How do you buy a house?
You buy a house by following a structured 7-step plan, starting with determining your financial possibilities and ending with the transfer at the notary. Buying a house is an exciting step, but with the right step-by-step plan and purchasing agent, it is much easier.
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Process of buying a house in netherlands
Buying a house in the Netherlands consists of seven clear steps, in which you arrange the financing and legal processing separately for maximum control. By following this step-by-step plan, you will be well prepared for the purchase of your first home as an expat.
Step 1: Mapping finances
Buying a house in the Netherlands starts with understanding your financial situation. You begin by determining your budget and calculating how much you can borrow with a Dutch mortgage. This depends on your income, fixed costs and personal situation.
Keep in mind that the purchase price is not the only cost. You also need to reserve your own funds for taxes, transfer costs and other buyer expenses after the purchase.
homeup helps you get clarity fast. We arrange a free orientation meeting with an experienced mortgage advisor who helps you determine your budget and maps out your options. That way, you know exactly how much you can borrow before you start the search.
Step 2: Start the search
Your search starts by listing your housing needs. Decide whether you are looking for an existing home or a new home and whether you are buying an apartment or a house in the Netherlands. By creating a sharp profile, you know exactly when the home meets your needs.
Enable homeup as your real estate agent. We can give you good advice about your search and give you priority over exclusive properties, so you can find your dream home faster. Want to know more about how a real estate agent helps you buy a home? Then read our detailed article about what a real estate agent does.
Step 3: Viewing and determining value
After finding the property, viewing it is crucial to determine its value, paying attention to its structural condition and location. Ask the selling real estate agent which items are included in the purchase. For older homes, a structural inspection can be crucial to avoid surprises after the purchase.
homeup acts as your independent purchasing agent. We compare similar properties and objectively determine the value of the purchase. With our checklist and experience, you know exactly what to look for and whether a structural survey is necessary.
Step 4: Bidding and negotiating
You determine your maximum price and make a good offer to the selling real estate agent based on the established property value. Make sure you clearly include the resolutive conditions in your offer, such as the financing reservation.
Negotiation can be tense. However, this is where expertise makes a difference.
homeup specializes in negotiation and submits the offer on your behalf. We ensure that you have a strong negotiating position, increasing the likelihood that your offer will be accepted.
Step 5: Signing the purchase agreement
Once your offer has been accepted, you will receive the provisional purchase agreement from the seller. After signing the purchase agreement, the statutory three-day cooling-off period begins, during which you have the option to cancel the purchase without giving any reason.
homeup carries out the legal and administrative checks. We read through the purchase contract and the resolutive conditions before you sign, so that you are well prepared.
Step 6: Arrange financing
After signing the purchase contract, you must take out a mortgage with a bank or lender, ensuring that the financing is in place. You do this by requesting a valuation and applying for the National Mortgage Guarantee (NHG). You are eligible for this if your mortgage falls below the NHG limit. The NHG limit in 2026 is €470,000 and €498,200 with energy-saving measures.
homeup ensures that your mortgage is arranged by a mortgage advisor who compares different providers.
Step 7: Transfer to the notary
The final step is the transfer at the notary, where you first inspect the property to check that all agreements have been fulfilled. At the notary, you sign the mortgage deed and the deed of transfer, after which the notary proceeds with the payment of the purchase price.
homeup will guide you through this process and will be physically present at the notary's office until the keys to your new home are handed over.
How does buying a house work?
Buying a house involves a series of financial, legal, and practical steps. You arrange your mortgage, make an offer, sign the purchase contract, and end up at the notary for the transfer. In the meantime, you work with parties such as a purchasing agent, mortgage advisor, and notary. Each of them plays an important role in the purchase process.
What happens during the purchasing process?
Buying a home starts with knowing how much you can borrow. Your mortgage advisor will look at your income, fixed expenses, and housing requirements. This will give you a clear picture of what is feasible. You can then start looking for a home that suits your situation.
During the viewing, take a critical look at the structural condition. What is the house worth? Are there any defects or, conversely, opportunities such as energy efficiency or sustainable living? If it feels like your new home, make an offer.
What happens when your bid is accepted?
Then comes the legal part. You sign the provisional purchase agreement (also known as a model purchase agreement) and agree on the resolutive conditions. These include the financing reservation or a structural survey. The statutory three-day cool-off period also starts at this point.
You then arrange the financing. The mortgage must be finalized before the transfer date. This means calculating the mortgage, applying for it, and ensuring that everything is ready at the notary's office. Do you already have an existing mortgage? Then your advisor will check whether it is advantageous to refinance.
The notary will ultimately proceed with the transfer. You sign the deed of transfer and the mortgage did. Only then will the purchase price be paid and you will receive the keys to your new home.
Who helps you when buying a house?
You don't have to go it alone when buying a house. A buyer's agent compares different providers, gives advice on movable property, and ensures that you don't miss any important details. The mortgage advisor advises on interest rates, monthly costs, and how best to arrange your mortgage.
With homeup as your purchasing agent, you and our experts will choose the route that suits your situation. From the first viewing to the moment you have purchased your own home.
What do you need to know about additional costs?
In addition to the purchase price, you also pay buyer's costs. These include transfer tax, notary fees, appraisal, and advice. You usually pay these costs with your own money. Without this reserve, you often cannot buy a house, even if you have arranged a mortgage.
Buying a home can sometimes feel complicated, but with the right advice and a structured approach, you can stay in control. You will know how much you can borrow, what to look out for when buying a home, and who can help you at key moments.
Would you like guidance in purchasing your dream home? Engage us as your purchasing agent, so you can quickly gain clarity and assistance in this process.
What to look for when buying a house?
When buying a house, you need to consider more than just its appearance. Think about its structural condition, hidden costs, legal details, and whether the house really suits your situation. Good preparation prevents surprises and ensures you don't end up paying too much for too little house.
Would you like more information about the things you need to consider when buying a house? In another article, we have listed the most important points for you. Check out the complete overview in our article about what to look out for when buying a house.
