Buying a home is often seen as financially more attractive than renting. However, young homebuyers appear to spend a significant share of their income on housing during the first years after purchasing a property. High house prices and higher mortgage interest rates mean that buying a home at a young age can be financially more demanding than many people expect beforehand. In the longer term, this picture usually changes in favour of the buyer.

Housing costs for young buyers are high

Research by economists at ABN AMRO shows that young homeowners between the ages of 20 and 30 spend approximately €15,000 per year on housing costs. This means their total housing expenses are roughly at the same level as those of tenants.

According to the research, young buyers spend more than 30% of their income on housing during the first years after purchasing a home. In addition to the mortgage, other costs also play a role, such as insurance, municipal charges and property maintenance.

This makes it clear that looking only at the gross mortgage payment is not sufficient to determine whether buying a home is financially attractive.

Buying becomes more favourable in the longer term

Although the first years can be relatively expensive, the balance changes as homeowners get older.

From around the age of forty, the share of income that homeowners spend on housing falls towards 20%. This is partly because incomes often increase while mortgage payments with a fixed interest rate remain relatively stable.

In addition, homeowners repay their mortgage over time and build up equity in their property. A tenant, by contrast, pays rent every month without building ownership through those payments.

High prices and interest rates have a major impact

In recent years, both house prices and mortgage interest rates have increased. As a result, young buyers often need a relatively large mortgage to finance a home.

At the same time, first-time buyers need a sufficiently high income to qualify for the required mortgage in the first place. This creates a situation in which young buyers may be able to purchase a home, but then spend a relatively large share of their income on housing.

How does OZQUR Makelaardij view this?

At OZQUR Makelaardij, we believe the question should not only be: how much mortgage can you get at most? Just as important is the question of what monthly payment remains comfortable and responsible.

That is why we look at the complete financial picture in advance. In addition to the mortgage, we take into account personal funds, monthly fixed expenses, maintenance and future plans. A maximum mortgage is not automatically the best choice.

At the same time, buying a home can be attractive in the longer term because you repay your own property and can build up equity. The right choice therefore always depends on your personal situation, housing preferences and future plans.

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.
(5 March 2026)