Mortgage options for self-employed professionals

In the first few years working as a zzp’er, you usually do not earn much with your business. That is why mortgage lenders were not very enthusiastic about helping starting entrepreneurs with a mortgage. They demanded positive annual figures for at least 3 years. The requirements have now been relaxed slightly.

Can new entrepreneurs get a mortgage?

Yes, they can. You do not necessarily need to have been an entrepreneur for 3 years. More and more banks are now offering mortgages if you have been running your business for at least 1 year. However, they will look at the financial situation and future prospects of your business very closely. They will also look at your personal circumstances. The more stable your income, the greater the chance that your application will be approved.

How does a bank assess your income?

As an entrepreneur, you do not have a fixed salary. That is why a bank looks at your profits from business activities. They call this the ‘assessed income’. The mortgage lender uses this income to calculate the maximum amount you can borrow.

3 years or longer

Have you been running a business for 3 years or longer? In that case, banks usually take an average of your profits over those years. If your profit in the last year is lower, the bank will often use that lower figure. This way, the bank prevents your fixed costs from becoming too high.

Less than 3 years

If you have been an entrepreneur for less than 3 years, the way banks calculate your income varies. More and more mortgage lenders are offering options from 1 year of entrepreneurship. They look at the last calendar year and the years before that. If you were in paid employment at that time, the years in paid employment also count. However, lenders focus primarily on the figures from your year as an entrepreneur and will estimate your income more cautiously. They also look at your future prospects. Mortgage lenders often ask for an income forecast. An accountant or bookkeeper usually prepares this.

What do you need to arrange for a mortgage application?

As an entrepreneur, you need to provide more documents for a mortgage application than someone in paid employment. You must demonstrate that your business generates sufficient income and has a future. Usually, the lender will ask for:

• Annual accounts for 1 to 3 years.
• Income tax returns and assessments.
• An overview of your fixed expenses and debts.
• An extract from the KVK Business Register.
• An income forecast if you have been in business for less than 3 years.

What is an entrepreneur’s Personal Income Statement?

Many banks require an entrepreneur’s Personal Income Statement. This is an official calculation of your assessable income, drawn up by an independent party. The bank uses this statement to assess your income in a consistent and comparable manner. Ask your bank who can draw up a personal income statement for you.

Are you taking out a mortgage with the National Mortgage Guarantee (NHG)? If so, a Personal Income Statement is mandatory. The statement is usually valid for 6 months and there are costs involved.

What does the NHG mean for new entrepreneurs?

The NHG offers extra security for you and for the bank. Does your relationship end, your partner die, or something else happen in your life that means you can no longer pay the mortgage? With the NHG, you face less risk in the event of payment difficulties. Because the bank also faces less risk, you often pay a lower interest rate.

New entrepreneurs can also obtain a mortgage with NHG, sometimes after just 1 year in business. In 2026, you can apply for the NHG for properties with a purchase price of up to €470,000. If you are co-financing energy-saving measures, the limit is higher.

What is the maximum amount you can borrow?

The amount you can borrow depends on your assessed income, your fixed expenses, and your debts. In most cases, you may borrow up to 100% of the property’s value. The bank usually requests a valuation report to determine the property’s value. You usually pay the buyer’s costs, such as notary fees and transfer tax, from your own funds.

Do you have debts, such as student loans, private leases, hire purchase, payment arrears, or an overdraft? If so, this will often reduce your maximum mortgage amount. Many of these debts are registered with the National Credit Register (Bureau Krediet Registratie, BKR). Via My Credit Overview (mijnkredietregistratie, in Dutch), you can request a free overview of all your registered loans, outstanding debts, and any payment arrears.

How to improve your chances

Good preparation helps. Make sure your records are in order and that your figures are clear. Show that your income is stable or growing. Savings or equity capital can help improve your chances. It may also be wise to speak to an independent mortgage adviser in good time. They know which lenders have experience with entrepreneurs and what the best prospects are in your situation.

The rules and options vary by bank and mortgage lender and change regularly. So thoroughly research your options before making an offer on a property.