“Negotiating with the bank about the terms of the mortgage and the interest rate is possible”
At Viisi, we like to be clear about what’s involved in taking out a mortgage. In this section, we address common misunderstandings and also highlight some unique facts. This way, you’ll know what to expect and can distinguish facts from fiction.
Do you qualify for a mortgage in The Netherlands?
If you are an expat living in the Netherlands and you are considering buying a house, you may be wondering what the possibilities are for a mortgage. Use our ‘Do I qualify for a mortgage?’ tool and find out if you are qualified! No personal information will be asked when completing the tool.
Find out if you are qualifiedFact or fiction: Can you negotiate with the bank or lender about the terms of your mortgage and its interest rate? No, that is FICTION.
Negotiating the interest rate of your mortgage is not possible. In the Netherlands, it’s even prohibited for mortgage providers to offer different interest rates to clients with identical mortgage loans. For a mortgage with the same fixed-rate period and the same risk, you’ll always pay the same rate with the same provider. Fair and transparent.
Discounts do exist
Is it impossible to get any interest rate advantage? Not at all! There is intense competition in the mortgage market, and you benefit from this as a customer. Choose the mortgage with the best interest rate to secure a competitive rate. Viisi compares offers from more than 40 lenders for clients. We’re happy to help you select the most attractive mortgages available. Several factors might help you secure an appealing discount:
Energy label
Banks prefer financing homes with suitable energy labels. The energy label indicates the sustainability of your home. Energy-efficient properties (label B or higher) are in demand and increasingly valuable. This makes them attractive to lenders who secure your loan against the property.
Current account with the bank
Often, you’ll get an interest rate discount if you have a current account with the bank where you’re taking out your mortgage. This discount also applies when arranging the mortgage through an independent advisor. So, there’s no need to finalise your mortgage directly at the bank’s office.
Good to know: Lenders offer the most attractive mortgage rates they want to underwrite. Not all lenders have the same preferences. Some provide relatively low rates for mortgages with fixed-rate periods longer than 10 years, while others favour shorter fixed-rate periods. Always compare as many mortgage providers as possible.
Do: Learn more about how lenders determine interest rates. This will help you understand the factors contributing to an attractive low rate. Would you prefer a video? Check out our videos on current developments in the mortgage market.
Don’t: Don’t focus solely on the interest rate when choosing a mortgage. Lenders’ policies on target groups can also offer benefits. Some lenders provide attractive terms to clients in specific professions or career stages, such as medical residents, trainee lawyers, executives, and university researchers. Entertainers and top athletes are also included. If you work or study in one of these fields, you can secure a mortgage based on your current income, even without a permanent contract or declaration of intent.
There’s even a lender (Attens Hypotheken) specialising in the healthcare sector. When determining the maximum mortgage amount, this provider fully considers irregularity allowances and income from regular overtime.
Additionally, certain professions allow you to include income from a second job or a personal budget under specific conditions when calculating the maximum mortgage amount.
Want to know more about current mortgage rates? Check out our overview of the latest rates by lender.