Buying a home appears to be becoming slightly more achievable again for young first-time buyers. In particular, the number of buyers under the age of 25 has increased significantly. A greater supply of more affordable homes and financial support from family members are playing an important role. Nevertheless, having a clear understanding of financial possibilities and the housing market remains essential.

Share of young first-time buyers grows strongly

First-time buyers have gained an increasingly large share of the owner-occupied housing market in recent times. More than half of the homes sold were purchased by someone buying their own home for the first time.

The growth among first-time buyers under the age of 25 is particularly striking. According to figures from De Hypotheker, 11% of first-time buyers were under the age of 25, compared with approximately 4% a year earlier.

This is notable because homes have also become more expensive on average. Despite higher house prices, a larger group of young buyers is therefore managing to take their first step onto the housing market.

More affordable homes available

An important development is the greater supply of homes in the lower price segment. Private landlords have increasingly decided to sell their rental properties. Some of these former rental properties consist of smaller apartments and homes that are better aligned with the budgets of first-time buyers.

Young first-time buyers also often search differently from other homebuyers. They are more open to smaller homes or studios and sometimes consider it less important for a property to be completely finished and move-in ready.

This gives them a broader search area and can make properties attractive that may be less appealing to other groups of buyers.

Financial support from parents also plays a role

Financial support from family can also play an important role. By supplementing their own savings, for example, some young buyers may be able to purchase a home sooner.

However, financial support should always be part of a responsible overall financial picture. The purchase price is not the only important factor. Monthly costs, possible renovation expenses, savings and future financial flexibility should also be taken into account.

How does OZQUR Makelaardij view this?

At OZQUR Makelaardij, we see it as a positive development that more first-time buyers are finding opportunities to purchase their own home. At the same time, we advise first-time buyers not to focus only on the maximum amount they can borrow.

We therefore prefer to start with the financial situation. How much can you borrow, what monthly payment suits you and how much of your own funds are available? After that, we can search much more specifically for suitable properties.

When making an offer, we then look at the market value, recent sales, the condition of the property and the level of competition. Especially for first-time buyers, good preparation can be important in order to act quickly when the right property becomes available.

A smaller or less fully finished property can also be an interesting first step. Your first home does not immediately have to be your perfect forever home.

At OZQUR Makelaardij, we help you reach your dream home in 5 steps

01 — Getting acquainted & identifying your housing wishes
We start with you. We get to know you, build trust and clearly identify your housing wishes and most important criteria.

→ Understand first, then search.

02 — Determining your budget & possibilities
Together with the buying agent and financial advisor, we determine your mortgage possibilities, budget and ideal search range.

→ Know what is possible before we start searching.

03 — Viewing together
You focus on how the property feels. We take a critical look at the technical condition, location, possibilities and points of attention.

→ You decide whether it feels like home. We look at the rest.

04 — Determining the value & bidding smartly
We analyse comparable properties that have been sold, discuss the property with the selling agent and assess the expected appraisal value. We then determine the bidding strategy together and submit the offer.

→ Not just bidding, but making a well-founded offer.

05 — From accepted offer to the notary
Offer accepted? We then review the documents and purchase agreement, monitor all important deadlines and guide the entire process through to the notary.

→ We stay in control until you receive the keys.

Yucel Samanci
Buying and selling agent at OZQUR Makelaardij, specialised in purchasing strategy, negotiations and assisting Dutch, Turkish and expat clients.
(7 January 2026)