For a growing number of first-time buyers, a regular mortgage alone is no longer sufficient to purchase their first home. In the first half of 2026, 8.3% of mortgages for first-time buyers were combined with a Starter Loan. A year earlier, this was still 6.4%, and in 2021 only 3.2%. Young homebuyers in particular make relatively frequent use of this additional financing. This development shows that the affordability of a first owner-occupied home remains under pressure for many first-time buyers.

Young first-time buyers in particular use the scheme

The Starter Loan is especially popular among homebuyers under the age of 25. In the first half of 2026, 15.2% of this group used the scheme. Among first-time buyers between the ages of 25 and 35, this figure was 8.6%.

The additional amount borrowed by first-time buyers is also increasing. In the first half of 2026, the average amount was approximately €37,000. In 2021, the average was still slightly above €30,000.

This difference shows that first-time buyers increasingly need additional financial room to make purchasing a home possible.

What is a Starter Loan?

A Starter Loan is an additional loan alongside a regular mortgage. The scheme can be used when there is a gap between the maximum mortgage someone can obtain based on their income and the amount required to purchase the property.

Not every first-time buyer can automatically make use of this option. Municipalities decide for themselves whether they offer a Starter Loan and which conditions apply. As a result, the maximum amount, the purchase price of the property and other conditions may differ from one municipality to another.

It is therefore wise to investigate what options are available in the relevant municipality before starting the search for a home.

What does this mean for first-time buyers looking for a home?

The fact that more and more first-time buyers need additional financing shows how important good financial preparation is. Simply knowing the maximum amount you can borrow from a bank does not always provide the complete picture.

Personal savings, possible financial support from family, a Starter Loan and other financial options can together determine the budget within which buying a home is actually achievable.

How does OZQUR Makelaardij view this?

At OZQUR Makelaardij, we advise first-time buyers to first clearly map out their financial possibilities and only then start searching for suitable homes. This prevents you from becoming enthusiastic about properties that are not financially achievable and ensures that you know in advance how much room you have to make an offer.

Because we can combine buying guidance with mortgage advice, we look not only at the property itself, but also at the financing and possible options such as a Starter Loan.

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.
(20 August 2026)