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Are mortgage rates in Netherlands going up or down?

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Dutch mortgage rates are currently trending downward after significant declines throughout 2024 and early 2025.

As of September 2025, fixed mortgage rates in the Netherlands range from 3.4% to 4.3% depending on the term length, with 10-year rates being the most attractive at 3.4%-3.6%. The European Central Bank's dovish monetary policy, combined with cooling inflation and stable economic conditions, continues to push borrowing costs lower for Dutch homebuyers and investors.

If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in the Netherlands, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.

How this content was created 🔎📝

At InvestRopa, we explore the Dutch real estate market every day. Our team doesn't just analyze data from a distance—we're actively engaging with local realtors, investors, and property managers in cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague. This hands-on approach allows us to gain a deep understanding of the market from the inside out.

These observations are originally based on what we've learned through these conversations and our observations. But it was not enough. To back them up, we also needed to rely on trusted resources

We prioritize accuracy and authority. Trends lacking solid data or expert validation were excluded.

Trustworthiness is central to our work. Every source and citation is clearly listed, ensuring transparency. A writing AI-powered tool was used solely to refine readability and engagement.

To make the information accessible, our team designed custom infographics that clarify key points. We hope you will like them! All illustrations and media were created in-house and added manually.

What is the current average fixed mortgage rate in the Netherlands for 10 years, 20 years, and 30 years?

As of September 2025, Dutch fixed mortgage rates vary significantly based on the term length and lender.

The current 10-year fixed mortgage rates range from 3.4% to 3.6%, making them the most attractive option for Dutch property buyers. Major banks like ABN AMRO and ING are offering rates at the lower end of this range for borrowers with strong credit profiles.

For 20-year fixed mortgages, rates currently sit between 3.7% and 4.1%. This represents a moderate premium over 10-year rates, reflecting the additional interest rate risk that lenders assume over the longer term. The spread between 10-year and 20-year rates is approximately 0.3 to 0.5 percentage points.

30-year fixed mortgage rates are priced from 3.8% to 4.3%, with the highest rates typically reserved for borrowers with lower loan-to-value ratios or those seeking maximum financing amounts. The premium for 30-year terms over 10-year rates is relatively modest at 0.4 to 0.7 percentage points, indicating a fairly flat yield curve.

It's something we develop in our Netherlands property pack.

How have Dutch mortgage rates changed over the past 6 to 12 months, and what is the exact percentage difference?

Dutch mortgage rates have experienced substantial declines over the past 12 months, marking one of the most significant rate reduction periods in recent years.

10-year fixed rates have dropped from approximately 4.2% in September 2024 to the current range of 3.4%-3.6%, representing a decrease of 0.6 to 0.8 percentage points. This translates to a 16-19% reduction from the previous year's levels, providing significant savings for new borrowers.

Over the past six months specifically, the decline has been more gradual, with rates falling by approximately 0.25 to 0.35 percentage points. The first quarter of 2025 saw brief periods of stabilization and minor increases before the downward trend resumed in the second and third quarters.

20-year fixed rates have followed a similar pattern, declining from around 4.5% to the current 3.7%-4.1% range, while 30-year rates have fallen from approximately 4.6% to 3.8%-4.3%. The most dramatic improvements occurred in the second half of 2024 when the European Central Bank began its rate-cutting cycle.

What are the main economic indicators in the Netherlands, such as inflation and GDP growth, and how are they influencing mortgage rates right now?

Several key economic indicators are shaping Dutch mortgage rate trends as of September 2025.

Dutch inflation is forecast at 3.0% for 2025, which remains above the European Central Bank's 2% target but shows a clear downward trajectory toward the target level expected in 2026. This elevated but declining inflation rate supports the ECB's gradual approach to rate cuts while maintaining downward pressure on mortgage rates.

GDP growth is projected at 1.3% for 2025, driven primarily by domestic demand but partially offset by trade uncertainties, particularly regarding potential US-EU tariffs. This moderate growth rate indicates economic stability without overheating, creating favorable conditions for continued accommodative monetary policy.

The unemployment rate stands at 3.9% in 2025, representing a slight increase from previous periods but remaining at historically low levels. Higher wages and increased disposable incomes are supporting housing demand, though the modest uptick in unemployment could add mild upward pressure on lending standards.

These indicators collectively support the current downward trend in mortgage rates, as the combination of cooling inflation, stable growth, and low unemployment provides the ECB with room to maintain its supportive monetary stance.

What is the current European Central Bank policy interest rate, and when is the next decision expected?

The European Central Bank's main refinancing rate currently stands at 2.15% as of September 2025.

The ECB held its most recent monetary policy meeting on September 11, 2025, where policymakers decided to keep rates unchanged as inflation continues to hover near the 2% target. This decision reflects the central bank's cautious approach to further rate reductions while maintaining its accommodative stance.

The next ECB rate decision is scheduled for December 2025, when policymakers will assess the latest economic data and inflation trends across the eurozone. Market expectations suggest that the ECB will likely maintain its current rate level through the remainder of 2025, barring any significant changes in economic conditions.

The ECB's current policy stance directly influences Dutch mortgage rates, as the central bank's refinancing rate serves as the benchmark for commercial lending rates throughout the eurozone. The relatively low policy rate of 2.15% continues to support affordable mortgage borrowing costs for Dutch homebuyers.

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How do Dutch mortgage rates compare today with the eurozone average?

Dutch mortgage rates currently trade at a slight premium to the eurozone average for comparable terms.

For 10-year fixed-rate mortgages, the eurozone average ranges from 3.1% to 3.5%, while Dutch rates are priced between 3.4% and 3.6%. This represents a premium of approximately 0.3 to 0.5 percentage points above the eurozone average.

This premium reflects several Netherlands-specific factors, including strong housing demand, tight supply conditions in major Dutch cities, and local regulatory requirements that affect lender pricing. The Dutch housing market's relative strength compared to some other eurozone countries also contributes to this rate differential.

Despite trading above the eurozone average, Dutch mortgage rates remain competitive within the context of the country's robust housing market and strong economic fundamentals. The premium has narrowed over the past year as rates have declined more rapidly in the Netherlands than in some other eurozone countries.

What predictions are Dutch banks and financial institutions publishing about mortgage rates in the next 6 to 12 months?

Dutch banks are generally optimistic about continued rate declines or stabilization through late 2025 and into 2026.

Most major Dutch financial institutions, including ABN AMRO, ING, and Rabobank, expect mortgage rates to decline modestly or stabilize by late 2025, barring any unexpected global economic shocks. Their base case scenarios assume continued ECB accommodation and stable eurozone economic conditions.

Bank forecasts suggest that 10-year fixed rates could settle near 3.0% to 3.5% by year-end 2025 if current ECB policy and inflation trends continue. This would represent an additional 0.1 to 0.6 percentage point decline from current levels.

Financial institutions emphasize that their projections depend heavily on ECB policy decisions, eurozone inflation trends, and global economic stability. Potential risks to the downward rate trajectory include unexpected inflation resurgence, geopolitical tensions affecting energy prices, or significant changes in US Federal Reserve policy that could impact global interest rate dynamics.

It's something we develop in our Netherlands property pack.

Are Dutch housing market prices currently rising or falling, and how does that affect mortgage rate trends?

Dutch housing prices are currently rising, with growth forecasts of 5% to 9% for 2025.

The primary drivers of price growth include persistently high demand, limited housing supply in major metropolitan areas, and strong employment conditions. Cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht continue to experience particularly strong price appreciation due to urban concentration trends and supply constraints.

Rising house prices create a complex dynamic for mortgage rates. Higher property values increase loan-to-value ratios for new mortgages, which can limit how aggressively banks lower their rates even when central bank policy becomes more accommodative. Lenders may maintain slightly higher rates to compensate for increased credit exposure on larger loan amounts.

However, the strong price growth also reflects healthy underlying demand for Dutch real estate, which supports lender confidence in the market. This fundamental strength allows banks to continue offering competitive rates while maintaining prudent lending standards. The combination of rising prices and declining rates has actually improved affordability for buyers with substantial down payments.

What is the current unemployment rate in the Netherlands, and how is it impacting borrowing conditions?

The Netherlands unemployment rate stands at 3.9% as of 2025, representing a slight increase from previous periods while remaining at historically low levels.

This low unemployment rate continues to support strong borrowing conditions, as employed borrowers have greater access to mortgage financing and banks maintain confidence in borrower repayment capacity. The stable employment market allows lenders to offer competitive rates without tightening credit standards significantly.

Higher wage growth accompanying the low unemployment environment has increased disposable incomes for Dutch households, supporting continued strong demand for mortgage financing. This wage growth helps offset some of the impact of higher housing prices, maintaining affordability for many buyers.

The modest uptick in unemployment from previous levels has not yet impacted lending conditions meaningfully, but banks are monitoring this trend closely. Any significant increase in unemployment could lead to more cautious lending practices and potentially slower rate declines, though current levels remain well within normal ranges for a healthy economy.

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What is the current demand for mortgages in the Netherlands, and is it increasing or decreasing compared to last quarter?

Mortgage demand in the Netherlands is currently rising, with both transaction volumes and new mortgage uptake increasing by 20% year-over-year in Q2-Q3 2025.

This strong demand reflects several factors, including pent-up buyer interest from previous higher-rate periods, increased housing turnover as existing homeowners take advantage of lower rates to move, and anticipated further rate declines motivating buyers to enter the market.

The combination of declining mortgage rates and rising house prices has created a sense of urgency among buyers who want to secure financing before rates potentially stabilize at current levels. First-time buyers are particularly active, taking advantage of improved affordability from lower borrowing costs.

Banks report robust application volumes across all mortgage products, with particularly strong demand for 10-year fixed-rate mortgages due to their attractive current pricing. This increased demand supports lenders' willingness to maintain competitive rates while processing higher volumes of new business.

How are global factors, such as U.S. Federal Reserve rate changes and energy prices in Europe, influencing Dutch mortgage rates?

Global factors play a significant role in determining Dutch mortgage rate trends, with U.S. Federal Reserve policy and European energy prices being key influences.

U.S. Federal Reserve rate changes create ripple effects through global bond markets, influencing European yields and ultimately Dutch mortgage pricing. Recent Fed policy decisions and forward guidance affect international capital flows and risk premiums, indirectly impacting Dutch lending rates through global financial market interconnections.

Falling European energy prices have been particularly beneficial for Dutch mortgage rates, as lower energy costs help reduce inflation pressures and provide the ECB with greater flexibility to maintain accommodative monetary policy. The decline in natural gas and electricity prices since their 2022-2023 peaks has been a key factor supporting rate reductions.

However, global policy uncertainty, including potential US-EU trade tensions and tariff discussions, creates volatility that can temporarily disrupt the downward trend in rates. Banks factor these geopolitical risks into their pricing decisions, potentially limiting how aggressively they can reduce rates even when fundamental economic conditions support lower borrowing costs.

Currency stability between the euro and dollar also influences Dutch mortgage markets, as exchange rate volatility can affect capital flows and international investor demand for European bonds.

What are the main government policies or subsidies in the Netherlands right now that affect mortgage affordability or interest rates?

Several Dutch government policies are currently supporting mortgage affordability, though direct interest rate subsidies are not provided.

Policy/Program 2025 Limits/Benefits Impact on Borrowers
NHG (National Mortgage Guarantee) €450,000 base limit Reduced risk premium for lenders
NHG Energy Improvement Up to €477,000 total Additional €27,000 for green upgrades
NHG Insurance Cost Reduced premium rates Lower upfront costs for buyers
Mortgage Tax Deduction Available for primary residence Tax benefit on interest payments
LTV Lending Standards Maximum 100% for NHG High leverage still permitted
Stress Testing Rules 5% rate stress test Ensures borrower resilience

The National Mortgage Guarantee (NHG) limit increased to €450,000 in 2025, with an additional €27,000 available for energy-saving home improvements, bringing the total potential NHG coverage to €477,000. The cost of NHG insurance has also been reduced, improving affordability for first-time buyers who benefit from lower risk premiums charged by lenders.

These policies indirectly support lower mortgage rates by reducing lender risk through government guarantees, allowing banks to offer more competitive pricing for NHG-qualified loans. However, the government maintains strict lending standards to prevent excessive borrowing and maintain financial stability.

It's something we develop in our Netherlands property pack.

Which mortgage products in the Netherlands are seeing the steepest rate increases or decreases, and what are the current spreads between short-term and long-term fixed rates?

The steepest rate decreases are occurring in 10-year and 20-year fixed mortgage products, which benefit most directly from ECB rate cuts and yield curve movements.

10-year fixed rates have experienced the most dramatic declines, falling by 0.6 to 0.8 percentage points over the past year. These products are currently the most attractively priced in the Dutch market, making them popular with borrowers seeking a balance between rate certainty and competitive pricing.

Current spreads between different mortgage terms are relatively narrow compared to historical norms. The spread between 5-year fixed rates (3.2%-3.4%) and 30-year fixed rates (3.8%-4.3%) is only 0.6 to 1.1 percentage points, indicating a fairly flat yield curve environment.

Interestingly, some short-term rates (1-5 years) are not significantly lower than 10-year rates, with the yield curve remaining relatively flat across most terms. This suggests that lenders and markets expect rates to remain relatively stable over the medium term, reducing the typical premium charged for longer-term rate certainty.

Variable rate mortgages and shorter-term fixed products have seen less dramatic improvements, as these rates were already closer to current ECB policy levels and have less room for further declines.

Conclusion

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.

Sources

  1. ABN AMRO Mortgage Interest Rates
  2. Roel Wonders Dutch Interest Rates
  3. Bunq Mortgage Interest Rates
  4. Financial Consultancy Holland
  5. NL Times Mortgage Rates
  6. Mister Mortgage Interest Rates 2025
  7. European Commission Netherlands Economic Forecast
  8. OECD Economic Outlook Netherlands
  9. ECB Monetary Policy Decision September 2025
  10. DNB Bank Mortgage Lending Rates