15 Silly Reasons Expats Don’t Buy a House in the Netherlands (and Why You Should Ignore Them)

Buying a house in the Netherlands is a big deal, especially if you’re an expat trying to figure out things like what is vrij op naam? And why do all Dutch houses have giant windows? It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But sometimes, those doubts that creep in? Well, they’re just plain silly. We’re here to bust 15 common myths stopping expats from buying a home in the Netherlands and show you why they’re not as scary as they seem.

1. “I’ll Wait Until the Housing Market Crashes”

Ah, the dream of scooping up a house at rock-bottom prices. The thing is, the Dutch housing market has this pesky habit of keeping its upward momentum. Sure, there are small dips here and there, but long-term growth is the name of the game, thanks to a housing shortage that shows no sign of disappearing anytime soon. Waiting it out might actually end up costing you more in the long run. Why gamble when you could already be building equity today?

2. “Buyer’s Costs Will Break My Bank”

Nobody jumps for joy at the thought of shelling out €15,000–€20,000 in buyer’s costs, but it’s not as doom-and-gloom as it sounds. For starters, if you’re under 35 and buying a place under €525,000, you won’t pay the 2% transfer tax. That’s thousands saved right there! Plus, with the right mortgage advisor, you’ll understand exactly what you’re paying for and potentially discover some services that can save you time, stress, and even some cash.

3. “I Need a Massive Down Payment”

Think you need to empty your entire savings account to buy a house? Not necessarily. In the Netherlands, you can finance up to 100% of the property’s appraised value through a mortgage. Sure, if you’re bidding over the asking price (it happens), you’ll need to cover the extra out-of-pocket, but even then, it’s manageable and often less than you’d need in countries like the US or Canada.

4. “I’ll Have to Overbid by a Fortune”

Overbidding has been a thing, but recently? The housing market has started to stabilize. Places like Almere or Alphen aan den Rijn often have more reasonable asking prices than the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam. Not every home needs a crazy overbid anymore. A good agent can help you figure out where the real value lies and keep your bids fair.

5. “Interest Rates Are Just Too High Right Now”

Yes, interest rates are up compared to the wild lows of 2020 (we all miss those 1–2% rates). But right now, they’re still sitting at a historically reasonable 3–4%. Plus, the beauty of Dutch mortgages is you can lock in a fixed rate for the next, oh, 30 years if you want. That’s long-term stability you won’t find with your rental agreement.

6. “Buying a House Feels Like a Life Sentence”

Thinking of homeownership as a lifelong commitment is a common fear, but here’s the reality check: in the Netherlands, people buy and sell homes all the time. Dutch mortgages don’t have penalties for early repayment or sale, so if life happens and you decide to move, you’re free to do so. Owning doesn’t lock you in; it just gives you way more financial control while you’re here.

7. “All Debt Is Terrifying”

We get it. For some, taking on debt feels like inviting chaos into your life. But a mortgage isn’t your average debt; it’s a well-regulated, asset-backed move toward financial stability. And don’t forget, in the Netherlands, you can often deduct mortgage interest from your taxes. Think of it as a tool to build wealth, not a weight on your shoulders.

8. “I Can’t Buy Without a Permanent Job Contract”

Sure, a permanent contract makes things smoother, but it’s not the only way to qualify for a mortgage here. Many lenders accept fixed-term contracts if you have a letter of intent from your employer. And even without one, showing steady income over a few years can do the trick, too. Expats working in in-demand sectors often have no problem getting the green light.

9. “Entrepreneurs Need Years of Financial Proof”

Once upon a time, banks wanted a solid three years of income records from entrepreneurs, but those days are (mostly) gone. Some lenders will work with you after just a single year of financials, though they might use a conservative estimate (about 80% of your income). This is totally doable, especially with an advisor who knows the ins and outs of expat-friendly lenders.

10. “I’m Not Sure How Long I’ll Stay”

Even if you’re not planning to stick around forever, buying could save you money. If you live in your home for just 2–3 years, you’ll likely come out ahead compared to renting, thanks to rising equity and tax advantages. And if you decide to leave earlier than expected? Selling isn’t complicated, and lenders may even allow rentals under certain conditions if your circumstances change.

11. “I’ll Get Hit by Capital Gains Tax”

Nope, no capital gains tax here—for homeowners, anyway. If your house is your primary residence, any profit from selling it is yours to keep. The only time you’d see taxes is if it’s an investment property. For the home you’re living in? Your profit is all yours.

12. “I Want a Palace for the Price of a Shack”

We get it; Dutch homes can feel… cosy compared to what you’re used to in other countries. But adjusting your expectations and being realistic about the market can make all the difference. Check out cities or suburbs just outside the pricier areas, and you’d be surprised at what’s available. Remember, home is what you make it, even if it doesn’t come with a walk-in closet.

13. “Mortgage Payments Scare Me”

Mortgage payments can seem steep at first glance, but keep this in mind: a chunk of that money is building ownership for you, not your landlord. Plus, mortgage interest is often tax-deductible, which makes your net costs a lot more manageable. And unlike rent, which can go up each year, a fixed-rate mortgage means stability. No surprise hikes!

14. “I Can’t Handle a Long Commute”

A long commute? You’re in the Netherlands. Here, “long” is 30–45 minutes, and the country’s train, bike, and motorway networks make getting around a breeze. Living outside the city can save you money and get you more house for your budget, all without sacrificing too much convenience.

15. “Buying a House Seems Like Too Much Work”

Yes, buying a place takes effort, but it’s not the Herculean task you might think. With the right team of professionals—from real estate agents to mortgage advisors to friendly notaries—the process becomes clear and surprisingly smooth. And when you choose experts that understand expat needs? It’s even easier. You’ve got this!

Read Also: Buying a House as a Couple in The Netherlands

Conclusion

Don’t let uncertainty or myths keep you from making one of the best financial decisions of your expat life. With experts like M/V Works guiding you every step of the way, buying a house in the Netherlands doesn’t have to be confusing or overwhelming. Whether it’s finding the perfect property, navigating mortgage options, or handling the nitty-gritty paperwork, we’ve got you covered. Reach out to M/V Works today and take the first step toward feeling truly at home in the Netherlands!