Buying a house as an expat after three years of renting: where do you start?
TLDR: If you have lived in the region as an expat for a few years and want to stay, buying is a logical step. Start with the mortgage: banks set requirements for your residence and your ties with the Netherlands. After that, you follow the Dutch buying process, with an offer, a purchase agreement and the transfer at the notary.
Buying a house as an expat means that, as an international employee living in the Netherlands, you can buy a home, with a Dutch mortgage and following the Dutch buying process.
You have been living in a rented home in Haarlemmermeer for three years. You enjoy your work and have decided to stay in the Netherlands. So why keep renting?
We see more and more expats in the region taking this step: after a few years of renting, they move on locally to buying. In this blog, you can read where to start.
Can you get a mortgage as an expat?
Yes, but banks set conditions. They want to be sure that you have ties with the Netherlands. If you come from an EU or EEA country, banks can require that you have lived and worked in the Netherlands for at least 6 months. If you come from outside Europe, banks can ask for a residence permit that is not temporary.
Banks apply their own requirements here. A mortgage adviser with experience with expats knows which bank suits your situation. Keep in mind that you need a Dutch bank account if you contribute your own money.
What costs should you expect?
In addition to the purchase price, you pay buyer's costs, such as the notary and your mortgage adviser. You usually also pay transfer tax. If you are going to live in the home yourself, in 2026 that is 2 percent of the purchase price, if you meet the conditions.
Are you younger than 35 and buying a home to live in yourself? Then, under conditions, you can use the starter exemption. In 2026, it applies up to a market value of 555,000 euros.
How does the Dutch buying process work?
- Viewing. You view the home, possibly together with your buying agent.
- Offer. You make an offer: the amount you want to pay for the home. A negotiation often follows.
- Purchase agreement. When buyer and seller agree, the purchase is recorded. As a private buyer, you then have a three-day cooling-off period.
- Financing. You arrange the mortgage within the term stated in the purchase agreement.
- Transfer. At the notary, the home officially becomes your property.
Why Haarlemmermeer?
For years, around 80 percent of our buying clients were expats. Now we mainly see expats who, after a few years of renting, move on locally to buying. View the homes for sale in Haarlemmermeer to get an idea of what is on the market.
How does a buying agent help?
The Dutch buying process is different from that in many other countries. A buying agent assesses the home, advises on the price and makes an offer on your behalf. Hier Makelaars guides you through the purchase, from the first viewing to the transfer. Also read our page for expats.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permanent residence permit for a mortgage?
That depends on where you come from and on the bank. If you come from outside Europe, banks can ask for a residence permit that is not temporary. A mortgage adviser knows what applies to you.
What is the cooling-off period?
As a private buyer, you have a three-day cooling-off period after signing the purchase agreement. Within that time, you can withdraw from the purchase at no cost.
Can I use the starter exemption as an expat?
If you are younger than 35, are going to live in the home yourself and meet the conditions. In 2026, the exemption applies up to a market value of 555,000 euros.
How much of my own money do I need?
In any case, you need money for the buyer's costs. Some banks do not finance the full value of the home for expats. A mortgage adviser can calculate it for you.
Would you like to know what the step from renting to buying means for you? Read more about buying with Hier Makelaars or view our page for expats.
