Mortgage rules 2026 – How much mortgage can you get in 2026?
The lending standards for mortgages for 2026 are expected to be relaxed, which would allow more households to obtain a higher maximum mortgage. The Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis (CPB) predicts a wage increase of 4.1%, which means that many people will have more money left over despite inflation, which could increase the maximum loan amount.
Each year, lending standards are re-established based on the advice of the NIBUD (National Institute for Budget Information), which looks at the amount that households can spend on housing costs without getting into financial difficulties. Mortgage interest rates also play a role in the calculation, as the expected fall in interest rates in 2026 could also provide more borrowing scope.
An important change for 2026 is that the extra borrowing capacity for homes with energy labels A++++ and A+++ will decrease. This is mainly because the feed-in tariff for solar panels will be lower than before. The extra borrowing capacity for sustainability measures in homes with energy label A+++ will be scrapped.
For everyone, the exact maximum mortgage that can be borrowed depends on personal income, family composition, the energy label of the home, and, of course, the interest rate at that time. It is always wise and recommended to seek advice from your mortgage advisor to find out what is possible and what will change for your situation.
Below you will find an overview of all the important changes for 2026, click on the topic that interests you most to scroll directly to it:
What will change in lending standards in 2026?
In 2026, lending standards will become more flexible, enabling more households to realize their housing aspirations.
The most important changes at a glance:
- Relaxation of lending standards due to income growth of 4.1%
- Impact of the expected fall in mortgage interest rates, which will increase borrowing capacity.
- Sustainability rules adjusted for energy labels A+++ and A++++, due to the abolition of the net metering scheme (the scheme that allows you to offset the energy you generate but do not consume against the electricity you purchase from the grid) and the changing rules surrounding solar panels.
- NHG limit is going up to €470,000, which offers more security and opportunities for buyers.
What are lending standards and why are they important?
Loan standards explained simply
Loan standards are guidelines that determine how much money you could borrow for your mortgage based on your personal financial situation. The purpose of these standards is to ensure security and prevent you from being unable to pay your high monthly costs in the long term or being forced to sell your home.
The annual lending standards are determined based on the advice of the Nibud. Nibud assesses the maximum monthly costs that most households can afford, taking into account income, fixed costs, and financial obligations. Ultimately, the government determines what the new rules will be for the coming year.
Impact of your income and family composition
Your maximum mortgage is determined by various factors:
- Personal income: This is the largest factor, because it is also used to pay your monthly expenses.
- Partner income: The combined income of you and your partner usually increases your borrowing capacity.
- Number of children and family composition: More family members usually mean higher costs, which can limit your borrowing capacity.
- Other fixed expenses: Current loans, insurance, energy costs.
What determines your maximum mortgage in 2026?
Income growth of 4.1% is expected for 2026, which means that many households in the Netherlands will have more financial scope to borrow. According to income forecasts by Nibud, someone with a gross annual income of €70,000 will be able to borrow around €6,000 more next year. This borrowing scope makes buying a home just that little bit easier.
| Gross yearly income | Maximum loan capacity 2025 | Maximum loan capacity 2026 | Difference |
| € 50.000 | € 220.000 | € 222.500 | € 2.500 |
| € 70.000 | € 280.000 | € 286.000 | € 6.000 |
| € 100.000 | € 350.000 | € 365.500 | € 15.500 |
Impact of mortgage interest rates
Mortgage interest rates play an important role in determining your maximum mortgage amount. A lower interest rate also means lower monthly payments. Experts expect mortgage interest rates to fall in 2026 due to economic conditions and declining inflationary pressure.
The reduction in borrowing capacity can have a positive effect on your maximum borrowing capacity. That is why it is wise to time the moment you take out or adjust your mortgage carefully.
Sustainability and your energy label
In 2026, regulations surrounding energy-saving measures and additional borrowing will change. Whereas previously you could obtain additional borrowing capacity for energy labels A+++ and A++++, this will be significantly reduced. For homes with energy label A+++, the extra borrowing capacity will be reduced to €25,000 (€30,000 in 2025), and for energy label A++++, the borrowing capacity will be reduced to €40,000 (€50,000 in 2025). The extra sustainability borrowing capacity for energy label A+++ will be abolished. This is due to the policy change of the feed-in tariffs for solar panels. The net metering scheme will end in 2027.
The tables below provide an overview of the energy labels and new additional mortgage amounts as of 2026.
| Energylabel | Extra loan capacity 2025 | Extra loan capacity 2026 |
| A+++ | € 30.000 | € 25.000 |
| A++++ | € 50.000 | € 40.000 |
| Energylabel | Extra loan capacity 2025 | Difference 2026 |
| Label E, F, or G | €0 | €0 |
| Label C or D | € 5.000 | € 0 |
| Label A or B | € 10.000 | € 0 |
| Label A+ or A++ | € 20.000 | € 0 |
| Label A+++ | € 25.000 | – € 5.000 |
| Label A++++ | € 30.000 | – € 10.000 |
| Label A++++ met garantie | € 40.000 | – € 10.000 |
Need help calculating your maximum mortgage capacity?
The new rules for 2026 can feel quite overwhelming and confusing. Do you need help from an expat mortgage advisor? We can help you! Contact us.
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