Mortgage advice in English
Your Dutch mortgage, explained in plain English
I guide expats through buying a home in the Netherlands, in English and online, from the first call to the notary.
Why expats come to me
A Dutch mortgage comes with a lot of rules, and most of the paperwork is in Dutch. I explain how it works in plain English, without jargon, so you can make your own choices.
I have been advising on mortgages for more than 20 years and I am an Erkend Hypothecair Planner (a recognised mortgage planner), one of about 1,200 in the Netherlands.
Most of my advice happens online, via Microsoft Teams. I share my screen, so we go through your mortgage step by step. Checking your identity can be done digitally too.
As a young expat, it was wonderful to work with Joop. He made sure all communication was in English, responded quickly made sure to avoid any unnecessary financial risks. Couldn’t recommend a better financial advisor!
How it works
Orientation
We start with a phone call about your plans and what I can do for you.
Inventory
I map out your personal situation: your income, your contract, your savings and your plans.
Advice
Dutch mortgage rules have many exceptions. I explain your options and what suits you.
Arranging
I arrange your mortgage with the lender and make sure the documents are ready in time.
Aftercare
After you have moved in, a lot can still change. I keep you informed about changes that affect your mortgage.
Good to know when you buy a home as an expat
What lenders look at
Your income, your employment contract and, if you are not from the EU, the EEA or Switzerland, your residence permit. What is possible depends on your situation and on the lender.
Documents I will ask for
A valid passport or ID card, your residence permit if you need one, your employment contract or an employer’s statement (werkgeversverklaring), recent payslips and your BSN (citizen service number).
Your own savings
In the Netherlands you can borrow up to the value of the home. Costs such as the notary, the valuation and the advice are usually paid from your own savings.
Transfer tax
Are you between 18 and 35, and do you buy a home to live in yourself, worth up to € 555,000? Then you pay no transfer tax (overdrachtsbelasting). You can use this exemption once.
Dutch documents
The mortgage offer from the bank and the deed at the notary are in Dutch. I explain them to you in English. If you do not speak Dutch, the notary will make sure you understand the deed, for example with a translation or an interpreter. Ask your notary in advance.
Online, wherever you live
I live in Heerde, but clients from Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Groningen arranged their mortgage with me online. A full digital process saves you € 300 on the advice fee.
What it costs
| Situation | Standard | Fully digital |
|---|---|---|
| First home | from € 2,750 | from € 2,450 |
| Moving or refinancing | from € 3,300 | from € 3,000 |
| Over 55 or retired | from € 3,300 | from € 3,000 |
| Expat surcharge | from € 300 | |
| Second applicant | € 600 | |
| Hourly rate for self-employed clients | € 145 | |
Fees for advice and arranging your mortgage in 2026, for clients with a permanent contract or a temporary contract with a statement of intent, including a term life insurance for one person. Your exact fee depends on your situation; you will know it before I start. The first conversation costs nothing.
Costs such as the valuation, a building survey, a bank guarantee and the notary are not part of my fee. I will show you what to expect.
What expats say
All 111 reviews (mostly in Dutch)Joep helped me and my partner buy our first home together in Amsterdam. He was very quick to reply and was always on top of our case. Also very nice and friendly to deal with. We were very grateful to have worked together with him! Highly recommend :)
Agata Marchwicka I highly recommend Joep as a mortgage advisor. Joep is very helpful and responsive. He explains everything in a simple but clear way. I am an expat in the Netherlands, so I appreciate him giving me extra information and help me through the whole buying process.
Amy Chan We bought a house for the first time and Joep talked us through very patiently and arranged all our wishes around the mortgage while giving god advice. Besides that everything went smoothly, explaining in Dutch and English was not a problem at all. Good experiences and would recommend him to anyone.
fabjantje k
Copied word for word from Google, where clients post their own reviews (as of 9 October 2026).
Questions? Call or email me
Available on weekdays during office hours, and in the evening by appointment. Outside those hours, email is the quickest way to reach me.