Choosing the Best Mortgage

In short

Everyone wants the best mortgage at the lowest rate, but the lowest rate is not automatically the best choice. The mortgage type, the terms and how well the mortgage fits your future plans all determine what "best" means. After all, you are choosing something that fixes your housing costs for decades.

1. The best mortgage type

Which mortgage type suits you best differs from person to person. The two most popular types are the annuity mortgage and the linear mortgage. Since 2013 these are virtually the only options for new buyers, because only these two keep your right to mortgage interest relief: you then repay the loan in full within 30 years.

Other types, such as the interest-only, savings or investment mortgage, no longer qualify for relief on a new mortgage. If you already had one, you can usually take it with you to your next home. You will find an overview of all types under mortgage types.

2. A good mortgage adviser

Good advice means a mortgage that fits your future plans, even if your family grows or you want to retire early. A good adviser allows for that now, so the mortgage that fits today still fits later.

If you run a calculation on our website, we connect you with an independent adviser who suits your situation. A first session is free and without obligation.

3. The best provider

Brand recognition says little about quality. A large, well-known bank does not necessarily offer the mortgage that fits you best. The interest rate and the terms (such as the option to make penalty-free extra repayments or to take your mortgage with you when you move) matter far more. On top of that, some providers work only through independent advisers, so you do not always see their offers if you search yourself.

4. The best mortgage for first-time buyers

As a first-time buyer your choice of type is between linear and annuity, but there is plenty of choice among providers with different terms. As a starter, watch these points:

• Preferably choose a longer fixed-rate period for more certainty.
• Build a buffer first: you cannot finance the additional costs with your mortgage.
• Are you between 18 and 35 and buying your first home (in 2026 up to € 555,000)? Then the starters' exemption means you pay no transfer tax.
• As partners, properly insure the death risk so the other is not left in trouble.

5. The best mortgage for the self-employed and entrepreneurs

As a self-employed person, taking out a mortgage is often a little harder, because your income is less predictable. It is certainly possible, though: many providers look at your average income over recent years, and some also offer options for starting entrepreneurs. Calculate your mortgage for entrepreneurs in advance, or have an adviser compare different providers.

6. Can you borrow more or less in 2026?

How much you can borrow is set each year by Nibud in the lending standards. A couple's lower income counts 100%. Nibud takes the long term into account: your housing costs must remain affordable if your situation changes, for example at retirement or in case of incapacity for work. In special cases a provider may deviate from the standard with good reason. Calculate your maximum mortgage without obligation for a first indication.

Conclusion

The best mortgage is the one that fits your income, your plans and your appetite for risk, not just the one with the lowest rate. So compare type, rate and terms together, ideally with an independent adviser.