Mortgage arrangement costs 2026: Complete overview & saving tips

What are the costs involved in taking out a mortgage?

Are you about to buy a home and want to know exactly what it will cost to take out a mortgage in 2026? Many people underestimate the actual costs of taking out a mortgage, which leads to unpleasant surprises later on. A clear understanding of all the costs is therefore essential if you want to plan wisely and avoid financial setbacks.

In this guide, you’ll discover all the key cost items, from advisory and brokerage fees to notary fees, property appraisals, the NHG, and more. You’ll get practical tips on how to save money and learn what you really need to watch out for.

The costs of taking out a mortgage consist of various components. The main categories are:

• Advisory and brokerage fees: for hiring a mortgage advisor or broker.
• Notary fees: for drafting the deed of conveyance and the mortgage deed.
• Appraisal fees: for having the home appraised.
• NHG costs: premium for the National Mortgage Guarantee.
• Bank guarantee: as security for the seller.
• Land registry fees: for registering the property and the mortgage.
• Additional costs: such as life insurance, structural inspection, energy efficiency rating, and other insurance policies.

To give you an idea, below is an example of the average cost breakdown for a home priced at €400,000 in 2026:

Note the difference between one-time costs (such as consulting fees, notary fees, and appraisal costs) and recurring costs (such as insurance and monthly expenses). Some amounts you pay only once, while others recur every month or every year.

Also important: when buying an existing home, you usually pay the buyer’s costs (k.k.), which means that you, as the buyer, pay the notary fees, transfer tax, and land registry fees. With new construction, the property is often sold “free and clear” (v.o.n.), meaning that part of these costs is already included in the price.

On average, the costs of taking out a mortgage amount to about 5 to 6% of your home’s purchase price. Transparency regarding all costs is essential. Would you like to learn more about all the additional costs involved in buying a home? Then check out the overview of additional costs when buying a home for a complete picture.

Notary fees, appraisal, and other mandatory costs

When buying a home, you’ll face mandatory costs that can add up quickly. It’s important to carefully assess these mortgage closing costs in advance. This way, you’ll avoid unpleasant surprises and know exactly where you stand.

The notary plays a central role in the execution of the mortgage deed and the deed of conveyance. Without these deeds, you cannot become the owner of the house or take out a mortgage. In 2026, notary fees will average between €1,200 and €1,800, depending on the region and the type of deed. Some notaries offer package deals if you have both deeds executed at the same time.

A real estate appraisal report is required to determine the home’s value. This report is necessary for the mortgage lender to assess whether the home provides sufficient collateral. Appraisal costs usually range from €600 to €900. Please note: digital appraisals are sometimes cheaper, but are not accepted by every bank. Registration with the Land Registry is another fixed cost associated with taking out a mortgage. The Land Registry records who owns the property and who holds the mortgage. This typically costs between €150 and €250.

A bank guarantee is often required by the seller, especially if you’re using a security deposit. The bank typically charges around 1% of the guarantee amount for this. This is a one-time fee and is non-refundable. In addition to these fixed costs, many mortgages require you to take out life insurance or mortgage payment protection insurance. This provides the bank with additional security and protects you and your surviving dependents. You can find more information about these insurance policies and what is required under “Insurance with Your Mortgage.”

Below is an overview of the typical cost breakdown for a homebuyer in 2026:

These mortgage closing costs are mandatory and constitute a significant portion of your overall budget. By understanding these expenses in advance, you can better align your financial planning and avoid unexpected setbacks. Remember that every situation is unique, so be sure to seek professional advice and verify which costs apply to you.

Other Costs When Taking Out a Mortgage: What Should You Keep in Mind?

Are you about to buy a home? Then you probably know that the costs of taking out a mortgage go beyond just consulting fees and notary fees. It’s precisely these other costs that make a difference in the overall picture.

A list of lesser-known cost items

In addition to the well-known mortgage closing costs, you’ll often run into other surprises. Consider, for example:

• Building inspection: An inspection of the property’s condition, costing an average of €350 to €500. Sometimes required for an NHG mortgage.
• Energy efficiency rating: The cost of applying for a new rating is around €100 to €250.
• Buyer’s real estate agent: Not required, but certainly helpful. On average, an agent charges 1 to 1.5% of the purchase price.
• Insurance: Homeowners insurance is required; life insurance is often required as well. Expect an additional €10 to €30 per month.
• Refinancing existing loans: Sometimes you’ll pay a prepayment penalty and closing costs if you roll over your old loans.
• Bank guarantee and security deposit: The bank guarantee usually costs 1% of the guaranteed amount; the security deposit is often 10% of the purchase price.
• First-time homebuyer loan or supplemental loan: Municipalities charge origination fees, and sometimes advisory fees.

Practical Overview: How the Costs Add Up

Below is a handy overview of costs you may encounter in addition to the standard mortgage closing costs:

These small amounts may not seem like much, but when added up, they can really add up. This directly affects how much you can actually borrow and what your monthly payments will be.

Want to know exactly how this affects your monthly payments? Use our handy tool to instantly calculate your monthly mortgage payments. This way, you’ll avoid surprises and immediately see how much you’ll have left for other expenses.

The costs of taking out a mortgage can sometimes be hard to keep track of, precisely because many people overlook these other expenses. By listing everything in advance, you’ll avoid any unpleasant surprises. Our advice: include all additional costs in your financial planning. That way, you can be sure that you’ll live comfortably—not just now, but in the future as well—without financial stress.

Discover Your Financial Options

Now that you know exactly what costs are involved in taking out a mortgage in 2026, it’s time to find out what that means for your situation. Do you want to make sure you won’t face any surprises and get the most financial benefit possible? With a clear understanding of the costs, you can make better choices and avoid overlooking important details.

Curious about how much you can responsibly borrow and what your monthly payments will be? Calculate your financial feasibility and get started well-prepared!