By Henk-Jan Grijpstra
Good news if you want to buy a home: in 2027 almost every household can borrow more than in 2026. Nibud has published the new mortgage lending standards for 2027. Even if your income stays the same, your maximum mortgage may be higher next year. And if your income rises in line with expected wage growth, the extra borrowing capacity can be even larger.
But how much extra can you actually borrow? What changes for single buyers? And is it wise to wait until 2027 to buy? I'll walk you through it.
What changes in the 2027 lending standards?
The lending standards are set every year based on advice from Nibud, looking at what households can responsibly spend on mortgage costs. The main conclusion for 2027 is that the maximum mortgage rises for almost every household. The expected extra borrowing capacity:
- With unchanged income: up to around €10,000 extra.
- With average wage growth of 3.7%: around €10,000 to €35,000 extra.
- For single buyers: the extra amount rises from €17,000 to €18,000.
These are indicative amounts. What you can really borrow extra depends on your income, the mortgage rate and any financial obligations.
We've already built in the new standards
The 2027 standards are already built into our Calculate your maximum mortgage tool. Enter your situation and, at the end under Your financing, choose whether to calculate with the 2026 or 2027 standards. You'll see the difference between this year and next straight away.
Why can you borrow more in 2027?
Your maximum mortgage doesn't depend on income alone. Fixed costs, taxes and the mortgage rate matter too. Every year Nibud calculates what share of income can responsibly go to housing costs: the financing cost percentages.
For 2027 the method stays the same, but the averaging period changes: the expensive year 2022 drops out and is replaced by 2026. Together with higher wages and changes to taxes and tax credits, this creates extra borrowing room, even if your income stays the same.
How much can you borrow in 2027?
The Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis expects average wage growth of 3.7% in 2027. Say you earn €70,000 gross a year. If your income stays the same, your maximum mortgage in 2027 may already be higher than in 2026. If your income then rises by 3.7%, it increases further. Exactly how much depends on current rates and your situation.
Keep an eye on mortgage rates
A higher rate means higher monthly costs, so you can borrow less on the same income. Rates have risen recently, which may cancel out part of the extra room in practice. So look not only at the standards, but also at current rates and your own finances.
What does this mean for single buyers?
The extra amount you can borrow on top of your maximum mortgage as a single buyer rises from €17,000 to €18,000. That helps, especially in a market where buying alone is often hard. It doesn't mean every single buyer automatically gets €18,000 more; that depends on the other standards and your situation.
Should you wait until 2027?
If you expect to borrow more in 2027, it can make sense to factor the new standards into your plans. But waiting isn't always best. Rates can change, the housing market can move differently and your personal situation weighs heavily. If you find a home that suits you now, waiting just for the new standards isn't always wise.
Also think about extra costs such as the notary, valuation and mortgage advice. That's why we look not only at what you can borrow, but above all at what's financially responsible.
What I'd like you to take away
A higher maximum mortgage doesn't mean you should borrow more. Focus on monthly costs that fit your situation, your plans and the home you want. And don't wait until you've found a home to explore your options: being prepared lets you act faster when your dream home comes along.
Are you self-employed, do you have a variable income or is your situation more complex? We're happy to help then too.