{"type":"document","data":{"id":"30e64038-4d6a-49ab-bab6-529d63867c2e","localeString":"en-GB","publishDate":"2026-04-15T17:36:35.899+02:00","contentType":"onecms:productPage","hasMacro":false,"flexPageMetadata":{"afmBanner":false,"robotInstruction":{"noIndex":false,"noFollow":false},"description":"Four key considerations to keep in mind"},"mainHeaderZone":{"componentType":"productHeader","coreHeader":{"body":"Looking for a place to live, but the asking price keeps being too high? Or do you get outbid time and again? You’re certainly not the only one facing this challenge at the moment.","headerImage":{"transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/a8c84859-5f35-4a3e-883c-c4be98a622c6/household-spending-1920","type":"image","width":1920,"original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/5feffb04d8faf1a8/original/household-spending-1920.jpg","extension":"jpg"},"title":"What if you simply can’t find an affordable home?"},"backLink":{"textLink":{"url":"/en/personal/mortgage/buying-a-house/buying-your-first-home","text":"Buying your first home"}}},"flexZone":{"flexComponents":[{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"4 things to consider"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p>Everyone’s situation is unique, and unfortunately there’s no golden rule. Still, keep these four options in mind:</p>"}},{"componentType":"accordion","accordionList":[{"title":"1. Don’t rush your decisions","richBody":{"value":"<p>It’s difficult to predict how the housing market will develop. Sometimes opportunities appear when you least expect them. And as you continue working and your income grows, your chances may increase naturally. So avoid making decisions in haste.</p><p><br />In a market like this, it’s easy to feel desperate and consider offering above the asking price. But this may cause issues when securing your mortgage. Your monthly costs might also become too high. In that case, it’s wiser to keep looking until the right home comes along.</p>"}},{"title":"2. Consider a Starter Loan","richBody":{"value":"<p>A Starter Loan is provided by a municipality, province, or housing association and allows you to borrow a little extra to purchase your first home. It bridges the gap between the purchase price and the maximum mortgage you can borrow from the bank.</p>"},"textLinks":[{"url":"https://www.svn.nl/starterslening","text":"Learn more about the Starter Loan."}]},{"title":"3. Borrowing from parents","richBody":{"value":"<p>It’s not an option for everyone, but if your parents are able and willing to lend money, a <a data-type=\"internal\" href=\"/en/personal/mortgage/buying-a-house/buying-your-first-home/family-mortgage\">family mortgage</a> might help. You can benefit from mortgage interest relief, and your parents receive the loan amount plus interest.</p><p>Each year, they can also (partly) <a href=\"https://www.belastingdienst.nl/wps/wcm/connect/nl/schenken/content/tot-welk-bedrag-belastingvrij-schenken\">gift this interest back to you tax-free</a> — helpful if you want to make extra repayments on your regular mortgage.</p>"}},{"title":"4. Broaden your search area","richBody":{"value":"<p>One room less, a different neighbourhood, or a village a bit further out — it can make a big difference in price. A 1930s house in the city centre is often like searching for a needle in a haystack. Try widening your search. There are wonderful homes in surrounding areas too. And by viewing several properties, you’ll get a much clearer picture of what really suits you.</p>"}}]},{"componentType":"linkList","linkListCTA":{"textLink":{"url":"/en/personal/mortgage/buying-a-house/buying-your-first-home","text":"Back to overview"}},"iconTitle":{"title":"Useful information when buying your first home"},"textLinks":[{"url":"/en/personal/mortgage/buying-a-house/buying-your-first-home/calculate-starters-mortgage","text":"Calculate your maximum mortgage"},{"url":"/en/personal/mortgage/current-mortgage-rates","text":"Current mortgage interest rates"},{"url":"/en/personal/mortgage/newbuild","text":"Everything about new-build homes"},{"url":"/en/personal/mortgage/mortgage-types","text":"Mortgage types"},{"url":"/en/personal/mortgage/mortgage-advice","text":"Mortgage advice"},{"url":"/en/personal/mortgage/contact","text":"Contact"},{"url":"/en/personal/mortgage/current-mortgage-rates/the-energy-label-and-your-mortgage-interest-rate","text":"Energy label and mortgage interest rate"},{"url":"/en/personal/mortgage/buyers-costs","text":"Buyer’s costs"}]}]},"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>"}}]}}}