Budget Day 2026 brings several changes for the housing market. The first-time buyer transfer tax exemption will be increased to €615,000 in 2027, the maximum rate for mortgage interest deduction will rise slightly, and the government intends to reduce the transfer tax for homes in which the buyer will not live themselves. In addition, billions of euros in additional funding will be made available for housing construction. According to OZQUR Makelaardij, these developments make good financial preparation even more important for anyone planning to buy a home in 2027.

First-time buyer exemption increases to €615,000

From 1 January 2027, the property value threshold for the first-time buyer transfer tax exemption will increase from €555,000 to €615,000. This increase had already been determined earlier and is therefore not directly a new measure from the 2027 Tax Plan.

Buyers aged 18 to 35 who meet the conditions can therefore be fully exempt from transfer tax when purchasing a home up to €615,000.

This can make a significant financial difference. For example, on a property worth €600,000, 2% transfer tax amounts to €12,000. For first-time buyers who qualify for the exemption, this amount can therefore be eliminated entirely.

For other buyers who will use the property as their main residence, the regular 2% rate will continue to apply.

Mortgage interest deduction becomes slightly more favourable

There is also a change for homeowners. The maximum percentage at which mortgage interest can be deducted will increase from 37.56% to 38.16% in 2027. This is because the maximum deduction rate is linked to the rate of the second income tax bracket.

As a result, the tax benefit may become slightly larger for some homeowners.

The actual effect will differ from person to person. Income, the size of the mortgage, the interest rate and other tax circumstances ultimately determine the net housing costs.

Transfer tax for second homes to 7%

The government also proposes reducing the transfer tax for homes in which the buyer will not live themselves from 8% to 7% from 1 January 2027.

This applies, for example, to properties purchased for rental purposes, second homes or holiday homes.

The measure is intended to make investing in rental properties more attractive. For people buying a home to live in themselves, the regular 2% rate will remain unchanged.

The proposal still needs to be approved by both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Billions available for housing construction

The housing shortage remains an important issue. The government is making a total of €7 billion available through 2035 to support and accelerate housing construction.

Of this amount, €2.3 billion will go to the Realisation Incentive. Municipalities can receive €7,000 for each affordable home completed. In addition, €940 million will be made available for large-scale housing development locations and €650 million for the Housing Construction Impulse.

The aim is to build more affordable homes and help projects that are financially difficult to realise get off the ground.

How does OZQUR Makelaardij view this?

At OZQUR Makelaardij, we mainly see that financial preparation is becoming increasingly important for homebuyers. The higher first-time buyer exemption, for example, can save thousands of euros in personal funds, while changes in taxes and mortgage rules can directly affect what someone ultimately pays each month.

We therefore advise buyers not to wait until they have found a property before looking at their financing. By mapping out mortgage possibilities, personal funds and additional costs in advance, you gain a much clearer understanding of the price range in which you can search responsibly.

The timing of a purchase can also make a difference. Especially for first-time buyers purchasing a home around the exemption threshold, the date on which the property is transferred at the notary can be financially relevant.

At the same time, we do not expect additional funding for housing construction to solve the current housing shortage immediately. New homes first have to be developed and built. For buyers, it therefore remains important to be well prepared when a suitable property becomes available.

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
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.
(17 September 2026)