What are cost of buyer for first-time buyers 2025
Purchase costs (k.k.) are the extra costs you pay as a buyer when you buy a home. These costs are in addition to the purchase price and are paid by the buyer. Especially for first-time buyers, it is important to know what these costs entail, so there are no surprises.
What is included in cost of buyer?
Cost of buyer includes a number of specific costs required to make the purchase of a home official. These include:
- The notary fees for preparing the deed of delivery and (if necessary) the mortgage deed.
- The appraisal fee for determining home value, often required for a mortgage application.
- The transfer tax, where first-time buyers can use the exemption up to €525,000 in 2025.
- Land Registry fees for registering the delivery deed in the Land Registry.
Cost of buyer for first-time buyers in 2025
As a starter in 2025, you will face buyer's fees, but fortunately there are unique regulations that make buying a home more advantageous. The starter exemption transfer tax and an increased NHG limit offer you the chance to save substantially on your first home. This makes 2025 a favorable year to take your first step on the housing market.
Why is 2025 advantageous for startups?
- The starter exemption ensures that you pay no transfer tax for homes up to €525,000. This saves 2% of the purchase price, which for a €400,000 home quickly saves €8000.
- The increased limit for the National Mortgage Guarantee (NHG) is €450,000. This offers extra security, especially if you face financial setbacks.
Challenges for startups in 2025
- Despite the exemptions, as a starter, you still have to pay other buyer's fees, such as notary fees and appraisal fees.
- Buying a home remains a big financial step, especially in a competitive housing market.
With these advantages and challenges, it is important to be well prepared. In the next section, you'll read how to calculate buyer's fees and get a clear picture of your financial situation.
Calculate cost of buyer for first-time buyers 2025
As a starter, you want to know exactly what you can expect in buyer's fees when you buy a home. By calculating the buyer's costs, you gain insight into how much of your own money you will need and which costs cannot be co-financed in the mortgage. Here we explain how to do this step by step.
How do you calculate cost of buyer?
Buyer's fees are usually 5% to 6% of the purchase price of the home. To know this exactly, you need to know what percentage of the purchase price you need extra for notary fees, appraisal costs and other expenses. This percentage may be lower if you use the starter's exemption transfer tax in 2025. This is how you can calculate your buyer's fees:
- Determine the purchase price of your home.
- Multiply this amount by 5% to 6% to get an estimate of the total cost of buyer.
- Deduct the transfer tax exemption (2% of the purchase price) if you are entitled to it.
Calculation example for starters in 2025
Suppose you buy a €400,000 home. This is how you calculate the buyer's fee:
- Notary fees for the mortgage and delivery deed: an average of €1200.
- The appraisal cost to establish the property value: about €400.
- The Land Registry fee for registering the deed: around €300.
- No transfer tax thanks to the start-up exemption.
In total, you end up with about €1900 in buyer's fees, excluding any additional costs such as a building inspection.
By knowing in advance how much buyer's fees you will pay, you can determine whether you have enough savings or should consider other financing options. Good preparation will ensure there are no surprises when buying your first home.
How can you finance cost of buyer as a starter?
When buying a home, you must consider buyer's fees (k.k.), which are often not included in the mortgage. As a starter, it can be challenging to finance these costs. Fortunately, there are several ways to do this. Here we discuss three common options.
1. Use your own savings
The most common way to pay buyer's fees is with your own savings. Banks often expect you to put in at least 5% to 10% of the purchase price yourself, including buyer's costs. Don't have enough savings yet? Then consider setting up a savings plan before you buy a home.
2. Take advantage of donations
Parents or relatives can support you financially through a tax-free gift. In 2025, you may receive up to €32,195 tax-free from your parents specifically for the purchase of a home. Make sure you meet the conditions, such as documenting the gift in a document.
3. Co-finance buyer costs in your mortgage
Although banks usually don't fully finance buyer's costs, there are some exceptions. In 2025 you can borrow up to 100% of the house value, but additional costs, such as notary fees or appraisal costs, you will usually have to pay yourself. Ask your mortgage advisor about the possibilities for co-financing part of the buyer's costs.
Cost buyer tips for first-time buyers in 2025
Buying your first home is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming because of the added costs. Fortunately, with these smart tips, you can not only save money, but also be better prepared to move into your first home.
1. Compare quotes and save hundreds of dollars.
Compare quotes from notaries and appraisers. These costs, such as notary fees for the mortgage deed, can vary considerably. By comparing well, you can save on both brokerage fees and other additional costs involved in the purchase.
2. Take advantage of the start-up exemption
As a starter, you will pay no transfer tax for homes up to €525,000 in 2025. This can make a big difference in the cost you end up paying. Make sure you meet the requirements and apply for this on time so you don't have to pay more unnecessarily when you transfer your home.
3. Get a building inspection
A building inspection can reveal hidden defects. This will cost you an average of €300 to €500, but can save you a lot of money in the long run. It's smart to have a building inspection done before you sign the purchase contract, so you know exactly what the structural condition of the existing home is.
4. Seek advice from a financial advisor
A financial advisor, such as an experienced mortgage broker, can help you plan for buyer's fees. They can explain how notary fees and other costs are incorporated into your mortgage. For specific questions, you can check with your mortgage broker to see if notary fees are co-financible.
5. Plan your additional expenses liberally
In addition to standard buyer's fees, such as notary fees, there are often other costs that you need to include in your budget. Consider the security deposit, which is often 10% of the purchase price, and the mediation costs of a buying agent, for example.
6. Check which expenses are deductible
Some costs, such as notary fees for the mortgage deed and appraisal fees, are tax deductible. This means that you can deduct certain parts of the buyer's costs and get a portion of these costs back through your tax return. Want to know exactly which costs you can deduct and how this works? Read our extensive article on deductible expenses when buying a home here and discover all the benefits!
7. Consider the National Mortgage Guarantee
The National Mortgage Guarantee (NHG) offers starters extra security. With an increased limit of €450,000 in 2025, this scheme helps you limit financial risks, such as payment problems. Want to know more about what exactly NHG entails and how the increased limit in 2025 can help you? Read our article on what exactly NHG is or all about the increased NHG limit in 2025, and find out all the benefits.
With these tips, you can not only save money as a starter in 2025, but also buy a home with more confidence. Want additional advice about your situation? Request a free consultation with one of our experts and find out how you can plan your first home financially smart.
Frequently asked questions about cost of buyer in 2025
Still have questions about cost of buyer in 2025? Here you'll find answers to the most frequently asked questions from first-time buyers. Whether you want to know how much buyer's costs you'll pay, what costs you can expect as a starter, or what sellers pay with buyer's costs: we explain it clearly and simply for you.
Read on and find out everything you need to know to be well prepared to buy your first home!
How much cost of buyer for first-time buyers in 2025
Buying costs (k.k.) for first-time buyers in 2025 average 5% to 6% of the purchase price of a home. This percentage includes costs such as notary fees, appraisal fees and any brokerage fees. Thanks to the starter exemption transfer tax, these costs can be lower for first-time buyers.
Example: For a €400,000 home, you will pay about €20,000 in buyer's fees, but if you take advantage of the exemption, it will quickly save €8000 in transfer tax. The exact amount depends on the property and additional costs, such as an architectural inspection.
What costs do you have as a starter?
As a starter, you pay various buyer's fees when buying a home. These costs are in addition to the purchase price of the home and consist of:
- Notary fees for the delivery deed and mortgage deed.
- The appraisal fee to determine the home value.
- The cost of any building inspection.
- Land Registry registration fees.
- Any consulting and brokerage fees, such as from a buying agent.
Together, these costs usually make up 5% to 6% of the purchase price. Note that thanks to the starter exemption, you pay no transfer tax on homes up to €525,000, which can save you thousands of euros.
What don't you pay as a starter?
As a starter, you will pay no transfer tax for homes up to €525,000 in 2025, thanks to the starter exemption. This saves you 2% of the purchase price, which for a €400,000 home comes to €8000.
In addition, as a starter, you usually do not pay mediation costs for the sale of the house, because these costs are usually for the seller. Other costs, such as the cost of an architectural inspection or appraisal, do remain at your expense.
What costs for seller in cost of buyer?
With cost of buyer, the seller usually pays the following costs:
- Realtor fees for selling the home.
- The cost of the deed of sale at the notary.
- Any costs for clearing the property of mortgages or other obligations.
Other costs, such as transfer tax, are for the buyer, unless otherwise agreed in the purchase contract.
