Key takeaways
You do not need a Dutch bank account before you apply for a mortgage.
Lenders care about your income and your residence status, not where you bank.
You will need a Dutch account before the transfer at the notary.
Most banks can open one for you within a week, remotely.
Why is OHAO one of the best mortgage advisors in the Netherlands? Here’s what we have been doing for the past ten years — and why the way we work make us different.
OHAO was found in 2015, when the founder ( Maarten) was trying to buy his first home. What should have been an exciting moment quickly turned into a stressful experience.
Advisory fees were high, replies took too long, and the process felt unclear from start to finish. Instead of feeling guided, he felt lost in a system that didn’t seem designed for the people going through it.
The realisation led to the idea behind OHAO: mortgage advice should be straightforward, honest, and accessible for everyone — not a confusing and expensive process you have to fight your way through.
OHAO – a company created to improve the mortgage experience
The founder wanted to change how mortgage advice worked. OHAO was created to eliminate hidden fees, provide honest advice, and support all clients equally — whether you are Dutch or an expat.
As OHAO grew, the company focused on combining personal advice with smart technology. OHAO built its own mortgage application software, Hypact Advisor, to make the process easier and more transparent for everyone. That original goal still guides the company today.
OHAO offers transparent fees you can trust
Unclear pricing was one of the first problems the founder noticed. Many firms added extra costs or charged expats more. OHAO decided to do things differently.
The advisory fee is a straightforward €2,495, clearly communicated from the start.Everyone pays the same fee. There are no special prices or hidden charges — everything is clear and upfront.
Clients also benefit from being able to deduct the mortgage advisory fee once the mortgage is completed and claim it back in the following year’s tax return.
OHAO offers flexible online advice, with the option for in-person meetings
OHAO started offering online mortgage advice early on. Many clients have busy lives, live outside big cities, or want meetings in English. Online consultations make things easier and more accessible.
But some people prefer meeting face to face. For those clients, our office door is always open, and we arre happy to welcome them in the heart of Amsterdam. Our mortgage advisors come from different parts of the Netherlands — including Groningen, Amersfoort, Haarlem and Amsterdam — so we understand clients from all regions and backgrounds.
OHAO’s reputation is built on trust and quality
OHAO’s focus on honest, clear advice has led to great reviews. Clients often say the experience is supportive, friendly, and professional.
The results speak for themselves:
numerous 5-star Google reviews from Dutch and international clients.
Our clients often tell us they appreciate our fair pricing, clear explanations, and advisors who genuinely care about helping them make important decisions.
OHAO – a long-term financial partner, not a one-time service
For many advisors, the job ends when the mortgage is approved. At OHAO, that’s just the start.
Clients come back for help with renovations, refinancing, buying a second home, renting out property, or dealing with life changes like divorce.
Making the Dutch market accessible for everyone
The Dutch mortgage system isn’t always easy to navigate — especially if you are new to the country or your income doesn’t fit the standard boxes. Over the years, OHAO has guided thousands of people through the process, helping them understand the rules, make sense of the paperwork, and compare lenders without feeling overwhelmed.
Whether you are buying your first home, considering a second property, or dealing with life changes like moving abroad, OHAO offers advice tailored to your situation that makes the process feel much more manageable.
OHAO – experience with complex applications
Some mortgage applications require more attention and expertise. Here at OHAO, we have it all covered if you are:
BV or holding company structures.
Properties above €800k.
or other situations, for more inforamtion, please contact us.
Some lenders are strict, but OHAO knows which ones are flexible and how to structure your application for the best result.
OHAO – access to 40+ mortgage lenders
Another thing that really sets OHAO apart is the number of lenders we can compare for you. Many advisors work with around 15 to 20 lenders, but we have access to more than 40, giving our clients a much broader range of choices — and a better chance of finding the perfect match.
OHAO stands out not just because of technology or good fees. From the start, the company has believed that mortgage advice should be fair, transparent, and focused on real people’s needs.
Our happy clients
We focus on delivering great results — and our clients' feedback tells the rest of the story.