If you are a first-time home buyer in the Netherlands and you are under 35, there is great news for 2026. The government has adjusted the transfer tax exemption limit for younger buyers. From next year, you can benefit from paying zero transfer tax if you buy a home up to €555,000.00 and you meet all the criteria. This is especially helpful for expats and starters taking their first step into the Dutch housing market.
If you are searching for expat housing in the Netherlands and planning to buy in Amsterdam, Utrecht, Eindhoven,Den Haag or the surrounding areas, this change can help you make further savings and better your chances of winning a home you really want.
What Is Changing In 2026
Starting in 2026, you can use the transfer tax exemption if the following applies.
You are under 35.
You are buying your first home to live in.
The purchase price is up to €555,000.00.
You have not used the exemption before.
If the home you want to buy is priced above that limit, you will pay the standard 2% transfer tax. If you qualify for the transfer tax exemption, you save thousands of euros from the very start of your buying journey. This update gives first-time homeowners more choice in the market and makes this an exciting moment for anyone buying for the first time.
Why Buying A Home In 2026 Makes Sense
If you plan to stay in the Netherlands for more than a couple of years, buying often makes more financial sense than renting. It also allows you to put down roots and gives you a place that truly feels like yours, a place where you can build the life you want.
Buying a home is about finally owning your own asset, and not paying off someone else’s asset by paying off their mortgage by renting their investment. You are investing in your own future, and it gives you a sense of control and freedom. You can settle in, paint the walls any colour you like and create a space that feels like you. It becomes home in a way that renting never quite does.
We absolutely love assisting our clients in buying their first home in the Netherlands. It is such a privilege to share in the joy of your very first home, and something we at Homes for Expats are honoured to be a part of.
Why Expats Are Planning Ahead
We speak daily with expats who are preparing for their next chapter. Some are here on the DAFT visa. Some are young professionals working in Amsterdam or Eindhoven who want to stay long-term. Others are families that are looking for more space and connection in Utrecht or Den Haag. Everyone has their own story and needs.
The updated exemption is there to encourage starters to enter the housing market so they can act quickly when they find the right home.
How Homes for Expats Makes The Journey Easier
Buying your first home in a new country can feel overwhelming. At Homes for Expats, we are more than just a real estate company. We are a group of fellow expats and trusted real estate experts passionate about assisting you navigate the Dutch housing market with confidence.
We are there to explain the buying process step by step.
We will connect you with mortgage advisors who specialise in expat clients and who speak English, so understanding you and your needs is not a problem.
We will advise you on the best neighbourhoods, schools and lifestyle that best fits you.
We will protect your interests with full due diligence, disclosure and honesty.
We will be with you from your very first viewing to the day of your final handover, and you receive your keys.
We are proud to be trusted as housing specialists in The Randstad and Dutch housing specialists covering most of the Netherlands. Supporting first-time home owners in making their housing dreams a reality means a lot to us.
Buying a home is a life decision. A future decision. A heart decision. We want you to feel supported every step of the way on this exciting adventure.
Ready To Begin Your Home Buying Story
Your first home in the Netherlands should feel like home and the journey to get there should be one of the most exciting and fun journeys you will go on during your time here in the Netherlands. We are here to make sure you find a home you absolutely love.
If you are thinking about buying your first home in the Netherlands and would like guidance you can trust, we would love to help you explore your options and start the conversation: https://cms.homesforexpats.nl/contact-us/
