Are you working as a freelancer or running your own business (ZZP) in the Netherlands and wondering if you can buy your own home?
Many people assume that getting a mortgage in the Netherlands without a permanent contract is impossible. In reality, things work differently.
More and more banks today look at actual income, work history, and business potential instead of focusing only on the type of employment contract. This means that freelancers and ZZP entrepreneurs also have real opportunities to buy property in the Netherlands.
In this article
- Can a freelancer or ZZP entrepreneur get a mortgage in the Netherlands?
- How long do you need to run your business?
- How does a bank assess a freelancer’s borrowing capacity?
- What can reduce your chances?
- Can freelancers get a mortgage with NHG?
- How does Domek help freelancers and ZZP entrepreneurs?
Can a freelancer or ZZP entrepreneur get a mortgage in the Netherlands?
Yes. Running your own business in the Netherlands does not exclude you from getting a mortgage.
Banks mainly analyse:
- the level and stability of your income,
- your work history,
- your industry,
- future earning potential,
- your financial situation,
- your current financial obligations.
For many banks, it is more important that your income is stable and well documented than the type of employment contract you have.
How long do you need to run your business?
Many people believe that a freelancer or ZZP entrepreneur must run their business for at least 3 years in order to get a mortgage in the Netherlands. In practice, more and more banks accept applications after around 12 months of business activity.
However, if you previously worked as an employee in the same industry and have professional experience, some banks may accept your application after around 6 months of self-employment.
Every situation is different, which is why choosing the right bank is extremely important.
How does a bank assess a freelancer’s borrowing capacity?
When calculating your maximum mortgage amount, a bank may take the following into account:
- jaarcijfers,
- VAT declarations,
- bank statements,
- your KvK registration,
- your previous income history.
In many cases, it is also possible to prepare a professional income forecast for the current year, which can help improve your chances of receiving a positive decision from the bank.
What can reduce your chances?
A bank’s decision may be influenced by factors such as:
- active loans and lease contracts,
- a negative BKR registration,
- tax debts,
- highly irregular income,
- a short business history.
However, this does not automatically mean your application will be rejected. Properly prepared documents and choosing the right bank can often make a significant difference.
Every bank in the Netherlands uses its own rules when assessing freelancers and ZZP entrepreneurs. A rejection from one institution does not automatically mean another bank will make the same decision.
Can freelancers get a mortgage with NHG?
Yes. In some cases, freelancers and ZZP entrepreneurs can also apply for a mortgage with NHG (Nationale Hypotheek Garantie).
NHG provides additional security for the bank. Because of this, some lenders may assess self-employed applicants more positively.
Eligibility for NHG depends on factors such as:
- the mortgage amount,
- the type of property,
- income,
- your individual financial situation.
How does Domek help freelancers and ZZP entrepreneurs?
At Domek, we help freelancers and entrepreneurs through the entire home-buying process in the Netherlands.
We analyse your financial situation, compare options across different banks, and help prepare the documents needed to obtain a mortgage.
We can also:
- prepare income forecasts,
- help improve your chances of receiving a positive mortgage decision,
- explain the Dutch mortgage system,
- help you find the right property,
- support you even after purchasing your home.
Full-service support for internationals
At Domek, we make arranging a loan or mortgage in the Netherlands simpler and less stressful. For more than 15 years, we have helped internationals understand their financial options, compare bank offers, and find a solution that fits their situation.
We also support clients who are still learning how the Dutch mortgage system works and are buying their first property in the Netherlands.
Our advisors guide clients through the entire process — from calculating borrowing capacity and comparing offers to preparing documents and finalising the property purchase. We also help with insurance, formalities, and utility arrangements.
Contact us at 088 1021 500 or email info@domek.nl.
