Getting a mortgage in the Netherlands: everything you need to know
Getting a mortgage is one of the biggest financial decisions most people ever make. That deserves a moment of thought. Because it is not just about the amount you borrow: it is also about the mortgage type, the fixed-rate period, your monthly costs now and in twenty years, and the additional expenses that come with it. We guide you through the process, step by step.
At Libero Financieel, you get personal mortgage advice tailored to who you are. Not an off-the-shelf solution, but advice that starts with your situation.
When do you need a mortgage?
You take out a mortgage when you buy a property and cannot pay the full purchase price from your own savings. For most people, that is exactly the situation. A mortgage is a loan from a lender, with your home as collateral.
There are also situations where you refinance, adjust or increase an existing mortgage. But most visitors to this page are at the beginning of their journey: buying their first home or moving to a new one.
First-time buyer
You are buying your first home and have no existing property to sell. Read more about a mortgage for first-time buyers.
Moving home
You are selling your current home and buying a new one. Home equity often plays a role. Read more about a mortgage when moving up.
Getting a mortgage in 6 steps
- Get a clear picture of your finances
What do you earn, how much have you saved, and what are your fixed monthly expenses? This determines how much you can borrow. Our mortgage calculator gives you a quick first indication. - Book an appointment with a mortgage adviser
We get to know you and your situation. What are your plans for the coming years? Are you planning to start a family, work fewer hours or renovate? All of this shapes which mortgage suits you. - Choose the right mortgage type and fixed-rate period
Most people today choose an annuïteitenhypotheek (annuity mortgage) or a lineaire hypotheek (linear mortgage). We explain the differences clearly and advise what makes most sense for your situation. - Submit your documents
Think of payslips, employer's statement (werkgeversverklaring), annual income statements and a bank statement. Our digital client portal makes this simple and secure. - Receive the mortgage offer
The lender makes a binding offer. We review every detail with you and explain exactly what you are signing. - Sign at the notary
The mortgage deed is signed at the notary and the transfer of ownership is completed. Congratulations: your mortgage is official.
What does getting a mortgage cost?
On top of the mortgage itself, there are additional costs involved in buying a home in the Netherlands. These must be paid from your own funds — they cannot be included in the mortgage. Below are the most common items.
- Mortgage advice and mediation fees (advies- en bemiddelingskosten): what you pay your mortgage adviser. At Libero Financieel, first-time buyers pay a flat fee of € 2.495,- — all-in, no surprises.
- Valuation costs (taxatiekosten): the lender needs to know what the property is worth. Budget an average of € 600,- to € 800,-.
- Notary fees (notariskosten): for the mortgage deed and transfer deed. Typically € 800,- to € 1.200,-.
- Transfer tax (overdrachtsbelasting): 2% of the purchase price, unless you are under 35 and will live in the property yourself — in that case the first-time buyer exemption applies.
- NHG guarantee fee (borgtochtprovisie): if you qualify for National Mortgage Guarantee (NHG), you pay a one-off fee of 0.4% of the mortgage amount.
Good news: a number of these costs can be deducted from your income tax in the year you buy. We always make sure you are aware of that.
Which mortgage type suits you?
There are several mortgage types in the Netherlands, but for new mortgages with mortgage interest deduction (hypotheekrenteaftrek), two options are relevant in practice: the annuity mortgage and the linear mortgage. With both, you have fully repaid the loan by the end of the term.
Annuity mortgage (annuïteitenhypotheek)
You pay the same amount every month. Early on, most of that payment is interest; later, more goes towards repayment. Your monthly costs stay stable, though you build equity more slowly at first.
Linear mortgage (lineaire hypotheek)
You repay the same amount every month, so your monthly costs decrease over time. You pay less total interest, but the monthly costs are higher at the start.
Want an overview of all mortgage types? Visit our mortgage types page.
How long do you want to fix your interest rate?
When getting a mortgage, you also choose a fixed-rate period (rentevaste periode): the period during which your mortgage interest rate does not change. This can be as short as 1 year or as long as 20 or 30 years. The longer you fix the rate, the more certainty you have over your monthly costs — though the interest rate is generally higher.
- Short (1 to 5 years): lower rate, but more risk of it rising when the period ends.
- Medium (10 years): a good balance between certainty and cost.
- Long (20 or 30 years): maximum certainty over your monthly costs for the long term.
The smartest choice depends on your personal situation. Are you planning to work fewer hours soon? Or expecting to move? These plans all factor into the advice.
Why choose Libero Financieel?
We are a 100% independent mortgage advisory firm. That means we are not tied to any single lender — we compare the entire market. Our advisers know the Dutch mortgage market inside out and take the time to truly get to know you.
- Personal advice: online via video call or in person at our office in Enschede
- Fully guided: from the first meeting to the signing at the notary
- Digital client portal: upload documents easily and track your application
- Honest, transparent fee with no hidden costs
- Advice for now and the future: your mortgage adapts as your life changes
Frequently asked questions about getting a mortgage in the Netherlands
How much can I borrow for a mortgage in the Netherlands?
How much you can borrow depends on your income, fixed expenses, any existing debts and the value of the property. In 2026, the maximum is 100% of the property's value. Our mortgage calculator gives you a quick first estimate. For precise advice, book a meeting with one of our advisers.
How long does the mortgage process take?
Plan for an average of four to eight weeks from the first advice meeting to the transfer at the notary. The timeline depends on how quickly you submit your documents, how fast the lender processes the application and when the notary is available. We keep you informed throughout and monitor every step.
Can I get a mortgage without a permanent employment contract?
Yes, you can. Whether you are on a temporary contract, self-employed or have a variable income: there are options. Lenders look at your overall financial picture. We know which lenders are flexible with non-standard income situations — and which are not. Read more about a mortgage for the self-employed.
What is the difference between mortgage advice and execution only?
With execution only, you arrange the mortgage yourself without personal advice. You choose the mortgage type independently and take on full responsibility for that decision. With mortgage advice, an adviser thoroughly reviews your financial situation and gives personal guidance on the mortgage type, interest rate and term that fit your circumstances. Given the financial impact, we always recommend personal advice.
What are the mortgage advice fees at Libero Financieel?
Our fee for first-time buyers is € 2.495,- and for homeowners moving up it is € 2.995,-. Everything is included: from the first meeting to support at the notary. Returning clients pay € 2.795,-. See the full fee breakdown on our rates page.
Can I get a mortgage in the Netherlands as an expat?
Yes. We help internationals and expats living in the Netherlands get a mortgage. There are specific rules and considerations for people with foreign income or a residence permit. Read more on our expat mortgage page.