Expat mortgages made easy

The fixed-rate period is the length of time your mortgage interest rate remains unchanged. You can choose how long to fix your rate, from as little as one month up to thirty years. Shorter fixed-rate periods usually come with lower rates, but also the risk that your rate may rise sooner if market rates go up.

Choosing a longer fixed-rate period typically means a slightly higher rate, but you gain more certainty about your monthly payments. This can be especially appealing if you expect rates to rise or if you want financial stability. The best choice depends on your personal situation and risk tolerance.

The ideal length of your fixed-rate period depends on your personal circumstances and future plans. If you have bought a starter home and expect to move within ten years, a shorter fixed-rate period may be beneficial, offering more flexibility and possibly a lower rate.

If you plan to stay in your home for a long time, such as thirty years, a longer fixed-rate period can provide peace of mind by locking in your monthly payments. This is especially useful in an uncertain interest rate market.

When your fixed-rate period ends, you can choose a new period. However, it’s important to remember that future rates are unpredictable. Market rates can fluctuate, so weigh whether you prefer certainty or want to take advantage of potentially lower rates in the future.

Mortgage interest tax relief is a tax benefit for homeowners. You can deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage for your primary residence from your taxable income, reducing your tax bill. This deduction is available for up to thirty years, but since 2013 only for linear and annuity mortgages.

The amount you can deduct depends on factors like your income, the property’s value, your mortgage amount, and the interest rate. Note that there is a maximum deduction rate; in 2025, it is 37.48 percent.

This tax benefit can lead to significant savings, but it depends on your personal situation. It’s wise to review your mortgage type and tax bracket to make the most of this advantage.

The National Mortgage Guarantee (NHG) is a safety net for homeowners who run into financial trouble. If you are forced to sell your home and are left with a residual debt, NHG may cover this under certain conditions. The guarantee is provided by the Homeownership Guarantee Fund, which also backs lenders, reducing their risk and often resulting in a lower interest rate for you.

Not everyone qualifies for NHG. In 2025, the maximum property value for an NHG mortgage is €450,000. Your financial situation is also carefully assessed. While NHG can lower your interest rate, you pay a one-time premium—0.4% of the mortgage amount in 2025—which is tax-deductible.

Want to benefit from NHG? Check our overview of current mortgage rates to see which rates apply to NHG mortgages.

The mortgage interest rate is the percentage you pay to the lender for borrowing money to buy a home. The rate varies depending on the lender’s terms, such as banks, pension funds, or insurers. They may offer different conditions, like penalty-free repayments or special rates for energy-efficient homes, all of which can affect your rate.

Broader factors also play a role. The capital market rate is important, as it’s the rate lenders pay to borrow money themselves. When this rate is high, mortgage rates rise too. Lenders also add a margin, which depends on their desired profit and how risky they consider your loan.

Other factors include your home’s value, the fixed-rate period you choose, and whether you qualify for NHG. NHG reduces the lender’s risk, so the rate is often lower than for non-NHG mortgages. Competition among lenders and your chosen terms also influence your final rate.

Yes, mortgage rates could decrease in the future. Rates are influenced by factors like the capital market rate, the economy, and European Central Bank (ECB) policy. In 2025, rates remain relatively high due to earlier inflation and economic measures, but if the ECB lowers rates to stimulate the economy, mortgage rates may fall as well.

Other influences include economic growth, unemployment, and inflation. If the economy stabilizes and inflation is controlled, mortgage rates may drop over time. However, rates also depend on your personal situation.

When taking out a mortgage, it’s wise to compare not just the rates but also the terms from different lenders. Your income, property value, and loan amount all affect the rate you receive. This way, you can find the mortgage that best fits your needs.