Frequently Asked Questions About Mortgages for Expats in the Netherlands
Buying a house in the Netherlands as an expat comes with many questions – about contracts, risks, timing, and costs. Below, we answer frequently asked questions about mortgages for expats in the Netherlands.
At Expat Mortgage Platform, our goal is simple: clarity, security, and peace of mind.
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I’m afraid to sign the purchase contract – what about the 10% penalty?
This is a very common concern. Don’t worry – we will explicitly tell you when it is safe to sign the purchase agreement.
We make sure that proper cancellation clauses are included, that your mortgage feasibility is confirmed, and that risks are clearly explained before you commit.
You will never be asked to sign blindly.
Why choose Expat Mortgage Platform instead of going directly to a bank like Rabobank?
Banks only offer their own products.
We compare almost all Dutch lenders, compare interest rates, conditions & flexibility, and select the mortgage that best fits your situation, not the bank’s.
With us, you’re not limited – you’re optimised.
Do I need to live in the Netherlands for 6 months before I can buy a house?
No, you do not need to live in the Netherlands for six months to buy a house.
Eligibility depends on your employment situation, residence status, and income structure, among other things.
Many expats can buy earlier than expected.
Contact us to discuss your specific situation.
Do I need a lot of savings to buy a house in the Netherlands?
In many cases, no. You can often finance up to 100% of the market value with limited own funds for additional costs.
How much you need depends on the purchase price, buyer costs and your financial profile.
We explain this clearly during a free meeting.
Will you help me with the entire buying process?
Yes absolutely! We guide you from first calculation, through mortgage approval to notary signing and completion.
You are never alone in the process.
Can I buy a house in the Netherlands if my partner lives abroad?
Sometimes yes. It depends on marital status, income structure, and country of residence.
We are happy to assess your situation and explain the options.
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?
This depends on the lender and how complete your documents are. On average two to three weeks after submitting a complete application.
We actively monitor the process to avoid unnecessary delays.
Do I pay a penalty if I sell my house?
No. You can sell your home at any time without a penalty and without paying tax on the remaining equity after the sale.
When can I sell my house?
You can sell your house whenever you want. There are no minimum ownership periods imposed by Dutch law.
Can you help me finance renovations after I bought my home?
Yes. If you want to install a new kitchen, build a conservatory, or renovate a bathroom, we can assess whether additional financing is possible or if refinancing makes sense.
Contact us to explore the options.
I’m married, but want to buy a house on my own – is that possible?
Sometimes, yes. This depends on the marital property regime, country of marriage, and income & legal structure.
We are happy to review your situation confidentially.
When will my first mortgage payment be deducted?
Your first mortgage payment is usually deducted one month after you receive the keys.
We will confirm the exact date with your lender.
When do I receive the final settlement from the notary?
You will receive the final settlement statement a few days before completion, and prepared by the notary. It shows all costs, the mortgage amount, and funds required.
When do I need to transfer funds to the notary?
Funds must be transferred at least one working day before completion.
We will guide you step by step to ensure everything is on time.
When should I apply for mortgage-related tax benefits?
You can apply after completion of the purchase via your annual tax return or earlier through a provisional tax refund.
We explain what is best for your situation.
Can I repay my mortgage early?
Yes. All lenders allow partial early repayments. Often up to a certain percentage per year and usually without penalty. Conditions differ per lender – we check this for you.
Is a fixed or variable interest rate better?
There is no universal answer. Fixed rate gives stability and predictability, while a variable rate offers flexibility and potential savings.
Your advisor will help you choose based on risk tolerance, financial plans, and market conditions.
Can I add renovation costs after receiving the final mortgage offer?
Usually no. Once the final offer is issued, changes are generally no longer possible.
Renovation financing must be discussed before the final mortgage offer is issued.
What does the home’s energy rating mean for my mortgage?
A better energy label can increase your maximum mortgage and could qualify you for an energy savings budget.
Homes with lower ratings may allow additional borrowing for improvements and may increase property value after renovation.
We always check this for you.
I’ve decided to buy a house – what’s the next step?
Congratulations – that’s a great decision.
The next step is to schedule a free consultation.
To prepare, please bring the following documents:
- Passport or ID
- Recent payslip
- Uniform Pension Overview (18+, you can download this at www.mijnpensioenoverzicht.nl)
- Overview of loans or credits
- Employer’s statement (if available)
Are you self-employed? Please bring your tax returns or annual accounts from the last two or three years.
Are you already buying? Please bring a provisional purchase agreement.
Are you refinancing? Please bring your current mortgage documents.
It is also helpful to think about the mortgage types, fixed-rate period, risks (unemployment, incapacity to work), and future plans (children, working less).
Our advisor will think along with you.
You now have answers to frequently asked questions about mortgages for expats.
Ready to Talk?
You are now well prepared for your mortgage conversation.
Schedule your free consultation today.
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