Buying a house alone in the Netherlands is not always easy. Rising property prices and stricter mortgage requirements mean many people no longer qualify for a mortgage on a single income.
The good news is that in many cases you can buy a property together with family members, relatives, or even friends. A joint mortgage can increase your borrowing capacity and make buying a home more realistic.
In this article, we explain:
- who can buy a house together,
- how joint mortgages work,
- what banks look at,
- what you should know before buying property together in the Netherlands.
Can you buy a house with family in the Netherlands?
Yes. In the Netherlands, buying property together is a very common solution — especially for people who want to increase their borrowing capacity or share living costs.
You can buy a house together with:
- a partner or spouse,
- parents,
- siblings,
- other family members,
- friends or acquaintances.
In most cases, the bank takes into account the income of everyone applying for the mortgage. This means you may be able to borrow a significantly higher amount compared to buying alone.
In the Netherlands, it is also possible to purchase a property with up to 3 or 4 people — depending on the financial situation and the bank’s requirements.
Why can buying a house together be beneficial?
For many people, buying a house together is the only realistic way to own property in the Netherlands. Instead of paying high rent every month, you can invest in your own home.
The biggest advantages of buying property together include:
- higher borrowing capacity,
- the possibility to buy a larger or better-located property,
- shared monthly costs,
- greater housing stability,
- building your own equity instead of paying rent,
- potential profit from a future property sale.
In many situations, a monthly mortgage payment can be similar to — or even lower than — the average rental costs in the Netherlands.
Who can qualify for a joint mortgage?
Every situation is assessed individually, but the most important factors are:
- income,
- employment history,
- type of employment contract,
- existing financial obligations,
- and the financial situation of all applicants.
A permanent contract is not always required. In many cases, it is still possible to obtain a mortgage if you:
- work through an agency,
- have a temporary contract,
- have a perspectiefverklaring,
- are self-employed (ZZP),
- or have multiple sources of income.
This is why it is important to discuss your situation with a mortgage advisor beforehand.
What should you consider before buying a house together?
Buying a house with family or friends requires good preparation. Besides the mortgage itself, it is important to discuss key matters regarding the future of the property.
It is worth agreeing on:
- how costs will be divided,
- who contributes the down payment,
- how ownership shares will be structured,
- what happens if one person wants to sell their share,
- who stays in the house if circumstances change,
- and how decisions regarding the property will be made.
In the Netherlands, these matters can be legally arranged through the notary and purchase documentation.
What does the process look like?
The process is similar to a standard property purchase, but it requires reviewing the financial situation of everyone involved in the mortgage application.
The process usually includes:
- calculating the maximum mortgage amount,
- reviewing income and documents,
- selecting the right mortgage,
- searching for a property,
- placing offers,
- arranging valuation and paperwork,
- signing documents at the notary,
- and finally receiving the keys.
Good coordination is especially important when several people are involved in the purchase.
What should you pay attention to when choosing a property?
Before buying, it is important to carefully consider:
- the location,
- commuting distance to work,
- parking availability,
- schools and shops nearby,
- public transport connections,
- and the technical condition of the property.
Some buyers choose a renovation project so they can design the home according to their own preferences. Others prefer a move-in-ready property.
It is also worth knowing that renovation costs can often be financed through the mortgage, for example with a bouwdepot.
Domek helps with more than just the mortgage
The all-in-one service for internationals
At Domek, we make arranging a mortgage in the Netherlands simple and stress-free. With more than 15 years of experience and a team of 100+ professionals, we help internationals understand their borrowing options, compare lenders, and find the solution that fits their situation.
Our team helps not only with the mortgage itself, but also with:
- mortgage calculations,
- choosing the right mortgage,
- purchase formalities,
- communication with real estate agents and notaries,
- insurance through Polisa.nl,
- and post-purchase matters.
We support clients in their own language and guide them through the entire process from the first calculation to the key handover.
FAQ – Buying a House with Family in the Netherlands
Can I buy a house with my parents in the Netherlands?
Yes. In many cases, it is possible to purchase property together with parents or other family members.
Do we need to be married to get a joint mortgage?
No. You can buy a property together even if you are not married or officially registered as partners.
How many people can buy one house together?
In the Netherlands, it is possible to purchase property with multiple people, depending on the bank and the financial situation of the applicants.
Can I buy a house together with a friend?
Yes. Dutch banks also allow friends or acquaintances to buy property together in many cases.
Can I get a mortgage without a permanent contract?
In many situations, yes. Mortgage solutions are often available for agency workers, people with temporary contracts, or self-employed applicants.
Want to find out if you can buy a house together?
Contact Domek.nl. We will review your situation free of charge, calculate your borrowing capacity, and show you what options are available on the Dutch housing market.
Call us: 088 1021 500
Email: info@domek.nl
