How much are the makelaar fees netherlands buying a home?
The cost of a buying agent in 2025 depends on several factors. These include service level, broker type, and location. In the Netherlands, ‘kosten’ often refers to the full range of start-up costs when buying a property, such as agent fees, transfer tax, and notary costs. The factors are:
- Does the buying agent charge a commission or a flat fee? Traditional real estate agents often charge 1% to 2% of the purchase price. A digital real estate agent, like homeup, typically offers a fixed rate. The commission structure can be based on either the value of the property or a set amount.
- What services does the buying agent include? More services, such as viewing assistance, legal support, or negotiation, mean higher costs. These costs and fees are not mandatory, but they can offer extra peace of mind.
- How much experience does the broker have? More experienced brokers, often with strong reviews, tend to charge more. However, their advice can save you money and stress, especially when the property value is high.
- What is the influence of region? In big cities, where the housing market is tight, prices and fees are usually higher. Digital brokers work more efficiently, often without physical viewing, which keeps costs lower.
- Is the buying agent traditional or digital? Digital buying brokers are often more economical because they work more efficiently without physical viewings.
What will a buying agent cost on average in 2025?
In the previous section, you read about the factors that determine the cost of a buying agent. But what will you pay on average for a buying agent in 2025? Below you can see a clear overview of the fees of a traditional buying agent and see how expensive a digital buying agent is.
Average cost of a traditional buying agent
The average cost of a traditional buying agent in 2025 is between €3500 and €5000. This amount is usually based on a commission. This is the fee you pay to the broker for their services.
- Example: Are you buying a €400,000 house with a 1.5% brokerage fee? Then you will pay €6000 in brokerage fees.
- Many traditional real estate agents use a percentage model. That means: the higher the price of your home, the higher the costs. This isn’t based on extra services, but simply on the value of your property.
- Traditional brokers also charge additional fees. Think of the start-up costs or withdrawal fees if the deal falls through. These costs are not optional and may apply even if you decide not to continue with the purchase.
What does this mean for you? The cost of a traditional buying agent increases with the price of your home. For this reason, you should always check the full fee structure. This model can be useful if you want a lot of personal guidance, but it may also lead to spending thousands more for the same services.
Cost of a digital buying agent such as homeup
With a digital buying agent, you usually pay a flat rate. At homeup, you pay a fixed rate of €2749, no matter the price of your home. This fixed fee includes everything needed to be fully guided through the buying process, with no hidden costs or extra start-up fees.
- Example: If you buy a €400,000 house, you will pay only €2749 at homeup. This is over €3000 cheaper than with a traditional real estate agent who charges a 1.5% commission.
- You’ll receive expert guidance throughout the buying process, including bidding advice and legal review. Physical viewing assistance is not included, but you’ll get tips on what to look for and help interpreting photos of the property. For many buyers, that’s more than enough.
Which buying agent do you choose? Do you choose a traditional broker with a higher price, or do you go for a fixed price with full guidance? A digital buying broker, such as homeup, offers an economical solution without sacrificing expertise. Especially for first-time buyers, this can be a smart choice because it's affordable, clear and completely focused on your purchase. Contact homeup as a buying agent and take the first step towards your new home!
What does a buying agent do for these costs?
A buying agent accompanies you throughout the entire course of the buying process and helps you in several ways:
- Supports you in negotiating to get the best price and terms.
- Verifies the purchase contract and provides legal security.
- Advises and accompanies viewings, watching for hidden defects.
- Compares various purchasing options and provides strategic advice.
- Negotiates resolutive conditions, such as a reservation of financing.
- Protects you from pitfalls in the buying process and ensures you don't skip steps.
- Remains objective and keeps a cool head when you are emotionally involved.
- Provides guidance up to and including the key transfer, ensuring a successful purchase.
- Helps you request a building inspection if you need it.
Want to know more about exactly what a buying agent does and can do for you? Then read our extensive article on what a buying agent does or find out the pros and cons of a buying agent.
Are you convinced that the benefits of a buying agent outweigh the costs? Engage homeup as a buying agent. They'll give you expert guidance on the purchase of your new home for a flat rate.
When do you pay a buying agent?
You usually pay a buying agent after you have signed the purchase contract and the house has been transferred at the notary. But the time of payment can vary depending on the type of broker and the arrangements you make.
When do you pay a traditional buying agent?
- You usually pay the traditional agent at the notary when the home is transferred.
- Some traditional brokers charge start-up fees that you have to pay up front, such as for photos, advertisements or a valuation.
- You might have to pay if you stop the process without buying a home.
When do you pay a digital buying agent like homeup?
- At homeup, you pay a flat rate of €2749 for full support
- You have no start-up costs or hidden fees and only pay after the sale, so you know exactly where you stand.
- There’s no financial risk because you don’t pay withdrawal fees if the sale doesn’t go through.
Buy your dream home with homeup as a buying agent
Are you unsure if you need a buying agent? The housing market is exciting and competitive. Without the right guidance, you can quickly be outbid or overpay. homeup helps you buy your dream home with confidence and security, without hidden fees.
Why choose homeup as a buying agent?
- You pay a flat rate of €2749, with no surprises or brokerage fees based on a percentage of the purchase price.
- You will receive personal guidance from experienced buying agents.
- You will receive advice for viewings, such as what questions to ask and what to look out for. The advisors will also look at photos and the home presentation with you.
- You will receive strategic bidding advice to have the best chance of success.
- You benefit from a fast and efficient digital process.
Traditional broker vs. homeup: which choice suits you?
A traditional buying agent usually charges a brokerage fee of 1% to 2% of the purchase price, which can amount to thousands of dollars. With homeup, you pay a flat fee, regardless of the home price. You get expert guidance, including advice for viewings, but without physical guidance. This means you pay less without sacrificing the quality of the buying agent.
Do you want the security of an expert buying agent, without high costs? Start today with homeup as a buying agent and take the first step toward your new home!
Frequently asked questions about buying agent costs
Buying a home involves many questions, especially about the cost of a buying agent. When do you pay these fees? What about brokerage fees? In these frequently asked questions you get clear answers, so you know exactly where you stand. Check out the answers below or call homeup directly for expert guidance at a flat rate!
What does a nvm buying agent cost?
An NVM buying broker is affiliated with the Dutch Association of Realtors (NVM) and often charges a brokerage fee. This is a fee for the broker's services and is usually calculated as a percentage of the purchase price, but can also be a flat fee in some cases.
- An NVM buying agent charges an average brokerage fee of 1% to 2% of the purchase price.
- Example: For a €400,000 home, with a 1.5% brokerage fee, you will pay about €6000 in brokerage fees.
- In addition to brokerage fees, there may be additional costs such as start-up or withdrawal fees.
Want to hire a buying agent without a brokerage fee based on a percentage of the purchase price? Then homeup is the right purchase broker for you! At homeup you pay a fixed rate of €2749, regardless of the purchase price.
Is a buying agent worth the money?
Yes, a buying agent is often worth the money, especially if you have little experience buying a home. Here are the main reasons why a buying agent is worth the money:
- A buying agent helps you get the best deal. Through smart negotiations, you often save more than you pay in realtor fees.
- You get expert guidance on legal documents. The broker checks the purchase contract and prevents you from falling into traps.
- You will receive strategic advice during the bidding process. This is crucial in a tight housing market.
- You have someone by your side who is emotionally committed to your best interests. This helps you make rational choices.
- You save time and stress. The real estate agent takes the contact with the seller, notary and other parties from you.
Want to know if using a buying agent is the right choice for you? Then read our article on the pros and cons of a buying agent or whether or not to hire a buying agent.
What is the brokerage purchase agent fee?
The commission you pay to a buying broker covers expert advice and support throughout the process. This is often calculated as a percentage of the purchase price, but some brokers charge a flat fee.
- The average brokerage fee is between 1% and 2% of the purchase price.
- Example: If you buy a €400,000 house, at a 1.5% brokerage fee you will pay about €6000.
- Some brokers charge a flat rate instead of a percentage, which can be more advantageous, especially for more expensive homes.
- Allow for additional costs, such as start-up or withdrawal fees if the purchase does not go through.
Want to hire a buying agent without a brokerage fee based on a percentage of the purchase price? Then hire homeup as your buying agent and pay a flat rate of €2749.
Are purchase agent fees deductible?
No, the cost of a buying agent is not tax deductible. This is because the cost of purchasing a home is not covered by tax deductions.
Want to know exactly what expenses are deductible when buying a home? Then read this article on what expenses are deductible when buying a home for a complete overview.
What is a broker's fee?
A real estate agent's fee is the amount you pay for services when buying or selling a home. This rate can consist of a brokerage fee as a percentage of the purchase price or a flat fee. It often differs between a traditional broker and a digital broker.
Rate of a traditional broker:
- Usually charges a brokerage fee by percentage. Its percentage is often between 1% and 2% of the purchase price.
- Example: for a €400,000 home, with a 1.5% brokerage fee, you will pay about €6000.
- Traditional brokers often charge additional fees, such as start-up or withdrawal fees.
Rate of a digital broker (such as homeup):
- Flat rate: a fixed amount regardless of the purchase price of the home.
- Example: with homeup, you pay a flat rate of €2749, regardless of the house price.
- No hidden fees and full guidance through digital channels.
Do you agree that a flat rate is more advantageous? Choose homeup as your buying agent today for a flat rate of €2749 and get expert guidance with no hidden fees!
