look not only at the lowest rate, but also at the terms and your plans for the future. Think of starting a family, a career change, or wanting to make extra repayments. - We arrange the complete mortgage application
Once you've made your choice, we take care of the entire mortgage application. We check all the documents, stay in contact with the lender, and keep you informed throughout the process. From the mortgage offer to your appointment with the notary, we guide you every step of the way.
What does mortgage advice cost for first-time buyers?
At Libero Financieel, you pay a fixed advisory fee. You know exactly where you stand from the start. No commissions, no hidden costs and no surprises afterwards.
First-time buyer rate: € 2,495
This fee includes:
- personal mortgage advice
- comparison of different lenders
- guidance through the entire mortgage application
- review of all documents
- contact with the lender
- support all the way through to the notary appointment
The introductory meeting is always free and without obligation. Decide afterwards to use our services? Then we'll guide you through the complete mortgage process.
Also interested in using Libero Aankoop? Take a look at our Combi-Deal for an attractive combined rate.
Frequently asked questions about a first-time buyer mortgage
How much can I borrow as a first-time buyer?
How much you can borrow depends on several factors. Think of your income, any partner income, your student debt, existing financial obligations and the home you want to buy. The home's energy label can also affect your maximum mortgage.
Want to know exactly what's possible for you? During a free introductory meeting, we'll calculate how much you can responsibly borrow and which schemes are relevant to you.
How much savings do I need to buy my first home?
You can finance a maximum of 100% of a home's market value. That's why you usually pay the buyer's costs from your own savings.
Think of: notary fees, valuation costs, mortgage advice, a possible structural survey and costs for the mortgage deed.
How much of your own money you'll need varies per home and your situation. During our advice session, we'll make a clear calculation, so you know exactly where you stand.
Does my student debt affect my mortgage?
Yes, but having a studieschuld doesn't mean you can't buy a home.
Lenders now look at your current monthly repayment. As a result, the impact of student debt is often smaller than many first-time buyers expect.
We're happy to calculate what your student debt means for your maximum mortgage.
Can I get a mortgage with a temporary employment contract?
Yes, in many cases you can.
Do you have a temporary employment contract? Then the lender will look at, among other things, a possible statement of intent from your employer. Your employment history can also play a role.
We'll look at which lenders best suit your situation and which documents are needed.
Am I eligible for the National Mortgage Guarantee (NHG)?
That depends on the purchase price of the home and the current NHG limit.
With NHG , you often benefit from a lower mortgage rate and extra security if, through no fault of your own, you're no longer able to pay your mortgage.
During your advice session, we'll check straight away whether NHG is both possible and wise for you.
Am I eligible for a starter's loan?
Not every municipality offers a starterslening. There are also conditions relating to income, home value and the municipality where you're buying.
We'll check during your advice session whether your municipality offers a starter's loan and whether you qualify.
Do I need a buying agent?
No, a buying agent isn't mandatory. Even so, many first-time buyers choose to get support.
A buying agent can help with things like: assessing the asking price, working out a fitting bidding strategy, the negotiations, and reviewing the purchase agreement.
Thanks to the partnership between Libero Financieel and Libero Aankoop, your financing and bidding strategy line up perfectly.
How long does a mortgage application take?
On average, a mortgage application takes a few weeks. The exact timeline depends on things like the lender you choose and how quickly all documents are available.
By carefully checking all documents in advance, we prevent unnecessary delays during the application.
When should I bring in a mortgage advisor?
Ideally, before you start viewing homes.
By knowing in advance how much you can borrow, you can search with focus and act quickly the moment you find your ideal home. It also helps you avoid falling in love with a home that turns out to be outside your budget.
Ready for your first home?
Buying a first home is more than just arranging a mortgage. You want to know how much you can borrow, which schemes apply to you, and how to give yourself the best chance of a successful purchase in a competitive housing market.
At Libero Financieel, we guide you through the entire process, from the first calculation to the appointment with the notary. Thanks to our partnership with Libero Aankoop, your financing and bidding strategy line up seamlessly, so you enter the housing market well prepared.
During a free, no-obligation introductory meeting, we discuss your situation, answer all your questions and calculate exactly how much you can responsibly borrow. That way, you know where you stand before you start looking for your first home.
Book a free introductory meeting
We usually respond the same working day.