When it comes to your living space, everyone has their personal preferences. In addition to this, you’re dependent on your financial options.
"}},{"componentType":"accordion","accordionList":[{"title":"Making an offer vs. the lottery system","richBody":{"value":"Sellers usually go for the highest bid. If there’s a lot of demand for an existing home, it can lead to a stressful ‘game’ of potential buyers outbidding one another. How far are you willing and able to go in the negotiations? Is the property really worth a higher offer?
For new builds, the purchase price is fixed. There’s no negotiating. The number of buyers interested in a new-build project often exceeds the number of homes available. You will know whether you’re among the lucky ones after the winning lots are drawn.
"}},{"title":"Renovating an existing property vs. determining the layout of a new build","richBody":{"value":"If you’re moving to an existing property, you'll have a viewing in advance. You might want to modify the house to your personal taste through minor or major renovations, e.g. an extra room or a new kitchen.
If you’re buying a new build, you do this based on drawings. You can often be included in the decision-making on the layout of the property. This can vary from the size of rooms to the location of sockets and lights.
"}}]},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"2. Costs"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"In addition to your mortgage, you must also take one-off costs into account. Both mortgages and costs are slightly different for existing buildings compared to new builds.
"}},{"componentType":"accordion","accordionList":[{"title":"When you start paying your mortgage","richBody":{"value":"The situation with existing buildings is fairly clear: you usually pay your first monthly mortgage repayment not long after exchanging contracts.
For a new build this is quite different. On average there is at least one year between the purchase and delivery of a new-build home. During the construction period you will already have costs for your mortgage. And you may also be paying for the house you currently live in. So please keep in mind that you may be faced with double housing costs during construction.
"}},{"title":"Buyer pays the costs vs. seller pays the costs","richBody":{"value":"You pay buyer’s costs, such as transfer tax, for existing properties. With a new-build home, the seller pays the transfer costs. In both cases, these are one-off costs that you usually have to pay with your own money (from your savings, for example).
The biggest of the one-off costs usually is transfer tax at 2% of the purchase price of the home. You pay this for existing properties, but not for new builds. You also do not need a buyer’s agent or property valuer for new homes. This fee can easily reach several thousands of euros.
We all want to live comfortably: the less hassle, the better is the general rule. The condition of a property you want to buy plays an important role.
"}},{"componentType":"accordion","accordionList":[{"title":"Energy efficiency","richBody":{"value":"If you are buying an existing house, pay attention to the energy label of the home that is for sale when you’re house hunting. Good to know: the energy label affects the amount you can borrow and the interest rate you pay. New builds are built according to the latest guidelines. As a result, new-build homes are often more energy efficient and more sustainable than existing homes.
"}},{"title":"Maintenance","richBody":{"value":"If you’re going to buy a new build, you don’t have to worry about maintenance, especially in the initial period. This is something that many looking to buy a property find very attractive, as it saves time, hassle and expenditure.
Ultimately, every property – both existing and new – will require maintenance to a greater or lesser extent.
"}}]},{"componentType":"linkList","iconTitle":{"title":"Mortgages"},"textLinks":[{"url":"/en/personal/mortgage/mortgage-calculator","text":"Calculate maximum mortgage"},{"url":"/particulier/hypotheek/actuele-hypotheekrente","text":"Current Mortgage Interest"},{"url":"/particulier/hypotheek/oversluiten","text":"Mortgage refinancing"},{"url":"/en/personal/mortgage/buying-a-house/buying-your-first-home/calculate-starters-mortgage","text":"Buying your first home"},{"url":"/particulier/hypotheek/huis-kopen/ander-huis-kopen/maximale-hypotheek","text":"Buying your next home"},{"url":"/particulier/hypotheek/jouw-hypotheek","text":"Your mortgage"},{"url":"/en/personal/mortgage/mortgage-types","text":"Mortgage forms"},{"url":"/en/personal/mortgage/sustainable-living","text":"Sustainable living"},{"url":"/en/personal/mortgage/mortgage-advice","text":"Mortgage advice"},{"url":"/en/personal/mortgage/advisory-fees","text":"Costs"},{"url":"/en/personal/mortgage/situation","text":"Situation"},{"url":"/en/personal/mortgage/property-services","text":"Property services"},{"url":"/en/personal/mortgage/contact","text":"Contact"}]}]},"legalZone":{"flexComponents":[{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"Good to know","richBody":{"value":"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.
"}}]}}}