Can you afford a home
in the Netherlands?

Enter your financial details and get an instant breakdown of your borrowing power, monthly costs, and a bidding strategy built for the Dutch market.

~9% avg overbid 2026
€470K NHG limit
3–6 mo typical closing

Affordability Summary

Calculating…
Max borrowing power
Comfortable borrowing (recommended)
Max affordable price
Recommended price target
€0 €0

Monthly Costs Breakdown

at max price
Mortgage payment
Estimated service / VvE
Home insurance (WA + opstal)
Gemeentelijke belastingen (OZB)
Total monthly housing costs
After mortgage interest deduction

One-Off Closing Costs

estimate at max price
Transfer tax (overdrachtsbelasting)
Notary fees (act of sale + mortgage deed) ~€2,500
Mortgage advisor / broker ~€3,000
Building inspection (bouwkundige keuring) ~€500
NHG guarantee fee (0.4%)
Valuation report (taxatierapport) ~€700
Total closing costs
Remaining savings after closing

Bidding Strategy

Dutch Market 2026
Asking price to target
Recommended first bid
Max bid (walk-away price)
Expected overbid premium

3–6 Month Closing Timeline

typical Dutch process
  1. 1
    Get mortgage pre-approval (hypotheekofferte)

    Visit 2–3 advisors, gather income docs (3 payslips, employer statement, tax return). Get an official mortgage offer letter to show sellers you're serious.

    Weeks 1–2 · Cost: ~€3,000 advisor fee
  2. 2
    House hunting & viewings

    Register on Funda, Pararius, and local makelaar sites. Budget 3–10 viewings. Dutch buyers average 2–3 bids before success; expats average 3+ bids.

    Weeks 1–6 · Hire a buyer's agent (aankoopmakelaar) — ~€3,000–5,000
  3. 3
    Make an offer & negotiate

    Bids are typically verbal first, then in writing. Include conditions: voorbehoud van financiering (financing condition) and bouwkundige keuring (building inspection). The seller has no obligation to accept the highest bid.

    Week 6–8 · Overbid budget ready
  4. 4
    Sign purchase agreement (koopakte)

    3 business days cooling-off period after signing. Pay the 10% deposit or arrange a bank guarantee. Building inspection done here.

    Week 8–9 · Notary drafts agreement
  5. 5
    Mortgage finalisation

    Submit full mortgage application, valuation report (taxatierapport), and all supporting documents. Bank approves within 2–4 weeks. NHG application submitted here if applicable.

    Weeks 9–14 · Valuation ~€700
  6. 6
    Closing at notary (overdracht)

    Final walkthrough, sign transfer deed, pay closing costs. Keys handed over. You are now a Dutch homeowner!

    Weeks 14–24 · Total: 3–6 months

Key Dutch Rules 2026