Frequently Asked Questions

I’m afraid to sign the purchase contract; we might end up with a 10% penalty.

Don’t worry, we’ll let you know when you can safely sign the contract.

Why Expat Mortgage Platform and not Rabobank directly?

We compare all lenders, interest rates, and terms. With us, you’re guaranteed the best deal.

Do we have to live here for 6 months to be able to buy a house in the Netherlands?

No, you don’t need to. Feel free to contact us to discuss the possibilities.

Do I need a lot of my own savings to be able to buy a house in the Netherlands?

In many cases, you don’t. We are happy to explain this during a meeting with you.

Will you help me with the entire process of buying a house in the Netherlands?

Of course! We will help and guide you from start to finish. You are not alone!

Can I buy a house in the Netherlands if my partner lives abroad?

This depends on your personal situation. We are happy to discuss the options with you.

How long does it take to receive a final mortgage offer as an expat?

The timeline depends on the lender and the completeness of your documents. On average, a final mortgage offer is issued within two to three weeks after submitting the full application.

Do I have to pay a penalty if I want to sell my house?

No, you can always sell your home without a penalty. You also do not pay tax on the amount you have left after the sale of your property.

When can I sell my house?

You can sell it whenever you want to.

Can you help me if I bought my current home a year ago and now want to install a new bathroom, kitchen, or conservatory?

Yes, absolutely! Please feel free to contact us, we are happy to help you.

I am a married expat, but I want to buy a house in the Netherlands on my own. Is this possible?

Sometimes this is possible, it depends on your situation. We would be happy to review the options with you.

When will the first mortgage payment be deducted from my bank account?

Your first mortgage payment is usually deducted one month after you receive the keys.

When do I receive the final settlement from the notary?

The notary prepares the final settlement shortly before completion. You will receive the statement a few days before the transfer date, showing all costs and amounts due.

When do I need to transfer the funds to the notary?

The required funds must be transferred to the notary’s account at least one working day before completion. Of course we will guide you.

When should I apply for my mortgage-related tax return?

You can apply for mortgage-related tax benefits after the purchase is completed. Many homeowners choose to apply during the annual tax return or request a provisional tax refund earlier.

Can I repay my mortgage earlier?

Yes. All lenders allow partial early repayments, often up to a certain percentage per year without penalty.

Is a fixed or variable interest rate better?

This depends on your financial goals and risk preference. Fixed rates offer stability, while variable rates may offer flexibility. Your advisor will help you choose the best option.

Can I apply for renovations after receiving the final mortgage offer?

In most cases you can’t. Once the final mortgage offer has been issued, changes such as adding renovation costs are usually not possible. Renovation financing must be included before the final offer is issued. If you are considering renovations, it is important to discuss this with your advisor early in the process so it can be included in the mortage application where possible.

What does the home’s energy rating mean for me?

The better the energy rating, the more you can borrow. We will, of course, check this for you. It is also possible to obtain an energy savings budget; the lower the energy rating, the more budget you can get to improve the energy rating and increase the value.

I have decided that I want to buy a house in the Netherlands as an expat, what now?

Congratulations, that is a great first step. Now it’s time to schedule a free consultation. To be able to provide you with complete information, the mortgage advisor needs all the necessary information from you. Here is a step-by-step plan on what to bring to a mortgage interview:

  • Copies of your passport or identity card.
  • Copies of a recent pay slip.
  • If you are 18 or older, a uniform Pension Overview. You can download this at www.mijnpensioenoverzicht.nl or at your own pension provider.
  • If applicable, an overview of loans and credits.
  • If you already have one, an employer’s statement.


Are you self-employed? In that case, take your income tax return or annual accounts from the past 3 years with you. 

When you are in the process of purchasing a house, take the documents in question with you. So, if possible, also the provisional purchase contract.

Are you not going to buy a home but do you want to refinance your mortgage? Then bring your current mortgage documents with you.

It is also wise to already think about important matters such as:

  • the mortgage type
  • fixed-rate period and undesirable situations such as unemployment
  • incapacity to work
  • is there a desire to have children or do you want to work less?


Indicate this in your conversation. Our mortgage advisor is happy to think along with you about this.

You are all set for the mortgage conversation. Hope to see you soon at Expat Mortgage Platform!

We are happy to help you and we are of course 100% independent!

Best Mortgage advice for Expats

The Expat Mortgage Platform experts will help you find the perfect Mortgage against the best possible rate! Calculate your Maximum Expat Mortgage online or make a free appointment with one of our mortgage advisors. Welcome!