How much mortgage can I get as an expat in the Netherlands?

How much can you borrow as an expat in the Netherlands?

As an expat, you can usually borrow up to 100% of the property value, just like Dutch buyers. The exact amount depends mainly on your income and job security.

Lenders look closely at:

• your gross annual income

• the type and stability of your contract

• your nationality and residency status

• any existing debts, such as student loans

If you have a permanent contract or an employer’s statement confirming continued employment, lenders see your income as stable. That increases the amount you can borrow.

With a maximum mortgage calculator, you can quickly get an estimate, but the final decision is always made by the lender.

How does your residency status affect your mortgage?

Your residency status affects how lenders assess your application. It gives them an idea of how likely it is that you will stay and work in the Netherlands.

There are three common situations:

• You have EU nationality or a permanent residence permit

• You have a temporary residence permit with stable income

• You have a temporary contract without long-term certainty

In the first case, lenders treat you almost the same as a Dutch buyer. In the other situations, they look more carefully at your income and long-term prospects. A mortgage calculator only partly reflects this, so the outcome can be more optimistic than what’s actually possible.

Can you get a mortgage without a permanent contract as an expat?

Yes, you can still get a mortgage without a permanent contract. What matters most is the stability of your income. An employer’s statement is key here. This document confirms that your employer intends to keep you on. For lenders, that often provides enough certainty.

If you’re self-employed, lenders usually require at least one to three years of financial statements. With a mortgage for expats, we look at your full situation and what lenders are likely to accept.

What costs should you consider besides your mortgage?

Besides your mortgage, you’ll always have additional costs when buying a home. These need to be paid from your own savings.

The main costs include:

• transfer tax (2%), unless you qualify for the starter exemption

• notary fees

• property valuation costs

• advisory and arrangement fees

• translation or interpreter costs (if you do not speak Dutch). Some lenders or notaries may require a certified translator or interpreter, which can add several hundred euros to your costs.
  

On average, these costs are around four to six percent of the property value. A mortgage calculator doesn’t always fully include these, but they are important for your total budget.

How reliable is a mortgage calculator for expats?

A mortgage calculator gives you a solid estimate, but not a final answer. It works with general rules and averages.

In reality, lenders look at your situation in more detail. For example:

• the exact terms of your employment contract

• your residency status

• your long-term plans in the Netherlands

Because of that, the final amount you can borrow may be higher or lower than the estimate. Use the calculator to get direction. For a precise answer, you need personalised advice.

How do you go from a calculation to a real mortgage?

After your initial estimate, the next step is to have your situation reviewed in detail. That’s when you find out exactly what you can borrow.

At Frits, you see all calculations in your personal dashboard. You can follow along, adjust inputs and understand how your mortgage is built. That way, you stay in control and know exactly what you’re signing up for. We guide you step by step, from your first calculation to getting your mortgage approved. And if something isn’t a smart move financially, we’ll tell you straight away. If you want to go beyond an estimate, a mortgage calculator or a conversation helps you make it concrete.

Summary: how much mortgage can you get as an expat?

• A mortgage calculator shows how much you can borrow as an expat based on your income, contract and financial situation.

• In the Netherlands, you can usually borrow up to 100% of the property value, but your personal situation matters.

• Your residency status and job security strongly influence how much a lender will approve.

• The calculator gives a useful estimate, but not a final mortgage amount.

• For a precise outcome, your full situation needs to be reviewed by a mortgage advisor.