If you’re an expat thinking of buying a home in the Netherlands, chances are you’ve come across the term “kosten koper” or k.k. in property listings. But what does it really mean?
At MiCasa, we specialize in helping internationals navigate the Dutch housing market. One of the first things we clarify with our clients is that the purchase price is not the total price you’ll pay. There are several additional costs that can add up—especially if you’re not prepared for them.
What Does “Kosten Koper” Mean?
“Kosten koper” literally translates to “costs for the buyer.” It means that the buyer—not the seller—pays for all costs associated with the transfer of ownership. This is the standard in most real estate transactions involving existing homes (not new construction).
Breakdown of Kosten Koper
Here’s a closer look at the most common costs included under “kosten koper”:
1. Transfer Tax (Overdrachtsbelasting)
✅ Standard rate: 2% of the purchase price
✅ First-time buyers under 35 may qualify for 0%, provided:
- They haven’t used the exemption before
- They are buying a property to live in themselves
- The property price does not exceed €525,000 (2025 limit)
2. Notary Fees (Notariskosten)
You’ll need a notary to draft two key documents:
- The deed of transfer (akte van levering)
- The mortgage deed (hypotheekakte)
Expect to pay around €1,000–€1,500, depending on the notary and complexity of the case.
3. Valuation Report (Taxatierapport)
Required by the mortgage lender to determine the market value of the property.
Cost: approximately €400–€600
4. Technical Inspection (Bouwkundige keuring)
Optional, but highly recommended—especially for older houses.
Cost: around €350–€500
5. Mortgage Advice and Arrangement Fees
Mortgage advisors often charge between €2,000–€3,000 for their services. Some banks also charge a fee for processing the mortgage.
6. Real Estate Agent (Aankoopmakelaar)
If you’re working with a buyer’s agent like MiCasa, you pay a fixed fee for full guidance from search to signing.
MiCasa’s fee: €3.500 (no commission-based surprises)
7. Translation and Legal Support (if applicable)
If you don’t speak Dutch fluently, it’s often smart to work with a sworn translator or request a bilingual notary. Some lenders also require an English mortgage offer.
Budget an extra €100–€300
So What’s the Total?
In most cases, expect to pay around 4–6% of the purchase price in additional costs.
💡 Example:
If you’re buying a house for €500,000, the kosten koper could range from €20,000 to €30,000, depending on your choices and service providers.
What If the Property Is New-Build?
If you’re buying a new-build home, the listing will often say “vrij op naam (v.o.n.)”, which means the developer covers the transfer tax and notary deed of transfer. This can lower your upfront costs considerably.
MiCasa: By Your Side Every Step of the Way
At MiCasa, we don’t just help you find your dream home—we help you understand the financial reality of buying in the Netherlands.
✅ We create a realistic cost estimate tailored to your budget
✅ We connect you with trusted mortgage advisors, inspectors, notaries
✅ We guide you through the entire process—from first viewing to final signature
Questions?
Buying a house abroad is a major decision—don’t do it alone. We’re here to help expats like you make informed and confident choices.