Kamp & Vulhop is an independent mortgage advisor based in The Hague. Many of our clients are internationals, from inside and outside the EU. We explain the Dutch mortgage process in plain English, compare lenders for you and stay with you until you have the keys.
Can you get a mortgage in the Netherlands as an expat?
Yes. Lenders work out how much you can borrow in the same way as for a Dutch buyer: they look at your income and your financial obligations. Your nationality does not change that calculation. What matters is the document you live here on.
The applicant whose income is needed for the mortgage must have one of these:
- an identity card from the Netherlands or another EU/EEA country;
- a passport from the Netherlands, another EU/EEA country or Switzerland;
- a residence document for an indefinite period;
- a residence document for a fixed period with a non-temporary purpose of residence;
- a privileged person's document (diplomatic identity card).
Many of our clients from outside the EU are in the Netherlands as highly skilled migrants. Not sure whether your permit qualifies? Send us a message and we will check it with you.
Do you need to have lived here for a while?
Some lenders ask that you have lived in the Netherlands for a minimum period, for example six months. Other lenders do not have this requirement. We know which lender fits your situation, so a recent move does not have to stop you.
The 30% ruling
Nearly all Dutch lenders accept buyers from abroad, and some offer extra room to borrow if you have the 30% ruling. For every client we look at which lender fits best with your situation, your plans and your goals.
What expats ask us most
How much can I borrow?
That depends on your income, your obligations and the interest rate. In the first meeting we calculate it for you, so you know your budget before you start viewing homes. See also mortgage capacity for expats.
What are my gross and net monthly costs?
The gross amount is the interest and repayment you pay the lender. In most cases you can deduct the mortgage interest from your taxable income, which makes the net amount lower. We show you both, so you know what you will really pay each month.
Which extra costs should I expect?
On top of the purchase price there are buyer's costs, such as transfer tax, the notary, the valuation and the mortgage advice. You usually pay these from your own savings. Read more about additional costs when buying a house and how much deposit you need.
What is the 10% deposit?
After you sign the purchase agreement, you usually provide a deposit of 10% of the purchase price. You can pay it to the notary from your own savings, or we arrange a bank guarantee. The deposit is settled when the house is transferred to you.
How long does it take?
Once you have agreed on a house, things move quickly. The interest rate offer usually arrives within a day, and the lender's assessment takes a few days once all documents are in. The steps are below.
What does our advice cost?
The first meeting is always free and without obligation. We work on a no cure, no pay basis: you only pay when your mortgage is arranged. The fee depends on your situation, and you will know it before you decide to go ahead.
Buying a home in The Hague
Many homes in The Hague are apartments with an owners' association (VvE), some are on leasehold land (erfpacht), and in popular areas buyers often bid above the asking price. You can borrow up to the market value of the home, so anything above that comes from your own savings. We take all of this into account when we work out your budget. Working for an international organisation? Read about getting a mortgage while working for an international organisation.