The European Central Bank (ECB) has raised its key interest rate again. The rate is increasing from 2.25% to 2.5%. The aim is to further reduce inflation. For consumers, higher interest rates can have both advantages and disadvantages: saving may become more attractive, while borrowing can become more expensive.
Why is the ECB raising interest rates?
Inflation remains higher than desired. By raising interest rates, the ECB aims to encourage consumers and businesses to borrow and spend less. This reduces demand in the economy and can help slow down price increases.
The key interest rate indirectly affects various financial products, including savings rates and financing.
Savings rates may rise further
A higher ECB interest rate can be beneficial for savers. Banks may start paying more interest on savings, although Dutch banks do not always follow ECB interest rate changes immediately or in full.
According to figures from De Nederlandsche Bank, Dutch households collectively held more than €551 billion in savings accounts in July. In addition, more than €110 billion was held in current accounts.
Interest rate differences between banks are significant. Major Dutch banks currently offer approximately 1.25% to 1.5% on regular savings accounts, while some other Dutch and foreign banks offer rates around or above 3%.
However, inflation remains above 3%. When the savings rate is lower than inflation, the purchasing power of savings still decreases in practice.
And what does this mean for mortgages?
The development of ECB interest rates is also important for homebuyers. A higher key interest rate does not automatically mean that mortgage rates will immediately rise by the same amount. Mortgage rates are also influenced by factors such as capital market interest rates, inflation expectations and investor expectations.
Nevertheless, a longer period of higher interest rates can mean that borrowing money remains more expensive. This can affect the maximum mortgage amount and therefore the budget with which home seekers enter the housing market.
Anyone planning to buy a home in the short term would therefore be wise not only to look at the current mortgage rate, but also to obtain clarity in advance about their financial possibilities.
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.
Recep Aslan – independent mortgage advisor
I help expats, entrepreneurs and employees find their dream home. My approach is simple: first the person, then the numbers. I listen, think along with you and provide clear, honest advice that fits your life.
(10 september 2026)
