Subsidies and Schemes

The key points at a glance

There are various subsidies and schemes to make buying a home more accessible. On this page we list the subsidies and schemes available. Topics include the SEEH, the starterslening, koopgarant and koopstart.

1. Subsidie Energiebesparing Eigen Huis (SEEH, home energy saving subsidy)

If you are considering taking energy-saving measures in your home, it is important to look at the subsidy the national government makes available for making homes more sustainable. It is important to know that this subsidy can only be applied for after the work has been completed, and one of the requirements is that at least two energy-saving measures are taken. Each home is also only subsidised once. It is also possible for a Vereniging van Eigenaren (homeowners association) to apply for the subsidy. This can cover measures such as insulation and HR++ glass. The homeowners association can also apply for a subsidy for a long-term maintenance plan. For homeowners associations it is possible to apply for the subsidy in advance. You can finance the energy-saving measures in your home using a combination of the subsidy and a mortgage loan. Want to know how much you can borrow for this? You can calculate your renovation mortgage.

2. Starterslening (starter loan)

The starterslening is designed to bridge the gap between the purchase price and the maximum mortgage you can take out. The starterslening consists of an annuity loan and a combination loan that increases over time. This means you essentially take out the combination loan to repay the first loan. In the first three years you don't pay any repayment amount; instead, the combination loan increases. After the first three years you start making repayments. When you pay full interest and/or repayments, you gradually pay off both the starterslening and the combination loan.

You are entitled to mortgage interest deduction on the starterslening, but not on the combination loan. You are also required to take out Nationale Hypotheek Garantie (the national mortgage guarantee) and must therefore meet these conditions.

3. Koopgarant and Koopstart

With the Koopgarant scheme, first-time buyers and tenants can buy a home at a lower price. The scheme is also known as 'buying under conditions'. Housing associations and property developers offer homes with koopgarant and receive their licence from Stichting OpMaat. The homes are offered at a lower selling price with a buy-back guarantee. The housing association is then required to buy the home back and the discount is settled together with any rise or fall in the home's value. Both new-build homes and existing properties can be offered with koopgarant. This makes buying a home possible for people on lower and middle incomes.

Buying a home with Koopstart means you get a discount on the market value. This scheme is designed so that people with lower incomes can still buy a home. This substantial discount gives you many more options. Koopstart is offered by a housing association or property developer. The discount you receive at purchase must be repaid when you sell the home. Any increase or decrease in value that may have occurred in the meantime is shared between you and the housing association or property developer.

Frequently asked questions

What subsidy can I get for sustainable measures in my home?

To make your home more sustainable you may be eligible for the Subsidie Energiebesparing Eigen Huis (home energy saving subsidy). You can only apply for this after completing the measures. A homeowners association can also apply for this subsidy.

What scheme can I use as a first-time buyer?

As a first-time buyer you can use a starterslening (starter loan) and a combination loan. For the first three years you won't have any monthly repayment costs.

What kind of discount schemes are Koopgarant and Koopstart?

With Koopgarant and Koopstart you get a discount on the purchase price when you buy the home from a housing association or property developer. That discount is repaid later. Any fall or rise in value is shared between the two parties, and with Koopgarant the housing association is required to buy the home back if you want to move.