Who is who?
Buying a house in the Netherlands: What types of services do the following parties offer?
In the video below, mortgage advisor Andrew Aziz will explain to you what the different people will do for you in the journey of buying a home in The Netherlands.
Verkoopmakelaar = Sales agent / selling agent
A sales agent assists individuals in selling their property, providing support from pricing all the way through to finalizing the sale.
Aankoopmakelaar = Buyer’s agent
An aankoopmakelaar, or buyer’s agent, is a type of real estate broker that assists buyers:
- In finding a property
- In negotiating the purchase price with the seller or seller’s agent
- Ensuring that everything in the house is verified and in order (leasehold, association of owners, etc.)
- In reviewing the sales contract
Taxateur = Appraiser
An appraiser is a property valuation expert who determines the value of a home for the purpose of obtaining a mortgage. Their job is crucial because in the Netherlands, the value of the property usually sets the maximum limit for the mortgage amount. The maximum mortgage cannot exceed:
- The value of the house (as determined by the appraiser’s report)
- The maximum based on your income and debt
Would you like to calculate the maximum mortgage?
Hypotheekadviseur = Mortgage advisor / mortgage broker
That is what we are at Viisi. We support you every step of the way when it comes to purchasing a home. In the Netherlands, there are various ways to obtain a mortgage:
Directly with a bank (We do not recommend this option)
Consulting is not the specialty of banks. Banks prioritize selling their own mortgage products and may not offer the best rates and terms. In the Netherlands there are over 35 mortgage providers, it’s wise to compare rates and terms.
Additionally, the process with a bank is slower than with an independent advisor.
With an independent advisor
There are several advisors. Some work only with a few mortgage providers while others (usually the larger ones) work with (almost) all providers. There are also differences in education level, experience, and specialization among advisors.
At Viisi, we have a team of experienced and specialized advisors who can guide you through the process and help you find the best mortgage.
To sum it up, engaging an independent advisor can help you save a considerable amount of money, time, and stress when securing your mortgage.
Geldverstrekker = Mortgage provider
There are several types of mortgage providers. In total, there are around 35 providers, each with their own set of conditions and rules for accepting clients. The well-known providers include banks like ABN AMRO, ING, and Rabobank, while there are also lesser-known banks, insurance companies, and investment platforms.
Compare mortgage providers
Your primary focus should be understanding what each provider can offer you.
- Which provider can offer you the lowest interest rate?
- Can they still offer you a mortgage if you’ve been working in the Netherlands for less than a year?
- Are there any penalties for paying off your mortgage early?
- Is it possible to rent out your property while you have a mortgage?
- How long do they need to approve your mortgage?
Our team works tirelessly to compare providers and find the best mortgage for your unique situation.
Notaris = Notary
In the Netherlands, a notary is an unbiased and impartial public officer who is entrusted with the task of authenticating and registering crucial legal documents. When it comes to the purchase of a house, the notary plays a key role in preparing and validating two essential documents.
- The deed of delivery is a document that confirms the transfer of ownership of a property from the seller to the buyer.
- The mortgage deed is a legally binding document that outlines the terms and conditions of the loan amount and repayment.
Furthermore, the notary provides a document that outlines all the expenses that must be paid, including the purchase price, taxes, and utility bills such as electricity and water, which are the responsibility of the new owner of the house.
Bouwkundig inspecteur = Building inspector
A building inspection, also known as “bouwkundige keuring” in the Netherlands, is a crucial step in the process of purchasing a home. It involves a technical evaluation conducted by a building expert to assess whether there are any structural or safety issues with the property, and to identify any necessary repairs or improvements. Ensuring that the home is in good condition through a building inspection is vital to avoid expensive problems down the line.
Download white paper ‘Buying a home in The Netherlands’
Do you want to go on a home hunt well prepared? You will find all the information in this white paper.