ING Predicts Housing Price Stabilization 2026: Is Now the Right Time for Expats to Buy in the Netherlands?

ING Bank has released new forecasts indicating that Dutch housing prices will stabilize throughout 2026, marking a significant shift from the volatile market conditions of recent years. Our analysis suggests this creates a unique window of opportunity for international buyers who have been waiting on the sidelines. According to ING’s latest housing market report, the Dutch property market is entering a more predictable phase that could benefit expat homebuyers significantly.

ING predicts the stabilisation of house prices

ING’s economists have identified several key factors driving the stabilization of house prices across the Netherlands. The bank’s research indicates that price growth has slowed from the dramatic increases of 2024-2025 to a more sustainable 2-3% annual appreciation rate in 2026.

Specifically, ING data shows that housing prices in the Netherlands have experienced the following trends:

• Amsterdam region: Price growth slowed to 1.8% year-over-year in Q1 2026
• Utrecht and surrounding areas: Showing 2.2% growth, down from 8% in 2025
• Rotterdam and The Hague: Stabilizing at 2.5% annual increases
• Regional markets: Experiencing varied but generally moderate growth between 1.5-3%

This stabilization comes after Statistics Netherlands (CBS) reported that housing supply increased by 12% in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period last year. Moreover, the European Central Bank’s recent decision to maintain interest rates at current levels has created more predictable borrowing costs for the remainder of 2026.

Why this is important for expats who want to buy a house

This price stabilization creates several advantages for international buyers in the Dutch housing market in 2026. First, the reduced price volatility means expats can plan their purchases with greater certainty, without the fear of dramatic price jumps that characterized previous years.

Furthermore, mortgage lenders have become more confident in their lending criteria when house prices are stable. In our experience with expat mortgage Netherlands applications, we’ve seen approval rates improve by approximately 15% since the market began stabilizing in early 2026. This is particularly significant for international buyers who often face additional scrutiny during the mortgage approval process.

The housing affordability in the Netherlands has also improved for expats earning in euros. With salaries typically adjusted annually and housing prices growing at a more moderate pace, the income-to-housing-cost ratio has become more favorable. Additionally, De Nederlandsche Bank’s latest guidelines for international mortgage applicants have remained stable, providing clearer expectations for expat buyers.

For whom is this the most important?

The current market conditions particularly benefit specific expat demographics looking to buy a house in the Netherlands with an expat status. Based on our recent client experiences, professionals in the technology, finance, and engineering sectors are best positioned to capitalize on these stable conditions.

Expats with the following profiles should consider acting now:

• Gross annual income of €75,000+ (single) or €100,000+ (couple)
• Permanent employment contracts or highly skilled migrant status
• At least 18 months of Dutch employment history
• Savings for a 10-20% down payment plus closing costs

Geographically, the Netherlands property market offers the best value in mid-sized cities like Eindhoven, Groningen, and Maastricht, where price appreciation has been more modest than in the Randstad. However, even Amsterdam and Utrecht are showing improved accessibility for international buyers with stable incomes.

What we often see with our clients is that those who secure pre-approval during stable market periods have greater negotiating power and can take advantage of seasonal fluctuations without timing pressure.

What changes in the mortgage conditions?

Mortgage rates in the Netherlands 2026 have settled into a range of 4.2% to 4.8% for 30-year fixed loans, significantly more stable than the volatility experienced in 2024-2025. The European Central Bank’s monetary policy decisions have provided lenders with the confidence to offer longer-term rate locks to qualified borrowers.

Several regulatory changes are also impacting expat mortgage applications in the Netherlands:

• New documentation requirements streamline the process for EU citizens
• Enhanced verification procedures for non-EU expats, but with clearer timelines
• Improved digital application processes, reducing processing time to 3-4 weeks
• Updated sustainability requirements offering bonus borrowing capacity for energy-efficient homes

In our experience, the current lending environment favors prepared applicants. Banks are processing applications more efficiently, and we’ve successfully secured mortgages for expats even during the transition period between employers, provided proper documentation is available.

What you should do now as an expat buyer

Given the stable house prices environment, expats should take specific steps to position themselves advantageously. First, obtain a preliminary mortgage pre-approval to understand your exact borrowing capacity under current conditions. This process typically takes 5-7 business days and provides crucial leverage in negotiations.

Additionally, we recommend monitoring the market for seasonal opportunities. Spring and summer traditionally see increased inventory, while autumn often presents better pricing as sellers become more motivated.

Risk factors to consider include potential interest rate adjustments later in 2026 and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties that could impact the broader European economy. However, the current stable trajectory of Dutch housing policy suggests that major disruptions are unlikely through the remainder of 2026.

At Expat Mortgage Platform, we’re seeing increased confidence among our international clients who are moving forward with purchases during this stabilization period. The combination of predictable house prices, stable mortgage rates, and improved lending processes creates optimal conditions for expat home buyers.

For detailed guidance on navigating the current market, explore our comprehensive analysis of the balanced Dutch housing market in 2026 or learn about the complete home buying timeline for expats.