Buying a home is exciting, but it also comes with a few one-time costs you’ll want to plan for. These are the expenses you pay on top of the purchase price, like transfer tax, notary fees, and appraisals. While some are required, others are optional depending on your situation.
Here’s a clear overview of the most common one-off costs when buying a home in the Netherlands, including what they typically cost and when they come into play.
If you’re buying an existing home, you’ll often see “k.k.” (kosten koper) next to the asking price. This means the buyer is responsible for transfer tax and notary costs.
A buying agent (aankoopmakelaar) can help with property research, bidding, and negotiations. There are two common pricing models:
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Many buyers choose to work with a mortgage advisor to find the right loan and handle the application. Costs vary per advisor but typically range from €1,500 to €2,000.
These are often paid upfront but can sometimes be included in your mortgage—ask your advisor.
Lenders require a property appraisal to confirm the value of the home before issuing a mortgage. This official report usually costs €650 to €750, depending on the provider and region.
Sellers often ask for a deposit of 10% of the purchase price. If you’d rather not pay this from savings, you can use a bank guarantee, usually costing around 1% of the deposit amount.
If eligible, NHG offers extra protection in case you can’t meet your mortgage obligations. The cost is 0.6% of the mortgage amount and is only available up to a specific price cap. Check current NHG eligibility before applying.
A building inspection gives insight into the property’s condition. It’s especially helpful for older homes and usually costs around €425. You’ll receive a report detailing any defects or expected maintenance costs.
To make it concrete, here’s an estimate of the total one-off costs based on a purchase price of €556,000.
| # | Cost Type | Estimated Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 1a | Transfer Tax (2%) | €11,120 |
| 1b | Notary Fees (incl. mortgage deed) | €1,100 |
| 2 | Buying Agent (percentage-based: 1.5%) | €8,340 |
| 2 | Buying Agent (fixed-fee, no-cure-no-pay) | Fixed price (varies) |
| 3 | Mortgage Advice & Mediation | €1,700 |
| 4 | Appraisal Report | €700 |
| 5 | Bank Guarantee (~1% of 10% deposit) | €556 |
| 6 | National Mortgage Guarantee (if eligible) | ~0.6% of loan amount |
| 7 | Technical Inspection (optional) | €425 |
| Total with %‑based agent | ~€23,941 | |
| Total with fixed-fee agent | ~€15,601 (indicative) |
While these costs add up, many of them—like appraisal and mortgage fees—are partially tax-deductible in the year you buy your home. Still, it’s smart to set aside 5–6% of the purchase price as a rough guide.
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Bij het kopen van een huis gaat het niet alleen om het vinden van de perfecte woning, maar ook om het navigeren door het complexe aankoopproces. Gelukkig is er Walter, jouw betrouwbare digitale aankoopmakelaar die je helpt bij elke stap die je moet nemen.
Vroeger, toen de melkflessen nog van glas waren, ging je met een stapel papier onder de arm naar de hypotheekadviseur. Dit kan nog steeds, maar je kunt soms ook zelf een hypotheek afsluiten. En dat is makkelijker dan je denkt. Mits je goed bent voorbereid.