Blogs about the mortgage market
Explore English-language blogs covering the Dutch mortgage market. Stay informed about trends, developments, and what’s happening in the market.
Impact of prinsjesdag announcements:
How does Prinsjesdag affect u living in the Netherlands?!
Every year The Netherlands celebrates “Prinsjesdag” that’s a day the government gives announcements for the new budget. This includes taxes and new rules that affect both Dutch people and companies. The King explains them in his speech. ...
For companies, Prinsjesdag is an important day because it includes changes that affect profits, investments, and planning for the upcoming year. For example, taxes go up a little bit, so companies need to rethink their budgets.
For you as a civilian, it may be important to stay updated about the latest Prinsjesdag and whether it affects you in any way. These are some of the key changes:
Mortgage and Housing changes:
From January 1, 2026, the transfer tax on properties will be lowered from 10.4% to 8%. This is good news if you want to live in the Netherlands, because the costs to buy a property become lower. Also, if you are a first-time buyer under €555,000, you may pay 0% transfer tax, which means no tax on buying your first home. Lastly, the ability to deduct mortgage interest continues, but the tax benefit is gradually limited by changes in the tax brackets.
Investments & Savings:
In the last Prinsjesdag, there were also changes in taxes affecting your investments (Box 3 Tax). The amount you can hold in savings and investments without paying tax will be increased to €59,357 per person. Every euro above this amount will be taxed in Box 3. For investments, there is a higher assumed return; the government uses a tool to calculate tax on savings and investments. This rate is increasing in 2026, which means the government assumes you are making more return and taxes you accordingly. Even if your actual return is lower than the tax rate, you still pay the higher rate.
A Fun Day:
Aside from taxes and new rules, Prinsjesdag is also a very enjoyable and festive day. The King and the royal family travel through The Hague in the Golden Carriage (Gouden Koets). People line the streets to catch a glimpse of the royal family, cheer, watch the parade, and wave national flags. Female guests wear fancy hats, which often sparks conversation. Meanwhile, the royal family and important guests gather in the Ridderzaal to listen to the King’s speech. This combination of formal announcements and festive traditions makes Prinsjesdag both important and enjoyable.
Do you need help understanding taxes, want to know more about buying a house, or wish to discuss your investments? At our advisory office, we assist you in your specific situation and explain the changes that are most important for you. We help ensure that you understand how these announcements can affect your finances and what steps you might consider taking.
Mortgage trends:
Buying a House in 2026: Key Mortgage Trends You Should Know
Imagine this: you’re sitting at your desk, scrolling through house listings, trying to figure out how much you can borrow, and suddenly the mortgage world feels like a maze. Interest rates are moving, house prices keep rising, and the rules seem complicated. It’s easy to feel lost but the good news is, understanding the main trends can make it much simpler. ...
One of the biggest trends right now is interest rates. After years of super low rates, the market has become more unpredictable. In the Netherlands, average fixed mortgage rates were around 3.3%–3.7% at the end of 2025, and experts expect them to stay mostly between 3% and 4% in 2026. This means that instead of chasing the absolute lowest rate, many buyers are focusing on stability and predictability, choosing mortgages that keep monthly payments steady for several years.
Another important trend is the continued rise in house prices, though the growth is slowing down slightly. Homes are still in high demand, especially for first-time buyers. Being prepared, knowing what you can borrow and planning ahead is more important than ever. And protections like the Nationale Hypotheek Garantie (NHG) are still popular, giving buyers lower risk and often slightly better rates.
Buyers are also becoming smarter about their choices. People are looking beyond just the interest rate. They’re thinking about long-term plans, monthly budgets, and life changes. Some are splitting mortgages part short-term fixed, part long-term fixed to balance flexibility and stability. It’s no longer about getting the cheapest deal right now; it’s about finding a mortgage that fits your life.
Sustainability is another trend starting to make a difference. Energy-efficient homes are being rewarded with slightly better financing conditions. Green mortgages aren’t just a niche anymore—they’re becoming a practical option for buyers who want to save money and make eco-friendly choices at the same time.
So what does this all mean? The mortgage market in 2026 is less about guessing the lowest rate and more about making informed, long-term decisions. Rates are relatively stable, house prices are still rising, protections like NHG help reduce risk, and energy-efficient homes are gaining popularity. Buyers are thinking more strategically, and that’s a smart move.
At RIJS, we help you make sense of all these trends. A mortgage isn’t just a loan—it’s a plan that should fit your life, goals, and comfort level. With the right information, what seems confusing at first can become clear and manageable. Knowing the trends today helps you make decisions that will pay off tomorrow.
