What is a starter home?
A starter home is an owner-occupied home specifically suited for first-time homebuyers. Usually, these are affordable homes intended for young buyers between the ages of 18 and 35.
A starter home may sound like an official type of home, but it is not. There are no set rules or characteristics for exactly what a starter home is. In practice, people mean by it homes that are suitable for starters because they:
- Be affordable.
- Fit an average income of a starter.
- Within certain financial start-up schemes are.
Starter schemes include, for example, the NHG (National Mortgage Guarantee) and the Starter Loan. In 2025 you can buy a home with NHG up to €450,000. Do you improve the house with energy-saving measures? Then the NHG limit even rises to €477,000. Other schemes, such as the starters loan, also have a maximum purchase price.
Exactly what kind of home you buy depends on your budget and preferences. One starter finds a 50-square-meter apartment perfect, while another prefers a row house with a garden. As long as it fits your financial situation and living preferences, it is a suitable starter home.
Want to buy a starter home or see examples? Then check out our complete selection of starter homes.
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Who is a starter home for?
A starter home is for people who are buying their first home. You are a starter if you have never owned a home for sale and want to buy a home now.
You must be between the ages of 18 and 35 to take advantage of schemes. Consider schemes such as the starter exemption transfer tax and starter loan.
Have you just started working? Or do you want to buy your first home with your partner? Then you often fall under this target group. Even if you get help from your parents or use a start-up loan, you are still a starter.
Note that there are no official rules for the word "starter. But there are requirements for schemes. You buy your first home, you are between the ages of 18 and 35, and you are going to live there by yourself.
Why choose a starter home?
A starter home is a smart first step if you want to buy your first home. You choose a home that suits your income, wishes and future plans. Without unnecessarily large monthly costs or financial risks.
Below you can see the main advantages of a starter home:
- You build equity instead of paying rent every month.
- Your monthly expenses are lower than for a rental property.
- You can take advantage of schemes especially for starters.
- You get clarity faster thanks to fixed prices (like homeup).
- You make choices that fit your housing needs.
- You increase your chances of finding an affordable home to buy.
- You take a step toward financial peace and security.
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What schemes and benefits apply to startups?
As a starter in the housing market, you benefit from schemes that make buying your first home a lot more feasible. Below is an overview of starter schemes and benefits that will help you get your first home for sale:
Want to know more about these schemes for starters? Visit this page see all the starter schemes or read all about the benefits of buying your first home.
How much does a starter home cost?
The price of a starter home depends on several things. Consider the location, the energy label and the condition of the home. The type of home also plays a role.
On average, a starter home costs between €200,000 and €350,000. In big cities, the price for a starter home is often higher. In villages or smaller towns, you can get your first home for sale for less money.
What affects the price of your starter home?
- Location (city is more expensive than outlying area)
- The state of maintenance (many jobs = lower price, higher cost)
- The size and layout of the home
- The energy label (a fuel-efficient house is often slightly more expensive)
- Year of construction and insulation
- Supply and demand in the region
Here's how to lower the cost of your starter home
As a starter, you are entitled to schemes that help you make your first home purchase affordable. This makes a starter home more attainable faster and keeps your monthly expenses low.
- Starter exemption transfer tax. You then pay no 2% transfer tax if the starter home stays under €525,000. Thanks to the transfer tax exemption, you often save thousands of euros. You must be between the ages of 18 and 35 and it must be your first home for sale.
- National Mortgage Guarantee (NHG). You get extra security and often a lower interest rate. That gives peace of mind, especially if your situation changes. NHG applies to starter homes up to €450,000. Do you take energy-saving measures? Then the NHG limit is €477,000.
Are you just a little short to buy a starter home? Then you can apply for a starters loan in many municipalities. With this loan you borrow an extra amount on top of your mortgage, often without having to repay immediately. Do you choose an energy-efficient starter home? Then you can sometimes borrow extra. So there are several schemes that help you as a starter to buy your first home. Read here in detail about all the schemes for starters that help with buying a starter home.
Are you ready to buy a starter home, but not sure where to start? Then enlist homeup as your buying agent. Register for free and receive full guidance on buying your first home.
How do you find a starter home?
Searching for a starter home can sometimes be quite overwhelming. But with the right approach, you'll increase your chances of success. Here's how to search smartly and purposefully for a starter home that suits you:
- Create a personal search profile
- Look beyond the big city
- Energy-saving features
- Rate home presentations
- Think ahead: what do you want five years from now?
1. Create a personal search profile
First, think about what is important to you in a starter home. Think about the number of rooms, an outdoor space or a quiet neighborhood. Also note the maximum purchase price of the starter home and how much you want to spend per month on your living expenses. The sharper your search profile is, the better you can filter the offer.
2. Look beyond the big city
In popular cities, starter homes are often scarce and expensive. Therefore, look at surrounding villages or smaller towns. There you usually get more space for your assets. In addition, with a good train or bus connection, you can still get to the city quickly. Thus, you increase your chances of finding a starter home and find peace of mind.
3. Energy saving devices
A home with good insulation or solar panels is more sustainable and energy costs go down. This also ensures a healthy indoor climate and you can borrow more through starters' schemes. For an energy-efficient home, you can sometimes finance up to €50,000 extra. That helps you realize your ideal starter home.
4. Rate home presentations
Do you see beautiful photos? Then pay close attention to the following points: were wide-angle lenses used? Are there cracks in walls or moisture spots on ceilings? Also, read the text carefully. Pay attention to words like "handyman house" or "project-based maintenance." Ask pointed questions during the viewing so you know what kind of home you're buying. Read more about what to look for during a viewing in this article.
5. Think ahead: what do you want in five years?
Your first home doesn't have to be your dream home, but it should fit your plans. Do you want to live together, expand your family or work from home? Think about this carefully now. That way you avoid having to move again too soon.
Common mistakes made by startups
- No clear overview of needs and preferences.
- Only paying attention to purchase price, not monthly costs or financing.
- Forgot important additional costs (such as buyer's fees).
- No focus on energy label or maintenance.
- Too much rush due to crowded housing market.
Want help finding a suitable starter home? Register for free and use homeup as your buying agent. We guide you from your first starter home to the transfer at the notary.
homeup helps you buy your first home
A buying agent is not an unnecessary luxury, but rather a smart move, especially if you are a starter. You have a lot to deal with, including rules, risks, costs and stiff competition. Without experience, it is difficult to determine what a good home is, how much to offer and what to look for.
With homeup, you get one permanent point of contact that takes care of everything for you. No loose advice, just one clear, digital approach. We guide you through the buying process step by step. So you buy your first home with confidence. Without any stress or surprises.
Why homeup?
- You get honest advice about a property's value.
- We check your purchase contract, structural condition and resolutive conditions.
- You get help arranging a start-up loan or higher mortgage.
- We guide you through bids without overbidding.
- We help you from a property search to the transfer at the notary.
We won't go with you to the viewing, but we'll give you a checklist and personal tips. So you know exactly what to look out for. At all other steps in the buying process, we are at your side.
If you want to hire a buying agent, homeup is right beside you. From the search for your new home and negotiating with the seller, to the transfer at the notary. Register for free and use homeup as your buying agent.
Frequently asked questions starter homes
Buying a starter home is exciting and new. As a starter, you have many questions about costs, rules and what's involved. In these frequently asked questions you will find short and clear answers that will help you buy your first home.
What is included in a starter home?
A starter home is one that fits the situation of someone buying their first home. Think of an apartment or townhouse up to about a home value of €350,000. The home is often compact, affordable and suitable for households of one or two people.
On average, what does a starter home cost?
The price of a starter home is usually between €200,000 and €350,000. The exact price depends on the location, the type of house and the energy label. In large cities, the price is usually higher than in smaller towns.
What are the rules for a starter home?
There are no official rules for exactly what a starter home is. But schemes such as the starter exemption transfer tax or a starter loan do have certain conditions. For these schemes, you must be between the ages of 18 and 35 and must not have bought a home before. There is also usually a maximum cost limit for the home and you must live in it yourself.
How much do you need to earn for a starter home?
How much you need to earn depends on the price of the starter home, your fixed expenses and your desired repayment. With an income starting at about €28,000 per year, you can usually get a loan with National Mortgage Guarantee(NHG). You can borrow more if your home is energy efficient or if you qualify for a starters loan through your municipality.
How much of your own money do you need for a starter home?
On average, you will need between €10,000 and €15,000 of your own money. This money should be reserved for costs that you are not allowed to co-finance. Think of the buyer's costs, such as notary, valuation, advice and transfer tax. In 2025 you may borrow a maximum of 100% of the value of the house. Anything above that will have to be paid for by yourself.
It is wise to set this amount aside well in advance. That way, you won't encounter any surprises. Do you want to make use of an arrangement? Then you sometimes need extra money for this.
Want to know exactly what all you need your own money for when buying a starter home? Then read this article and see how much of your own money you need when buying your first home.
As a starter, what should you pay attention to when buying your first home for sale?
Pay close attention to your budget, monthly expenses, energy label and the condition of the home. Determine in advance how much you want to fully spend on your condo. Also check whether the home meets conditions for schemes such as NHG or the starter exemption. Consider your long-term perspective and vision for your first home. Choose something that fits your plans, your job and your wishes for the future.
What schemes are there for starters?
There are several schemes for starters, such as:
- Starter exemption transfer tax (no 2% tax up to €525,000).
- Starter Loan through your municipality.
- National Mortgage Guarantee (NHG) for security and lower interest rates.
- Extra borrowing for energy-efficient homes.
- Be able to borrow more if you are single or have already partially paid off your student debt.
To qualify for these schemes, however, you must meet certain conditions. See all the schemes for first-time buyers that will help you buy your first home and the conditions here.
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