Bert van Essen, Author at XPAT.NL

Understanding Mortgage Calculators in the Netherlands: How to Secure the Best Mortgage Offer

Buying a home in the Netherlands involves careful financial planning, especially for expats navigating the local property market. A crucial tool in this process is a mortgage calculator, which provides valuable insights into your financial possibilities and helps you find the best mortgage offer. At Hanno, we emphasize empowering homebuyers with clarity and confidence, starting with understanding how mortgage calculators work.

What Does a Dutch Mortgage Calculator Consider?

A mortgage calculator in the Netherlands typically evaluates several critical factors to estimate the amount you can borrow, your monthly payments, and potential interest rates. These include:

Income and Employment Stability: Your annual income, type of employment contract, and income stability significantly influence your borrowing capacity. Mortgage calculators take into account fixed employment, freelance income, or temporary contracts differently, reflecting lenders’ criteria.
Debts and Financial Obligations: Existing debts or financial obligations, such as student loans, car loans, or credit card payments, reduce your potential mortgage amount. Mortgage calculators factor these obligations into your borrowing capacity.
Interest Rate and Mortgage Term: Calculators allow you to input expected mortgage interest rates in the Netherlands and terms (e.g., 10, 20, or 30 years). These details help determine your monthly payments and the total cost of your mortgage over time.
Property Value and Purchase Price: The calculator assesses the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, comparing your desired mortgage amount with the property’s market value. This evaluation affects your required down payment and possible mortgage products.
Personal Circumstances: Specific circumstances, like residency status or whether you’re an expat or Dutch national, can impact lending terms. Mortgage calculators tailored for expats typically account for these nuances.

How a Mortgage Calculator Helps You Secure the Best Offer

Using a mortgage calculator effectively is essential to finding the most favorable mortgage offer. Here’s how:

Clear Financial Overview: Mortgage calculators provide a precise understanding of your financial capabilities, enabling informed decision-making regarding affordable property choices.
Comparison of Scenarios: By adjusting variables like interest rates, mortgage terms, or down payments, you can easily compare different financial scenarios to find the most cost-effective and manageable mortgage option.
Negotiation Power: With accurate knowledge of your borrowing capacity and financial limits, you gain confidence and leverage in negotiating better terms and interest rates with mortgage providers.
Time-saving: Calculators streamline the initial mortgage exploration process, quickly narrowing down your choices to suitable lenders and financial products, thus saving valuable time.

Hanno’s Tailored Mortgage Calculator Service

At Hanno, we understand that expats face unique challenges in securing mortgages in the Netherlands. Our specialized mortgage calculator incorporates specific factors relevant to expat situations, offering personalized insights and clear, actionable results.

Additionally, our experienced advisors use these calculations to assist you further, interpreting results in detail, and guiding you through the next steps in your home-buying journey.

Getting Started with Confidence

Whether you’re just beginning your property search or ready to finalize your dream home purchase, using a mortgage calculator is an invaluable step. It equips you with critical financial insights, streamlining your decision-making process and ensuring you secure the best possible mortgage offer.

Ready to explore your mortgage possibilities in the Netherlands? Reach out to Hanno’s specialist advisors today and use our tailored mortgage calculator to confidently take your next step toward homeownership.

Mortgage Interest Rates in 2025: What Expats in the Netherlands Can Expect

As 2025 unfolds, expats navigating the Dutch housing market find themselves in a shifting financial landscape. With mortgage interest rates in the Netherlands fluctuating and policy adjustments in motion, it’s crucial for expats to understand what lies ahead. At Hanno, we specialize in guiding expats through the complexities of securing a mortgage in the Netherlands, ensuring you’re well-prepared for the changes that 2025 brings.

Mortgage Interest Rates: A Look Ahead

Mortgage interest rates have seen significant fluctuations over recent years, shaped by economic factors including inflation, central bank policies, and global economic stability. As of 2025, the market is projected to stabilize somewhat, yet volatility will remain a key consideration.

Financial experts anticipate that the European Central Bank (ECB) will maintain moderately cautious policies throughout the year. Interest rates are expected to hover around historically moderate levels, providing both opportunities and challenges for potential homebuyers. The consensus among economists indicates mortgage interest rates are likely to range between 3.5% and 4.5% for standard fixed-rate mortgages.

Why Mortgage Interest Rates Matter to Expats

For expats, mortgage interest rates aren’t just numbers—they profoundly impact your buying power, monthly payments, and overall financial planning. A slight increase in mortgage interest rates can significantly influence your monthly expenses, while lower rates might allow you to consider higher-priced properties or shorter mortgage terms.

Being aware of these fluctuations and understanding how to navigate them strategically is essential. Working closely with an experienced mortgage advisor can help expats seize advantageous interest rates and secure favorable mortgage terms, potentially saving tens of thousands of euros over the mortgage lifetime.

How Can Expats Prepare for 2025?

Assess Your Financial Situation Early: Begin evaluating your financial position and goals now. Clear visibility of your income, savings, and debt obligations is critical when assessing how mortgage interest rate fluctuations may affect you.
Keep an Eye on Economic Indicators: Stay informed about inflation trends, ECB announcements, and the Dutch housing market’s health. These indicators directly influence mortgage interest rates and can inform your timing and decisions.
Explore Mortgage Options with Flexibility: Consider mortgage products that offer some flexibility. Products such as partially fixed or variable rate mortgages could be advantageous depending on market conditions and your personal financial outlook.
Consult a Specialist Advisor: Engaging with a mortgage advisor who understands the unique circumstances of expats can ensure you’re equipped with the latest insights and tailored advice.

Beyond Interest Rates: Additional Considerations for Expats

While interest rates play a crucial role, expats should also be mindful of other factors such as:

Mortgage Approval Criteria: Dutch banks continuously review and adjust their lending criteria, particularly towards expats. Anticipating these changes and preparing accordingly can help streamline your mortgage application process.
Tax Implications: Mortgage interest payments in the Netherlands can be tax-deductible under specific conditions. Understanding your tax position and potential deductions can significantly reduce your overall costs.
Market Trends and Property Availability: The housing market in the Netherlands remains competitive, especially in urban centers like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht. Keeping abreast of local market trends ensures you’re positioned effectively when opportunities arise.

Hanno: Your Partner in Navigating 2025

At Hanno, we combine expertise, market insight, and personalized service tailored specifically for expats in the Netherlands. Our role goes beyond securing the best mortgage interest rates; we support you throughout the entire home-buying journey, from initial financial planning to finalizing your property purchase.

Navigating the complexities of mortgage interest rates in 2025 need not be daunting. With strategic guidance and proactive planning, expats can confidently approach the Dutch housing market, secure advantageous mortgage terms, and achieve their homeownership dreams.

Ready to plan ahead? Connect with our specialists today and navigate 2025 with clarity and confidence.

If you want to know more details about your mortgage, use our advanced mortgage calculator.

Health insurance for expats

Moving to a new country comes with many challenges, including understanding healthcare. As an expat in the Netherlands, you’re required to have health insurance. But does the basic package cover everything you need? Here’s what you need to know to stay protected and avoid surprises.

What Is the basic health insurance for expats?

In the Netherlands, all residents, including expats, must have basic health insurance. This package covers essential medical services such as GP visits, hospital care, and prescription medications. It’s a solid starting point, but it may not include everything, such as dental care for adults or certain therapies. For expats, this raises the question: is basic health insurance enough?

When do expats need additional insurance?

Basic health insurance doesn’t cover every medical situation. Expats with specific needs, such as frequent travel, alternative therapies, or higher dental coverage, might require additional insurance. Dental care, physiotherapy, and mental health support often need extra insurance. If you plan to visit your home country regularly, consider a policy that covers international healthcare costs.

How to choose the right medical insurance

Selecting the right plan depends on your lifestyle and health requirements. Compare policies from different providers to find the best fit. Look for options that offer flexibility, especially if you plan to move frequently. Many expats opt for supplementary insurance to cover services not included in the basic package, such as extensive dental care or alternative treatments.

Benefits of extra health coverage for expats

Additional health coverage gives peace of mind. It can reduce out-of-pocket expenses for unexpected treatments and offer broader support for your specific needs. For example, if you enjoy outdoor sports, consider insurance that includes accident coverage. Having a more comprehensive plan can also speed up access to specialists and treatments.

Tips for managing health insurance costs

Last but not least: healthcare in the Netherlands can be expensive, but there are ways to manage costs:

Compare providers: Use comparison websites to find affordable policies tailored to expats.
Check reimbursements: Some employers offer health insurance reimbursements as part of their benefits package.
Consider deductibles: A higher deductible lowers monthly premiums, but ensure it aligns with your financial situation.

In short, health insurance for expats in the Netherlands starts with the mandatory basic package. However, depending on your needs, additional coverage might be worth considering. Take time to compare health insurance and choose a plan that ensures you’re fully protected, both in the Netherlands and abroad.

Remodeling your house in the Netherlands

Have you just bought or rented a house that needs remodeling – but have no idea where to begin? Then we have the perfect partner for you!

We can imagine that it’s hard to figure out where to start when you want to remodel your home or improve its sustainability. Veerkade Vastgoed is here to help you. We will gladly walk through your home with you, in order to come up with a plan for the work that needs to be done. We will take you through this process step-by-step, and are always available if you have any questions.

Years of experience

Thanks to years of experience and our knowledgeable professionals, we can support you as you carry out large-scale but also modest projects.
We specialize in remodeling and maintenance as well as in making homes more sustainable. For instance, we remodel bathrooms, kitchens, and toilets – while we offer you advice on how best to increase the sustainability of your home.
Does your home only need a little sprucing up? We also do plasterwork, painting, and the laying of laminate and PVC floors. Want to know more about what we have to offer? Take a look on our website!

Attractive discounts

We work together with a variety of companies, meaning that we can offer you kitchens and bathrooms at an attractive price. For instance, we offer a 5% reduction on all Maxaro bathrooms and tiles. All you have to do is go to the store and make your selection. We also offer attractive discounts on kitchens – feel free to ask us about this while we are walking through your home.

Be sure to make an appointment with Veerkade Vastgoed for a free quote.

The Holland Handbook 2025

It is that time of year again; the new and annually-updated version of The Holland Handbook is here and ready to be enjoyed! Not only that, but this is the 25th edition!

More than twenty five years ago, a modest group of three people sat around a table to discuss the possibility of creating a handbook for expats coming to live here. Those were different times; the types of expats, the budget they had, the amount of time they spent here and the family members they brought with them have changed over time.

Over the past two decades, it has been updated completely every year, with easy-to-read and entertaining infographics and fresh photographs, while it has, of course, retained its familiar feel and trusted format. As always, The Holland Handbook has been expanded upon to reflect the latest political developments in the country, while it also includes topics that have gained in importance and relevance since the book first appeared, adapting to the new generation of foreign nationals, immigrants and students who have come to the Netherlands – either for a few months or for a longer period of time.

The Holland Handbook offers a wealth of information to those who have just moved here – or are preparing for their move here – on issues such as permits, bank accounts, international schools, universities, job-searching, employment law, the citizen service number (burgerservicenummer), finding a place to live, and insurances. However, The Holland Handbook goes beyond covering the very first steps you will be taking towards starting a life in the Netherlands; it also prepares you for what comes next, such as learning the language, getting to know your Dutch neighbors, celebrating life’s milestones and holidays the Dutch way, as well as perhaps more impactful issues, such as the health care system, the education system – ranging from pre-kindergarten to obtaining a Ph.D. – public transportation, legal problems, things to do in your free time, importing your car, having a baby, and much, much more.

Starting from the front to the back cover, it is a joy to behold; chock-a-block with beautiful photographs, it will enthuse you for all there is to see in the Netherlands, as well as remind you, once your career or other life developments have taken you to another country, of all the beautiful things that Holland had to offer while you were here. And last but not least, it will serve as a written and photographed source of information for your family and friends who would like to know what it is – or was – like for you to live here.

Useful links
www.hollandhandbook.nl

HOW TO ORDER THE HOLLAND HANDBOOK

PREVIEW to take a peak inside

Download The Holland Handbook folder

read the interview with the makers on Dutchnews

How to safely use public wifi networks in the Netherlands

Public Wi-Fi networks are a convenient and often essential way to stay connected while traveling or moving about the city. Whether you’re catching up on emails, browsing the web, or checking social media, these networks provide easy access to the internet when you’re away from home or the office. However, as convenient as they are, public Wi-Fi networks come with a significant risk to the security of your personal data. Without proper precautions, your sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card details, and personal communications, could be vulnerable to hackers and cybercriminals. Fortunately, there are several proactive steps you can take to minimize these risks and ensure that your experience using public Wi-Fi networks in the Netherlands is as safe and secure as possible. By taking the right measures, you can enjoy the convenience of public Wi-Fi without compromising your privacy or security.

Always use a VPN

One of the best ways to protect yourself from potential threats on public Wi-Fi networks is by using a reliable VPN service. A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, encrypts all the data traffic between your device and the internet, creating a secure tunnel for your information. This makes it significantly harder for hackers and cybercriminals to intercept your data, even when you’re connected to an unsecured public Wi-Fi network. A VPN not only enhances your security but also protects your privacy by masking your IP address, making it more difficult for anyone to track your online activities. In the Netherlands, where public Wi-Fi is commonly available in places like cafés, airports, and trains, using a VPN is highly recommended to avoid the risks associated with these open networks. Discover which is the best VPN provider for you, to ensure that you can browse safely while on the go.

Activities such as online banking, making purchases, or entering credit card details should be avoided when using public Wi-Fi

Avoid conducting sensitive transactions

While public Wi-Fi networks can be incredibly convenient for browsing the internet, checking emails, or staying connected with friends and family, it’s important to exercise caution when performing sensitive transactions. Activities such as online banking, making purchases, or entering credit card details should be avoided when using public Wi-Fi. These networks are often unsecured, which means that hackers can potentially intercept your personal and financial information, putting your privacy at risk. To minimize this risk, it’s best to postpone these activities until you’re connected to a more secure, private network, such as your home Wi-Fi or a trusted VPN connection. Taking these precautions will help safeguard your sensitive data and protect you from potential cyber threats.

Verify the network name

Before connecting to a public Wi-Fi network, it’s crucial to verify that the network you’re joining is legitimate. Hackers often create fake network names that closely resemble those of official Wi-Fi networks in public places, such as cafes, airports, or hotels. These fraudulent networks are designed to trick unsuspecting users into connecting, giving hackers the opportunity to intercept sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card details. To protect yourself, always double-check the network name with the staff or the establishment offering the Wi-Fi, and avoid connecting to any network that seems suspicious or untrustworthy. By staying vigilant, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to these types of attacks.

Be prepared for the Dutch housing market

Buying a house in the Netherlands may work a bit differently to what you are used to. There are different rules and laws, different types of mortgage and financing, etc. Read the tips and be prepared for when you begin your search.

Hiring an estate agent: good idea or not?

Hiring estate agents costs money, of course, but they can also save you money. How? Local estate agents are experts in the housing market. They are the first to know when new homes come up for sale. And they know a lot about the neighbourhood – for example, whether there are sufficient amenities close by. An estate agent can also advise you on whether to carry out a building inspection. A building inspection will give you information on the condition of a house. If your house turns out to have hidden defects, you can renegotiate the price or even cancel the purchase without incurring a penalty.

So is hiring an estate agent a good idea or not? It is certainly something worth considering.

Mortgage and market value of your home

Tip
We at ABN AMRO regularly organise free online seminars especially for expats about buying a house in the Netherlands. During these seminars, we will take you through the entire process from start to finish.

When you go house hunting, you naturally want to know what kind of mortgage you can get. That mainly depends on your personal situation. This will include factors such as your financial income, whether you have outstanding loans, and your residence status. And if you intend to make your house more sustainable, there are additional regulations.

It is also important for you to know that in the Netherlands, it is possible to get a mortgage for up to 100% of the market value. And if you intend to make the house more sustainable, you can even get up to 106%. That is more generous than in some of the countries around us. But please note: the amount of a mortgage is based on the market value of a house. That is not the same as the asking price nor the price you may ultimately agree to pay.

How does that work exactly? If the homeowner selling the house accepts your offer, a valuation report will follow. This will state the market value. This figure may be lower than the asking price and lower than your offer. For example, say that the market value is €600,000, the asking price €610,000 and your offer €620,000. You can then only get a mortgage for a maximum of €600,000. You must therefore be able to pay the remaining €20,000 yourself.

As you can see, there is a lot involved when determining a mortgage. Therefore, a good place to start is to meet with a mortgage advisor who specialises in helping expats. They can give you all the information you need.

Tax breaks when buying a home

If you have bought a house in the Netherlands, you can benefit from tax breaks in two ways: once by deducting certain ‘additional costs’ and annually through the ‘mortgage interest deduction’. Here is a brief explanation.

If you buy your own house, you are not only paying the purchase price of the house. There are many other costs that you have to cover. Fortunately, you can deduct some of these additional costs in a one-time tax deduction. This includes costs that you incurred to get the mortgage, such as valuation and advisory costs. Any notary costs you directly incurred for the mortgage are also tax deductible. So if you are filing a tax return for the year that you bought your house, do not forget to declare these costs.

In the Netherlands, you can also use the mortgage interest deduction (in Dutch: hypotheekrenteaftrek). This basically means that the interest on your own house is tax deductible, even for expats. This of course means that you pay less tax. However, there are several regulations surrounding this tax deduction, so be sure to be well informed when claiming for it.

About ABN AMRO

With over 25 years of experience, we are the experts for expats in the Netherlands. And we are happy to share our knowledge and expertise about the housing market, mortgages, regulations, etc. with you. Our English-speaking mortgage advisors will take you step by step through the process of buying a house in the Netherlands.

Check our special webpage for more information on mortgages for expats in the Netherlands and try our mortgage calculator.

Home care in the Netherlands: how does it work?

Living in the Netherlands as an expat is exciting, but also comes with challenges. There’s a lot of new things you need to figure out: learning the Dutch language, all the traffic rules (and riding a bike) and how the healthcare system works. If you have an older relative that is moving to the Netherlands with you, healthcare and specifically home care are important to dive into. In this article, we’ll explain a bit more about the Dutch healthcare system and what to do if you or one of your family members is in need of home care.

Arranging a health insurance

The Dutch healthcare system is known for its efficiency and quality. In the Netherlands, it’s mandatory to have health insurance. Because of this, it’s important to take out health insurance within the first four months of moving to The Netherlands. Your health insurance will then be active from the start date of your employment.

Regular and private home care services

Home care services ( ‘thuiszorg’ in Dutch) are part of the Dutch healthcare system and are usually well-organized. As an expat, applying for home care services for yourself or one of your family members might seem confusing. It’s important to understand your options and how you access them.

In The Netherlands, regular home care services are part of the basic health insurance and will be reimbursed by your health insurance. However, you will need an indication by a community nurse for this type of home care. If you don’t have this or want more extensive home care than the community nurse advised for you, you can also request private home care. This is not covered by your health insurance.

Another reason you might want to choose for private home care is the long waiting lists for nursing homes. Private home care generally doesn’t have waiting lists, so you can quickly get a nurse or care worker to visit your home.

Types of home care

You can get home care in The Netherlands for several reasons. Examples are dementia, Parkinson’s disease, palliative care or when you’re temporarily injured after an accident or can’t take care of yourself after an operation.

In case of private home care, you can choose how much home care you wish to receive. For example, you can choose 5 hour care, 24 hour care at home or night care. This way you know you are well taken care of and you get the help you need.

Home care for expats

If you or a family member are in need of help, it is possible to request home care in the Netherlands. There are many healthcare companies that offer this type of help. Do you prefer an English-speaking nurse? Make sure to contact a company beforehand to see if this is possible. This way, you can explain your physical complaints and ask for help in a language you’re more comfortable with.

Tip
Want to know more about health insurance in the Netherlands?
Check this post on XPat.nl

Mortgage Interest Rates in the Netherlands in 2024

Rising mortgage interest rates can have a significant impact on homebuyers and homeowners. The average interest rate for a fixed-rate mortgage in the Netherlands is currently around 4%. As interest rates increase, the cost of borrowing money to purchase or refinance a home also increases. This can make it more difficult for potential homebuyers to qualify for a mortgage, and it can also make it more expensive for current homeowners to refinance their existing mortgages. Additionally, as interest rates rise, the monthly mortgage payments also increase, which can put a strain on a homeowner’s budget. It’s important for individuals to stay informed about interest rate trends and to speak with a mortgage advisor to understand how rising interest rates may impact their specific situation.

Hanno provides a complete and independent overview of all the mortgage interest rates in the Netherlands.

Hanno is a Dutch mortgage advisor who has been helping homeowners and potential homebuyers navigate the complex world of mortgage interest rates in the Netherlands. With years of experience and a deep understanding of the Dutch housing market, Hanno is the perfect choice for anyone looking to secure the best possible deal on their mortgage.

Mortgage Calculator for the Dutch market

Mortgage calculators are a useful tool for homebuyers and homeowners to estimate the costs associated with a mortgage. These online tools allow expats to input information such as the loan amount, interest rate, and loan term, and they then calculate the estimated monthly mortgage payment, as well as other costs such as interest and closing costs. This can help you to better understand the financial implications of a mortgage and to compare different loan options. Some mortgage calculators also include additional features such as the ability to estimate property taxes and insurance, and to factor in extra payments to pay off the loan faster.

Using Hanno’s mortgage calculator can be a helpful first step in the mortgage process, as it allows individuals to get a rough idea of what they can afford and to make informed decisions about their home financing options.

Hanno is an independent advisor for Expat Mortgages

One of the main reasons to choose Hanno as your mortgage advisor is their commitment to finding the best interest rates for his clients. The Netherlands is known for its high housing prices, and getting a good deal on your mortgage can mean the difference between a comfortable and a financially stressful home ownership. Hanno takes the time to understand your specific needs and financial situation, and uses this information to negotiate with banks and other lenders on your behalf.

Another advantage of working with Hanno is their knowledge of the various types of mortgages available in the Netherlands. From fixed-rate mortgages to adjustable-rate mortgages and everything in between, Hanno has the expertise to help you choose the right type of mortgage for your needs. Hanno will explain the pros and cons of each option and help you make an informed decision.

In conclusion, if you’re looking to buy a home or refinance your existing mortgage in the Netherlands, Hanno is the mortgage advisor you can trust. Their deep knowledge of the Dutch housing market, commitment to finding the best interest rates for his clients, and excellent customer service make Hanno the perfect choice for anyone looking to secure a great deal on their mortgage. Don’t hesitate, contact Hanno today and let them guide you through the mortgage process with ease.
They also offer a free webinar on How to buy a house in the Netherlands.
You can register here.

The UnDutchables 9.0

Following the legendary previous 8 editions of The UnDutchables, the 9th edition of this all time best seller (more than 300,000 copies sold since 1999) is now available in the Netherlands.

The UnDutchables takes an in-depth humorous look at Dutch life, quirks and character. With subjects varying from coffee drinking habits to child rearing, from bargain hunting to food, and from train travel to the Dutch ‘water closet’, it is considered by many foreigners and expats to be a survival guide for living in the Netherlands. This book also includes tips on learning the Dutch language, including appendices on Dutch idioms, expressions, and homonyms.

The 9.0 edition has undergone a thorough editorial revision to catch up with the major developments of Dutch society since the previous edition appeared 6 years ago. This edition has been updated with new illustrations and photos, for a fresh and contemporary look.
Take a peak inside here

Read the interview with the authors on DutchNews