Dutch National Mortgage Guarantee 2026 – A guide for expats
The National Mortgage Guarantee is a Dutch mortgage scheme that can help you get a home loan against a very low interest rate if you buy a property with a maximum worth of €470,000 in 2026. The scheme takes a look at your income and makes sure that it matches with your wishes and needs in terms of a mortgage.
The guarantee provides a safety net for both the lender and mortgage provider for when the mortgage can no longer be repaid. The NHG specifies four situations where you as a lender of a NHG-backed mortgage can make use of this arrangement:
- You lose your job
- Your relationship ends
- If you become disabled for work
- If your partner dies
The NHG is a private institution which is backed by the government, meaning that it can always fulfill its payment obligations.
What is NHG and how does it work?
Overview of NHG
The national mortgage guarantee or in dutch ”Nationale Hypotheek Garantie”, is a form of mortgage guarantee provided by the Dutch government through Stichting Waarborgfonds Eigen Woningen. It’s purpose is to reduce financial risk to the bank and ensuring that homeowners have access to affordable and responsible mortgages. NHG offers protection in case loan borrowers face financial difficulties, this could be a job loss, disability or divorce.
Benefits of NHG for homebuyers
Benefits of a NHG mortgage
- NHG mortgages carry lower interest rates
- The mortgage guarantee fee is deductible from taxable income
- NHG serves as a safety net for unforseen life changes
The role of stichting waarborgfonds eigen woningen
The independent foundation Stichting Waarborg Eigen Woningen manages the guarantee fund, reviews mortgage applications and covers residual debt. It makes sure that NHG operated smoothly and maintains its financial sustainability.
NHG eligibility criteria
Property value limits and types of eligible properties
To qualify for an NHG mortgage in 2026, there is a list of specific criteria that needs to be met:
- The maximum purchase price must not exceed €470,000 in 2026
- The maximum interest-only percentage of your loan is 50%
- The maximum term of an NHG-backed mortgage is 30 years
Conditions for expats and entrepreneurs
- Expats must have a valid residence permit and employment contract or sufficient proof of income
- Self-employed applicants or entrepreneurs can qualify but have to provide additional financial documentation, this can be a recent tax return. It is important here to be able to proof income stability.
Mortgage terms and interest only limits
- Up to 50% of the mortgage loan may be taken as interest-only, as long as the borrower can proof ability to repay the principal at the end of the term.
- Repayment types must comply with responsible lending standards
What are the advantages of a NHG mortgage?
As said before, a NHG mortgage is a safety net for both the provider and borrower. In this way, a provider has the security it will not lose on that particular loan and therefore can offer you a very sharp interest rate. Furthermore, if it’s the case that you as a borrower have to sell your house due to problems beyond your control and there is residual debt left in the mortgage, the NHG can remiss this residual debt if there are no options left to repay the rest of the loan.
NHG costs
Current NHG fee structure for 2026
The NHG percentage (this is also called the guarantee fee), in Dutch called borgtochtprovisie is currently 0.4% of your mortgage amount (2026). Example: If your mortgage with NHG is a total of € 300.000, the NHG fee would be € 1200 (0.4% x € 300.000)
How and when fees are paid
The NHG fee is usually paid once the mortgage loan is finalized at the notary, it is also often included in the mortgage loan amount so you don’t have to pay it upfront. The costs is also one time tax-deductible, which could provide financial relief to buyers.
How much can I borrow with such a loan?
You can apply for a NHG mortgage when you buy existing or new build property in base with a maximum of €470,000 in 2026. Are you going to renovate the property? Then the purchasing amount and renovation costs in total may not exceed €470,000 in 2026. A NHG-backed mortgage is also possible when you want to increase your current mortgage, for example for a renovation. Moreover, it’s also possible to apply for the scheme if you are an entrepreneur or have a temporary contract. If you already have a mortgage, sometimes you can switch to a NHG-backed mortgage. Furthermore, remortgaging a NHG loan is also possible. Contact us for your possibilities.
We are happy to advise you!
Call us on +31 (0)20-4651951 for a first introduction. Or fill in our contact form and we will contact you.
