Mortgage advisor fees in the Netherlands: what to expect

Choosing the right mortgage advisor can help you save money, both on your monthly payments and over the full term of your loan. It is not always easy to find an advisor who is both affordable and independent. At OHAO, we offer a competitive advisory fee and have strong customer satisfaction. In this article, we explain our services and fees in more detail.

A bit more about OHAO

OHAO is an independent mortgage advisory firm based in Amsterdam, founded over 10 years ago.

We are licensed by the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) and registered with KiFiD. We work with over 40 mortgage lenders across the Netherlands and serve both Dutch clients and expats in English.

OHAO started as one of the first online mortgage advisory firms in the Netherlands — built on the belief that great mortgage advice does not require a face-to-face meeting. Today, our mortgage advisors are based across the country, including in Groningen, Amersfoort, Haarlem, and Amsterdam, where we also have a physical office. Whether you prefer to meet in person or handle everything online, we work the way that suits you best.

Our clients — Dutch and expat buyers alike — are the best proof of what that looks like in practice. We hold a 9.9 rating on Advieskeuze — one of the highest-rated independent mortgage advisors in the Netherlands — and a 5-star rating on Google Reviews, based on verified client feedback from buyers across the country.

Why do you need a mortgage advisor in the Netherlands?

The Dutch mortgage market works differently from many other countries. In countries like Germany, mortgage advisors typically represent one bank and are paid by that bank. In the Netherlands, independent mortgage advice works the other way around — you pay the advisor, and in return they work exclusively for you.

This matters because not all mortgage lenders in the Netherlands work directly with clients. Many operate exclusively through intermediaries such as mortgage advisors. If you go directly to a bank, you only see their own products — not the full market.

An independent advisor compares over 40 lenders and looks at:

• Special interest-rate discounts not available to direct applicants.

• Expat-friendly products and lender policies.

• More flexible affordability rules for complex income types.

• NHG (Nationale Hypotheek Garantie) advantages.

• Fixed vs variable interest options across the market.

Even a small difference of 0.1%–0.5% in your mortgage interest rate can mean thousands of euros in savings over a 30-year term. That difference alone often more than covers the advisor fee.

Why do we have one of the best value advisory fees?

Our pricing is based on the founder's own experience. When Maarten bought his first home over 10 years ago, he saw that many advisors charged high fees and did not explain what clients were paying for. This led him to start OHAO, a company focused on clear, accessible, and fairly priced advice that helps people make the right decisions.

These values have shaped OHAO from the start and still guide our work. They are why we can offer good value on our advisory fees without compromising on quality or independence.

Our mortgage advisory fee is the same for both Dutch and Expats

At OHAO, we offer the same service and pricing to both Dutch and Expat clients. Our advisory fee starts at €2.495 for first-time buyers. For refinancing, moving, a second mortgage, or a new-build, the fee starts at €2.795. These fees are tax-deductible, so you can claim part of the cost back when you file your tax return.

If your case is more complex, there may be an additional fee for the extra work — for example, if you are self-employed or paid in a foreign currency. We always inform you of the exact fee in advance. You can also check our pricing page for a full overview.

Competitive fees for top-quality advice

For the past 10 years, we have helped Dutch and expat clients find the right mortgage. Our focus on honest and clear advice has led to positive feedback. Clients often say their experience is supportive, friendly, and professional.

The results speak for themselves:

• a 9.9 rating on Advieskeuze.

• numerous 5-star Google reviews from both Dutch and international clients

We offer a free introduction, during which you can see whether there is a good fit with our mortgage advisors and get an initial overview of your mortgage options.

The real net cost after tax — what most advisors don't show you

Every advisor mentions that the fee is tax-deductible. Almost none of them show you the actual number.

In the Netherlands, mortgage advisory fees are fully tax-deductible in Box 1, because they are classified as costs related to financing your main residence. This means you can deduct the full fee from your taxable income in the year you pay it.

For example:

Table: real net cost of OHAO mortgage advice after tax deduction in 2026, based on the 37.56% income tax bracket. Your actual tax benefit depends on your personal tax situation—please consult a tax advisor for a precise calculation. This example is for illustrative purposes only.

For a first-time buyer, the real out-of-pocket cost of professional, independent mortgage advice across 40+ lenders is €1.558. That is less than a single month's rent in most Dutch cities.

Keep in mind that every situation is different. The examples in this table are for illustration purposes only. For advice tailored to your personal situation, contact our mortgage advisors at OHAO.

What is included in the OHAO fee?

The advisory fee covers the complete service from start to finish:

• A free introductory call to assess your mortgage eligibility and calculate your maximum borrowing capacity.

• We provide multiple calculations for the properties you plan to bid on, with no fees charged—no matter how many times we prepare a financial overview for you.

• Comparison of over 40 lenders to find the most suitable product for your situation.

• A bidding certificate if you need one to strengthen your offer.

• Full management of your application through to mortgage approval.

• Guidance on mortgage interest deductions and tax benefits.

  What other mortgage advisors or banks charge: what to expect

  Mortgage advisory fees in the Netherlands range from around €2,000 to over €4,500 depending on the provider, situation, and level of service. The table below gives a general overview based on publicly available information.

  Advisor type	Typical first-time buyer fee	Expat surcharge	Lenders compared
  OHAO	€2.495	None	40+
  Online-focused advisors	From €2.195	Varies	40+
  Full-service expat advisors	€3.000–€3.500	Often yes	30–40
  Bank (direct application)	Fee + handling fee	N/A	Own products only

  Table: Indicative comparison of mortgage advisor fees in the Netherlands in 2026. Fees vary by situation and provider. Always request a quote directly.

  One important note on going directly to a bank: banks typically charge both an advice fee and a separate handling fee on top. You also only access their own mortgage products — not the full market. Comparing mortgage interest rates across 40+ lenders almost always results in better terms than a single bank can offer.

  Frequently asked questions by expats

  How much does a mortgage advisor cost in the Netherlands?

  Mortgage advisory fees in the Netherlands typically range from €2.000 to over €4.500. OHAO charges from €2.495 for first-time buyers, with the same fee for Dutch and expat clients and no hidden costs.

  Is the mortgage advisor fee tax-deductible in the Netherlands?

  Yes. The advisory fee is fully tax-deductible in Box 1 as a financing cost for your main residence. A first-time buyer in the 37.56% bracket can reclaim approximately €937 on a €2.495, reducing the net cost to around €1.558.

  Is OHAO independent?

  Yes. OHAO is fully independent and not tied to any bank or lender. We are AFM-licensed and KiFiD-registered. We are paid by the client, not the lender, which means our advice is always in your interest.

  Does OHAO charge more for expats?

  No. OHAO charges the same fee for Dutch and expat clients. There is no expat surcharge. This is not standard across the market — some advisors apply a higher rate for expat applications.

  What is included in the OHAO mortgage advisory fee?

  The fee covers the full service: eligibility check, lender comparison across 40+ providers, document review, application management, bidding certificate if needed, and aftercare. For complex situations there may be an additional fee, always communicated in advance.

  Is it cheaper to go directly to a bank?

  Not necessarily. Banks charge both an advice fee and a handling fee, and they can only offer their own products. An independent advisor compares the full market, which often results in a lower interest rate — saving more than the advisory fee over the mortgage term.