Knowledge base
Questions about buying a home in the Netherlands
Clear, factual answers to the things home buyers run into — with sources, and no sales talk. For financial choices we point you to the right source.
What is erfpacht and what should I check?With erfpacht you own the home but not the land underneath — you lease it long-term, usually from the municipality. How it works, what it costs, and why it affects your mortgage and resale value.
What does the energy label mean and which label is acceptable?From A++++ to G: the energy label tells you how energy-efficient a home is. What the letters mean, what the modern NTA 8800 label does and doesn't say, and where to look it up.
How do I check noise (road, rail, aircraft) before buying?Traffic, rail and aircraft noise rarely appear in the listing, but they shape how pleasant a home is. Here's how to check an address's noise exposure before viewing.
What is NHG and what is the NHG limit in 2026?The Nationale Hypotheek Garantie (NHG) is a safety net in case of forced sale and usually means a lower interest rate. For 2026 the cost limit is set at € 470,000.
What is foundation risk and how do I check it?Wooden pile foundations can be damaged by drought and low groundwater. Foundation repair is expensive — which makes foundation risk an ever more important checkpoint when buying.
What does kosten koper mean and what's in it?If 'k.k.' follows the asking price, the purchase costs come on top of the price. These are the usual items — from transfer tax to notary and advice.