Buying guides / Money & planning
The money to set aside before you buy
A practical budget for the costs around the purchase price, including the ones your mortgage may not cover.
Begin with a cash budget
A purchase price is only part of the amount you need to plan for. List the professional fees you expect to pay and when each payment is due. Ask for quotes rather than relying on a general percentage.
For an existing home, kosten koper, usually shortened to k.k., means the buyer pays the transfer tax and transfer-deed costs. Other expenses can sit alongside these, including mortgage advice and an inspection. Government buying-cost guidance
Check the tax for your circumstances
The transfer-tax rate is generally 2% when you buy a home to occupy as your main residence. Government transfer-tax rates
In 2026, an exemption may apply if you are aged 18–34 at transfer, have not used it before and will live in the home yourself. The property’s value must not exceed €555,000. Further conditions apply, and eligibility is assessed for each buyer. Confirm the position with your notary. Belastingdienst exemption rules
Allow for a valuation gap
The mortgage is generally limited to 100% of the property’s value, subject to lending rules and exceptions. An agreed purchase price does not guarantee that the lender will finance that amount. AFM mortgage guidance
Ask your mortgage adviser how a lower valuation would affect the cash you need. Keep that possible gap separate from your moving budget. Spending the same savings twice is easy on a spreadsheet.
Keep purchase costs separate from living costs
After the keys, you still need money for ordinary ownership expenses. Set aside a maintenance allowance and check recurring charges before deciding what feels affordable.
Some qualifying mortgage-related costs can be deducted in your income-tax return. That does not make every purchase expense deductible, or remove the need to pay it first. Keep itemised invoices and confirm which costs qualify for your own situation. Belastingdienst deductible-cost guidance
A useful budget shows the recipient and payment date for each expense. Update it when a quote becomes an invoice, and leave a visible allowance for costs you have not confirmed yet.
General information, reviewed on 1 November 2026. Rules and individual circumstances can differ. Confirm the details of your purchase with your mortgage adviser, agent or notary. Official sources are linked beside the relevant guidance.