{"type":"document","data":{"id":"7df95ddd-20b9-40e4-83cd-a8bedb12dbc0","localeString":"en-GB","publishDate":"2026-03-09T12:57:30.917+01:00","contentType":"onecms:productPage","hasMacro":false,"flexPageMetadata":{"afmBanner":false,"robotInstruction":{"noIndex":false,"noFollow":false},"description":"Why work with a buying agent when purchasing your new home? We explain how they help and what they do."},"mainHeaderZone":{"componentType":"productHeader","cta":{"componentType":"cta","textLink":{"url":"https://www.makelaarsland.nl/informatiegesprek-ing/?utm_medium=content&utm_source=ing&utm_campaign=woondiensten","text":"Buying your new home with Makelaarsland?"}},"coreHeader":{"body":"When you start looking for your first home, you can of course do everything yourself. But you can also choose to work with a buying agent. You decide what the buying agent does for you, from searching for a property to negotiating the price and advising you on the purchase contract.","headerImage":{"transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/dd65eed8-645d-4439-9418-ee5f361c5aa8/home-buying-corona-1920","type":"image","width":1920,"original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/1c3f650a0d84f4a6/original/home-buying-corona-1920.jpg","extension":"jpg"},"title":"Buying agent","subtitle":"What does a buying agent do and what does it cost?"},"backLink":{"textLink":{"url":"/en/personal/mortgage/buyers-costs/calculate-the-buyers-costs","text":"Calculate buyer’s costs"}}},"flexZone":{"flexComponents":[{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"What does a buying agent cost?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p>The fees of a buying agent are often determined in a similar way to the fees of a selling agent, although the fees for a buying agent are usually slightly lower.</p><p><br />It’s common to base the fee on commission, but you can also agree on a fixed rate. Always compare the prices of different buying agents.</p><p><br />Make sure you also clearly agree on what the buying agent will do for you, that way you avoid unexpected surprises. Read on to see what a buying agent can do for you.</p>"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Searching for the right property together"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p>Online, a house may look perfect. But in reality, it might be on a busy road, the roof may be leaking or the neighbourhood may not be what you expected. A buying agent knows the market and can look for properties that match your wishes, including properties that are not yet listed online. They can also arrange viewings for you.</p>"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Viewing properties together"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p>A buying agent knows exactly what to look out for during a viewing. They pay attention to things like the condition of the property, any defects and whether repairs or renovations might be needed. A buying agent can also advise you to hire a structural expert if further inspection is required.</p>"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"What else does a buying agent do?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p>Have you found a property you’re interested in? If further inspection is needed, a buying agent can arrange a structural engineer. They can also carry out checks on, for example:</p><ul><li>Local zoning plans</li><li>Environmental factors</li><li>Land Registry information</li><li>Information from the homeowners’ association (VvE)</li><li>Municipal and provincial regulations</li><li>Availability of an energy label</li></ul>"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Advice on renovating"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p>When buying a home, you may face small or large renovation work. A buying agent can advise you on what’s possible and what it will cost. These expected costs can then be included in your <a data-type=\"internal\" href=\"/en/personal/mortgage/mortgage-calculator\">mortgage calculations</a>, helping you avoid surprises later on.</p>"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Negotiating the price"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p>Found the right property? A buying agent advises you on the price and on your bidding strategy. This can save you a lot of money, because buying a home can be emotional. A buying agent knows the region, the market and the prices of comparable homes, and helps you make a rational offer. They can also advise you on the purchase contract and any conditions you may want to include.</p>"},"textLinks":[{"url":"https://www.makelaarsland.nl/informatiegesprek-ing/?utm_medium=content&utm_source=ing&utm_campaign=woondiensten","text":"Buying your new home with Makelaarsland?"},{"url":"/en/personal/mortgage/makelaarsland","text":"ING and Makelaarsland working together"}]},{"componentType":"linkList","iconTitle":{"title":"Hypotheken"},"textLinks":[{"url":"/particulier/hypotheek/hypotheek-berekenen","text":"Maximale hypotheek berekenen"},{"url":"/particulier/hypotheek/actuele-hypotheekrente","text":"Actuele hypotheekrente"},{"url":"/particulier/hypotheek/oversluiten","text":"Hypotheek oversluiten"},{"url":"/particulier/hypotheek/huis-kopen/je-eerste-huis-kopen/startershypotheek-berekenen","text":"Eerste huis kopen"},{"url":"/particulier/hypotheek/huis-kopen/ander-huis-kopen/maximale-hypotheek","text":"Ander huis kopen"},{"url":"/particulier/hypotheek/jouw-hypotheek","text":"Jouw hypotheek"},{"url":"/particulier/hypotheek/hypotheekvormen","text":"Hypotheekvormen"},{"url":"/particulier/hypotheek/duurzaam-wonen","text":"Duurzaam wonen"},{"url":"/particulier/hypotheek/hypotheekadvies","text":"Hypotheekadvies"},{"url":"/particulier/hypotheek/advieskosten","text":"Kosten"},{"url":"/particulier/hypotheek/situatie","text":"Situatie"},{"url":"/particulier/hypotheek/woondiensten","text":"Woondiensten"},{"url":"/particulier/hypotheek/contact","text":"Contact"}]}]},"legalZone":{"flexComponents":[{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"Good to know","richBody":{"value":"<p>The English text of the website is a translation of the Dutch original version. This translation is intended for the customers convenience only. In case of any discrepancies between the two versions, the original Dutch version shall prevail. The mortgage offer and contract will be signed in Dutch. Also, all further communication after signing the mortgage contract will be in Dutch. You acknowledge and accept this. If any assistance or clarification is needed, we recommend contacting your mortgage advisor or to call our customer service via the ING app.</p>"}}]}}}