FAQ

Buying a house in 2023? 

source NVM/Funda

Getting a mortgage just got a little easier
Good news if you are planning to buy a house this year. For many buyers it becomes a little easier to get a mortgage. As of 2021, the rules for applying for a mortgage have been relaxed somewhat. Do you already have a house? In 2021, things will also change in the field of taxes.

What should you take into account if you buy, sell or own a house this year? A number of measures had already been announced during Prinsjesdag. We have listed the most important changes in 2021 for you.

Transfer tax for buyers up to the age of 35 is waived
Because starters in particular are currently struggling to get a house, they are getting a helping hand from the cabinet. If you are under the age of 35, you no longer have to pay the 2% transfer tax on the purchase price. One of the conditions is that you yourself will live in the house you buy. If you do not intend to do so, for example because you are buying the house as a second home or investment property, the transfer tax will be higher, namely 8%.

Please note: from 1 April 2021, the exemption for buyers under the age of 35 no longer applies to homes above € 400,000. If you buy a more expensive house, make sure that the transfer takes place before 1 April 2021 in order to still be able to use this scheme.

Dual earners can borrow more
Two-earners who buy a house together also benefit slightly. To calculate the maximum mortgage, lenders look at both incomes. In 2020, the lowest income still counted for 80% in the calculation, in 2021 this will be 90%. As a result, you may be able to get tens of thousands of euros more mortgage.

Student debt weighs less heavily
More good news. From this year onwards, a student debt will have a slightly less effect on the maximum mortgage amount you can borrow than in 2020. With a student debt of € 25,000, this will save approximately € 7,000 to € 8,000, according to Nibud. maybe a small increase, but it can make the difference between not being able to buy a house or being able to buy it.

NHG limit is going up
If you were able to take out an NHG mortgage last year up to a purchase price of € 310,000, in 2021 that amount will be increased to € 325,000. If you want to co-finance energy-saving measures, the limit is even higher: € 344,500. That's great, because a mortgage with NHG gives you extra security. If you run into payment problems due to incapacity for work or unemployment, for example, your remaining debts will be canceled in the event of a necessary sale of your home. Moreover, with an NHG mortgage you get a discount on your mortgage interest. The costs of taking out an NHG mortgage remain the same as in 2020: 0.7% of the purchase price.

Higher WOZ value, so more tax
The WOZ value moves along with house prices. In that respect, the increased house prices are less good news for homeowners. The disadvantage of the higher WOZ value – expected to be around 6% to 8% this year – is that it will also increase a number of municipal taxes that depend on this. For example, the waste levy and property tax. As a result, depending on the municipality where you live, you may be a few tens more expensive.

Mortgage interest deduction is falling
The maximum rate at which you can deduct the mortgage interest from the tax will be further reduced in 2021: from 46% to 43%. This is especially noticeable if your income falls into the highest tax bracket. The difference between the percentage of tax you pay on your income (49.5%) and the percentage at which you can deduct the mortgage interest (43%) is the largest there.

Notional rental value is falling
The taxation for homeowners, or notional rental value, will decrease from 0.6 to 0.5% in 2021. The notional rental value is a percentage of the WOZ value. Due to the increase in the WOZ value, the notional rental value will also increase. The reduced levy of the lump sum limits this increase.

Energy label considerably more expensive
If you sell your house, you are obliged to hand over a final energy label to the buyers. This shows how energy efficient your home is. Until the end of last year, you could still request such a label online for about a tenner. As of this year, this is no longer possible and an expert will first come to your home to determine the level of the energy label. You also pay considerably more for this: for a single-family home around € 190, for an apartment about € 100. The label is valid for ten years.

More chance of a house?
Applying for a mortgage will be a little easier for many people this year than last year. That might increase your chance of a house. At the moment there is more demand for houses than supply. Have your mortgage calculated in advance, so that you can switch quickly if you have a home in mind.

Inquire with one of our purchase brokers. Call 030 752 33 33.