Frequently Asked Questions – Buying a Home

These are the costs you need to pay in order to become the legal owner of a property. This includes the following expenses:

• Transfer tax: This is a percentage of the purchase price. 0% with the first-time buyer exemption, 2% if you intend to live in the property yourself, and 10.4% if you are buying the property as an investment or second home. Click here for more information.
• Notary fees: These are mainly the costs for drafting and signing the deed of transfer. This deed is signed at the notary’s office and officially makes you the legal owner of the property.
• Also keep in mind the notary fees for preparing and registering the mortgage deed.

Please note! There are also additional costs. This is covered in the next question: What additional costs are involved in the purchase?

In addition to the purchase price, transfer tax and notary fees, you need to consider other costs for buying a house:

• A property valuation;
• Mortgage Advice;
• A building inspection;
• Brokerage commission.

We help you understand these costs in advance so there are no surprises.

During the viewing, we’ll assess and discuss this together. We will advise you on whether it is necessary to have a structural survey carried out. In such a survey, an expert inspects the property and reports on any defects or maintenance issues—both current and potential future ones. We support you throughout the entire process and will go over everything in detail to ensure you are fully informed.

It’s not mandatory, but it is a smart choice. A buying agent helps you identify potential risks, increases your chances of successfully purchasing a property, keeps you informed of new listings, and assists with legal matters. Of course, we can help you with this too. Want more information? Click here.

Good preparation is essential. It’s important to know your borrowing capacity and, if you own a property, the value of your current home. When placing a bid, it’s crucial to communicate any contingencies clearly. For example, if you're contributing personal funds, make sure to provide accurate and complete information. And finally—under the motto “nothing ventured, nothing gained”—we recommend writing a personal letter to the seller to strengthen your offer.

It depends on the zoning plan and regulations of the municipality. We are aware of the recent development on laws and regulations. We check what is possible and whether you need a permit.

You can always perform a permit check yourself via this website.

Be sure to pay attention to the overall condition of the property. Both the interior and exterior are important. Ask the agent about any specific details or concerns. Insulation is another key factor—have any improvements been made, or are there opportunities to upgrade? Also consider natural light, the layout, noise levels, direct neighbors, and the surrounding area. Would you like our help with buying a home? Let us know!

We increase your chances of securing a property, provide insight into its market value, protect your interests, share local knowledge about the neighborhood, identify legal pitfalls, and guide you through the entire process from start to finish. We believe it’s important that you don’t feel overwhelmed. Our aim is to help you enjoy the home-buying journey with confidence and peace of mind.

Rates vary between real estate agents. Some agents charge a fixed fee, while others work with a percentage of the purchase price. A combination of a percentage and a performance-based bonus is also common.

Wondering what our costs are? If so, please feel free to contact us.