National Mortgage Guarantee (NHG) in 2026: New Limits & Benefits

What is the National Mortgage Guarantee (NHG)?

The National Mortgage Guarantee (in Dutch: Nationale Hypotheek Garantie or NHG) remains the most important safety net in the Dutch housing market. It is a government-backed scheme run by the Waarborgfonds Eigen Woningen (WEW).

In short: the NHG protects the bank against financial loss if you are forced to sell your home at a loss due to unavoidable circumstances (like divorce, unemployment, or disability). Because the bank runs less risk, they reward you with a substantial interest rate discount.

NHG Limit 2026: What has changed?

For 2026, the NHG has adjusted its rules to match the rising housing prices. If you are planning to buy a house in the Netherlands this year, these are the key figures you need to know:

• Standard NHG Limit: The maximum purchase price (or market value) to qualify for NHG has risen to € 470,000.
• With Energy Saving Measures: If you invest in sustainability (like solar panels or insulation), you can borrow up to 106% of the value. This raises the effective limit to approximately € 498,200.
• The Premium (Cost): The one-time cost to take out an NHG mortgage (the borgtochtprovisie) remains low at 0.4% of the mortgage amount. This is tax-deductible in the Netherlands.

Note: The “Betaalbaarheidsgrens” (Affordability Limit), often used for new-build projects, is set at € 420,000 for 2026.

Why choose an NHG mortgage in 2026?

Even with stabilizing market conditions, an NHG mortgage offers three major benefits for homebuyers:

1. Lower Monthly Payments: Banks offer their lowest interest rates for NHG-backed loans. This discount often saves you 0.5% to 1.0% on your interest rate compared to a standard mortgage.
2. Debt Forgiveness: If you are forced to sell your home with a residual debt (loss) due to specific distress events, the NHG fund can forgive this debt, preventing long-term financial ruin.
3. Sustainability Budget: The NHG actively supports the energy transition. The extra borrowing capacity (Energy Budget) makes it easier to turn a label G house into a label C or B home.

Who qualifies for NHG?

To qualify for this protection in 2026, you must meet the following criteria:

• Price Cap: The purchase price must not exceed € 470,000 (excluding energy-saving measures).
• Residency: You must be a resident of the Netherlands (expats with a residence permit are eligible).
• Type of Stay: It must be your primary residence; NHG is not available for buy-to-let properties or holiday homes.

Do you want to know exactly how much you can borrow under the new 2026 rules? Contact us for a free calculation.

Frequently Asked Questions about NHG 2026

What is the NHG limit for 2026?

The standard NHG limit for 2026 is € 470,000. If you invest in energy-saving measures, the limit increases to € 498,200.

How much does NHG cost?

In 2026, the one-time premium (borgtochtprovisie) is 0.4% of the total mortgage amount. This fee is tax-deductible.

Is NHG available for expats?

Yes, foreign nationals living in the Netherlands with a valid residence permit and income in Euros can apply for an NHG mortgage.