Can I sell my property before the mortgage term ends? How does the process work?
Short answer: Yes, you can sell your home before the mortgage term ends.
Yes, you can sell your home before the mortgage term ends. The bank wants you to repay the mortgage debt without future interest payments. There is no penalty involved if you sell a property in the Netherlands.
Bank guarantee in the Netherlands
Short answer: When you find a dream home in the Netherlands, the next step is to put in an offer on the house. You sign a purchase agreement with a seller as soon as your proposal is approved.
Besides, you must pay 10 % of the purchase price to secure a deal. A deposit protects a seller if a buyer decides to back out of the agreement.
You have the option of paying the deposit with your own savings or obtaining a bank guarantee. If you do not have 10 % in your funds, your mortgage broker can arrange a bank guarantee. A third party charges a fixed fee to finance a security deposit.
For example, for a house costing €350.000, the bank guarantee can cost approximately € 350. Please note the bank guarantee fee varies per lender.
Some banks offer a bank guarantee; in other cases, a mortgage broker arranges it for you.
The deposit is transferred to the notary, not a seller. A notary handles administration and closing fees.
After signing a purchase agreement, the next step is to secure a mortgage.
A mortgage pre-approval does not exist in the Netherlands. For this reason, it is highly recommended to sign a purchase with a financial clause. If a mortgage lender doesn’t approve the finances, you can cancel the deal without losing a 10 % deposit. Find out how the financial clause works in the Netherlands.
How many lenders offer rental mortgages?
Short answer: A few mortgage lenders in the Netherlands offer investment mortgages.
The buy-to-let market in the Netherlands is limited, with only a handful of lenders providing investment products. These lenders include Dynamic Credit, Nationale Nederlanden, Rabobank, Lloyds Bank, NIBC, De Nederlandse, Domivest, RNHB, and Woonfonds.
Do I need to pay a penalty when refinancing to a buy-to-let mortgage?
Short answer: It all depends on the terms and conditions of your mortgage.
If you plan to switch mortgage lenders, you typically need to pay a prepayment penalty to your current lender, which is determined by factors such as the duration of your fixed term, the fixed interest rate, the difference between your current interest rate and prevailing rates, and the terms set by your mortgage lender.
How is a rental mortgage taxed in the Netherlands?
Short answer: Box 1/2 and Box 3 investment mortgage
In the Netherlands, residential homeowners with a mortgage are taxed under Box 1, while property investments are taxed under Box 3. There is no capital gains tax in the Netherlands, so rental income from properties in Box 3 is not taxed.
However, the tax situation changes if you purchase property through a real estate BV (private limited company). In this case, the property’s profits, including capital gains, are taxed as part of the BV’s overall profit.
How is a rental mortgage calculated?
Short answer: There is no online calculator available for buy-to-let mortgages.
Each bank and mortgage lender has criteria and methods for calculating how much you can borrow. There is no online calculator that can accurately determine your buy-to-let mortgage eligibility. Please get in touch with the Mister Mortgage team for a precise assessment based on your situation.
How much can I borrow with my starter mortgage?
Short answer: You can borrow 100% loan-to-value.
In the Netherlands, you can borrow up to 100% of a property's value, covering the full purchase price. However, additional costs like transfer tax and notary fees must be paid from your savings.
Your borrowing capacity depends on your gross income and current interest rates, which vary between lenders. Even small differences in rates can affect the amount you can borrow.
Why is refinancing a bad idea?
Short answer: Refinancing your existing mortgage can be expensive.
First, you must pay the penalty to your mortgage lender because you decided to leave the deal before the fixed-rate term ends. If you fixed your mortgage interest rate for ten years and decide to refinance after three years, you still have seven years remaining. Your mortgage lender could ask you to pay the remaining interest rate back. Secondly, you must pay mortgage-related fees for your new mortgage, including an appraiser, the notary, and other mortgage closing fees.
Why should I refinance my mortgage?
Short answer: In some cases, refinancing can benefit your existing financial situation.
For example, you can reduce your interest rate and monthly costs. Imagine you took a loan for 30 years with a higher interest rate. Now you can refinance your mortgage to 25 years with a lower interest rate. However, refinancing is not free. You must pay the penalty to your mortgage lender because you decided to leave the deal earlier. The amount varies per lender because each lender offers different conditions.
Why is refinancing becoming more popular?
Short answer: Low mortgage interest rates push homeowners to refinance their mortgages.
The idea to reduce monthly payments can be attractive; however, it is essential to understand if refinancing is a good idea. Questions to ask:
1. How much is my penalty?
2. What are the current mortgage interest rates?
3. How much closing fees do I need to pay?
4. What conditions does the new mortgage lender offer?
Lowering monthly payments
Short answer: Let’s say you took out a mortgage some years ago with a higher mortgage interest rate.
During the last couple of years, the interest rates have dropped down significantly. You consider refinancing your existing mortgage but don’t know how it works. The way to move forward is to analyze if it makes financial sense. You could need to pay the penalty for leaving your current mortgage lender.
Planning to move away and refinance my mortgage
Short answer: Do you have a residential mortgage and plan to move away from the Netherlands?
Then, you have few options: Then, you have few options:
1. You can sell your home and repay your mortgage.
2. You can refinance your residential mortgage to an investment mortgage. In this case, you can rent your home. Buy-to-let mortgages work differently than residential mortgages. If you decide to switch mortgage lenders, in most cases, you pay the penalty to your current mortgage lender.
3. If you move away for a fixed term because your employer is relocating you for no longer than two years, you can ask your mortgage lender permission to rent your property out. It is good to know that you are not allowed to rent your home with a residential mortgage. Your mortgage lender must permit you to rent your property out.
How does mortgage refinancing work in the Netherlands?
Short answer: Here is how refinancing works
When you buy a home, you apply for a residential mortgage. To close the deal between you and the mortgage lender, you sign a mortgage act at the notary. The mortgage deed contains a clause that regulates the terms and conditions of your loan. When you switch mortgage lenders, you break the agreement between you and the bank. Your mortgage lender could charge you a so-called penalty for breaking the contract before the fixed term ends. Mortgage refinancing requires you to go through the application process and meet the new loan requirements.
What is loan to value (LTV) in the Netherlands?
Short answer: 100% LTV
In the Netherlands, the maximum allowable LTV is typically 100% for residential properties, meaning you can borrow up to the full value of the property.
Where can I calculate buy-to-let or refinancing options?
Short answer: Contact our mortgage specialist to receive accurate mortgage calculations.
For buy-to-let or refinancing calculations, please contact our mortgage specialists. These calculations are much more complicated, and we must consider other variables.
What factors determine the maximum mortgage amount?
Short answer: Your maximum mortgage depends on several factors
The maximum mortgage you can obtain depends on various factors, including your income, holiday pay, 30% ruling (if applicable), bonuses, savings, and debts (such as student loans or car leases, which can also influence the maximum amount). It’s important to note that online calculators are not accurate enough to determine how much you can borrow. We calculate your mortgage precisely based on the documents you submit. For more information, contact our mortgage advisors.
What is keep to let?
Short answer: When you switch your residential mortgage to keep to let mortgage.
A "keep-to-let" occurs when two people buy a new property but decide to keep their old one as an investment, renting it out instead of selling it immediately. This trend is becoming increasingly popular among private homebuyers in the Netherlands.
How can you file a complaint
Short answer: We’re sorry to hear that our service was not satisfactory. We do our utmost best to assist you as well as possible. If you are dissatisfied with our service, we would like to hear from you. You can send an email with your complaint to hi@mistermortgage.nl.
After receiving your complaint, we will send a confirmation of receipt by e-mail. You can expect a reply from us within two weeks.
Together we discuss how we can find a solution. We then send an e-mail to confirm any next steps. If you’re unsatisfied with the outcome, you can submit a complaint to Kifid after you have gone through our complaints procedure.
Kifid is the Dutch Institute for Financial Disputes. It offers easy access and impartial expertise to consumers, small businesses, and self-employed persons without employees (zzp-ers) who have a complaint against a financial services provider.
30% tax ruling and mortgage
Short answer: Skilled employees who move to the Netherlands are eligible to apply for a 30 % tax benefit.
Employees need to meet the requirements to receive 30 % tax benefits. If the employer grants a 30 % ruling, the employee pays fewer taxes to Dutch authorities.
When you apply for a mortgage in the Netherlands, you can use a 30 % tax benefit. How does it work?
The maximum mortgage amount is calculated based on your annual salary. A 30% ruling is included in the calculation for the period you are still eligible for the 30% ruling in future years. As soon as your 30 % tax benefit ends, your monthly payment will be based on your annual salary.
Why is refinancing a bad idea?
Short answer: Refinancing your existing mortgage can be expensive.
First, you must pay the penalty to your mortgage lender because you decided to leave the deal before the fixed-rate term ends. If you fixed your mortgage interest rate for ten years and decide to refinance after three years, you still have seven years remaining.
Your mortgage lender could ask you to pay the remaining interest rate back. Secondly, you must pay mortgage-related fees for your new mortgage, including an appraiser, the notary, and other mortgage closing fees. So, it would be best to weigh the pros and cons of refinancing options in the Netherlands. Do you need help? Contact us to get up-to-date information about mortgage lenders and interest rates.
Penalty when refinancing
Short answer: When must I pay a penalty when refinancing.
Depending on the market rates and your mortgage rate, you would need to pay a penalty to your mortgage lender because you decided to break your contract earlier. The amount varies per lender because each lender offers different conditions.
Mortgage brokers or bank
Short answer: Banks only present one product while the mortgage broker can compare 30 mortgage products.
Mortgage advisers represent your needs and find a mortgage that fits your financial situation. Mortgage advisers work with different mortgage lenders.
National mortgage guarantee (NHG)
Short answer: A national mortgage guarantee is a Dutch system that protects you and your mortgage lender.
When you participate in the NHG scheme, you can ensure that your income matches your mortgage. If you cannot make a monthly payment due to unemployment, disability, divorce, or your partner’s death, the NHG scheme can help you deal with difficult situations.
Deposit or bank guarantee
Short answer: Depends on your financial preferences.
When your bid is accepted, you sign a purchase agreement between you and the seller. Mortgage pre-approval does not exist in the Netherlands. After the purchase agreement is signed, the next step is to arrange your mortgage. The seller asks to deposit 10 % of the purchase price to protect themselves if you cannot get a mortgage approved. If you do not have 10% savings available, your mortgage advisor can arrange a bank guarantee. You pay a one-time fee to secure a 10% deposit.
How much savings do I need to close a mortgage in the Netherlands?
Short answer: Mortgage closing costs depend on the amount you’re planning to lend and the value of your property.
In the Netherlands, closing fees include a 2% transfer tax for residential properties, notary fees, real estate agent fees, mortgage broker fees, property appraisal costs, translator fees, and, if applicable, NHG fees.
What is keep to let mortgage?
Short answer: When you plan to buy a home with a partner and want to keep your existing home, a keep-to-let situation occurs.
In the Netherlands, the keep-to-let trend is growing among private homeowners. For more information, please contact us.
Mortgage registration
Short answer: An increased mortgage registration means that you save money on legal costs if you plan to increase your mortgage with the same lender in the future. You can increase your mortgage without going to the notary again and without a new mortgage deed to be signed. If you have an increased mortgage registration and plan to switch mortgage lenders, you have to ask your current bank for permission.
How long does the mortgage process take?
Short answer: The time needed to complete the mortgage process varies by customer and lender because it includes gathering information from a customer, verifying that information, and processing the mortgage.
What is a bridging mortgage, and how does it work?
Short answer: The bridging mortgage is a short-term loan when you need to borrow the gap between selling your old home and buying a new one.
To cover the gap between two mortgages, we can request a bridging loan/mortgage from your new lender. For example, imagine you purchased an apartment a few years ago. The price increased, which means you have built positive equity, and you can use this equity to buy a second or new home.
What is mortgage tax relief?
Short answer: The Netherlands has put tax breaks in place for homeowners and homeowners-to-be. The paid mortgage interest is tax-deductible in the Netherlands.
For example, you can get a tax break on your mortgage’s interest, ground lease payments, or maintenance if your home is listed as a monument. Important to know that the amount of tax deduction depends on your income tax bracket. The more you earn, the higher the tax benefit you can get back.
Good to know that you pay more on interest with an annuity mortgage than with a linear mortgage. For this reason, the tax break is more significant on annuity mortgages.
Besides the ongoing tax benefit, you can deduct one-off-costs related to the purchase of a house. Tax-deductible fees include valuation report, mortgage brokerage and advisory, notary fees related to a mortgage, and mortgage handling fees.
Can I get a mortgage with a 30% ruling?
Short answer: Skilled employees who move to the Netherlands are eligible to apply for a 30 % tax benefit.
Employees need to meet the requirements to receive 30 % tax benefits. If the employer grants a 30 % ruling, the employee pays fewer taxes to Dutch authorities.
When you apply for a mortgage in the Netherlands, you can use a 30 % tax benefit. How does it work? The maximum mortgage amount is calculated based on your annual salary. A 30% ruling is included in the calculation for the period you are still eligible for the 30% ruling in future years. As soon as your 30 % tax benefit ends, your monthly payment will be based on the annual salary at that time.
What is LTI?
Short answer: LtI is a ratio, expressed as a sum, after considering multiple factors such as your monthly income, employment history, and creditworthiness.
LtI is a ratio, expressed as a sum, after considering multiple factors such as your monthly income, employment history, and creditworthiness. One of our most valuable pieces of advice is that only you can determine the mortgage debt that you’re willing to bear. Mister Mortgage provides expert advice to assist you with how much you can comfortably afford to borrow.
What is LTV?
Short answer: LtV is a ratio, expressed as a percentage, of the requested amount of your mortgage divided by the purchase price or appraised value of your home.
To qualify for a mortgage, lenders will look at the loan-to-value (LtV) ratio. LtV is a ratio, expressed as a percentage, of the requested amount of your mortgage divided by the purchase price or appraised value of your home.
For example, if the home you purchase or refinance is appraised at € 500.000 and you are requesting a loan for € 400,000, the LtV is 80% (€ 400,000 / € 500,000). The maximum LtV in 2021 is 100%.
What does the term life insurance mortgage mean?
Short answer: When you buy a house with a mortgage, you are not obliged to take life insurance. However, based on your situation, we could advise you to take out term life insurance. Banks and mortgage lenders aim to protect themselves and clients from mortgage debts.
Term life insurance could cover the sum of the mortgage debt in the event of death. Term life insurance requirements differ per mortgage lender. For more information, please schedule a call with us.
Building insurance
In addition to term life insurance, it’s obligated to get building insurance covering any property damage. This insurance is mandatory, and it is an excellent addition to protect your property from any potential damages.
If you buy an apartment, the VvE (homeowner’s association) must take out building insurance. When applying for a mortgage, this is a standard check performed by Mister Mortgage.
What is NHG ?
Short answer: The National Mortgage Guarantee is referred to in Dutch as NHG or Nationale Hypotheek Garantie.
NHG is a unique government-backed insurance system that makes mortgages more affordable to average-priced properties. NHG is a safety net that protects you if you lose your job, get a divorce, become disabled, or one of the partners passes away. The national mortgage guarantee increased to EUR 325.000 in 2021.
What documents are needed to receive a mortgage estimate?
Short answer: View our list below to see a list of documents required to receive a Mortgage Estimate:
1. Your salary slip;
2. Your contract of employment;
3. Copy of your passport, and residence permit if applicable;
4. Confirmation letter regarding 30% ruling if applicable;
5. Additional information: Your marital status;
6. Overview of your assets, credits/loans, and extra income.
What is a mortgage estimate?
Short answer: Mortgage Estimate is an estimate of the closing costs, the maximum loan to income, and a table with the monthly payments over time.
Mortgage Estimate is an estimate of the closing costs, the maximum loan to income, and a table with the monthly payments over time. A pre-approval for a mortgage doesn’t exist in The Netherlands. However, Mister Mortgage offers an overview of your maximum mortgage (LTI) and the monthly costs. Free of charge and no further obligations.