During Prinsjesdag, last Tuesday, the cabinet presented plans to make the housing market more accessible. Starters are difficult to deal with, investors face high burdens and new construction projects often encounter slow procedures. That is why three important measures were announced to create more opportunities from 2026.
Starters get more space when buying their first home. The first home transfer tax is fully waived for them, provided that the purchase price remains below the new limit. From 2026, the threshold of the starter exemption will increase from €525,000 to €555,000.
The other conditions that must be met to make use of the starter exemption remain unchanged:
• You are at least 18 years old and a maximum of 34 years old;
• You will live in the home you buy yourself;
• You have not made use of the starter exemption before.
This one-off starter exemption makes buying a first home a little more accessible.
Those who buy a home as an investment or vacation home now still pay 10.4% tax. The cabinet will reduce this rate to 8% from 2026. This transfer tax reduction has two goals:
• Making investments in the private rental market (again) more attractive;
• Create more offers for people who want to buy a second home.
Being able to purchase a second home more cheaply contributes to increasing the private rental offer. In the long run, this could slightly alleviate the pressure on the housing market.
In addition to tax measures, the government is working on faster procedures and fewer rules. This should lead to affordable new construction that will become available earlier. The focus is on:
• Innovative construction methods that save time;
• Shorter processing times for permits;
• Extra attention for vulnerable groups, such as elderly people and starters.
By investing in affordable new buildings and simplifying regulations, the goal of 100,000 homes per year will be more achievable.
Whether you want to benefit from the increased starter exemption, are looking at the possibilities of a second home, or are interested in financing for affordable new buildings: at Van Loon, we are happy to help you! Contact us for personal advice and a suitable financial solution. This can be done physically at our offices in Rotterdam, Rijswijk, Breukelen and Udenhout, among others, or at one of our other eleven locations. Prefer online? Of course, that is also possible.
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