Cost of a heat pump in the Netherlands: types and prices

Thinking about switching to a heat pump? The first question is almost always the same: what does it cost? In 2026 the price of a heat pump in the Netherlands ranges from roughly €4,000 for a simple air-to-air unit to €30,000 for a full ground-source system. On this page you'll see the prices per type, what makes one system more expensive than another, and how much you can claim back through the ISDE subsidy.

How much does a heat pump cost?

The table below shows indicative prices per type, including installation and VAT and before any subsidy. Your final price depends on the size of your home, how well it's insulated, and the capacity you need.

All-electric vs hybrid: the biggest cost driver

Before comparing types, it helps to understand the two main approaches, because this is what drives most of the price difference.

• A hybrid heat pump works alongside your existing gas boiler. The heat pump handles most of the heating, and the boiler kicks in on the coldest days. It's cheaper to install and a popular first step.
• An all-electric heat pump replaces your gas boiler entirely. It needs a higher capacity and often a hot-water cylinder, which makes it more expensive but removes gas from your home completely.

If your house is well insulated, all-electric is realistic. If not, a hybrid system is usually the more cost-effective choice for now.

Heat pump prices by type

Air-to-air heat pump (lucht-lucht)

The cheapest option, at €4,000 – €8,000 including installation. It pulls heat from the outside air and blows warm (or cool) air directly into your rooms, so it doubles as air conditioning in summer. It doesn't heat your tap water, which is why it's the most affordable type.

Hybrid heat pump (hybride)

A hybrid system costs €5,000 – €11,000 installed. The lower end covers a standard unit; the higher end applies if you replace your central-heating boiler at the same time. It's the most common upgrade because it cuts gas use by around 60% without a full home renovation.

Air-to-water / all-electric heat pump (lucht-water)

Expect €8,000 – €18,000 including installation. This is the most common all-electric system: it extracts heat from outdoor air and uses it for both heating and hot water. The price climbs with the capacity your home needs and whether you add a hot-water cylinder.

Ground-source heat pump (bodem / grond-water)

The most expensive but most efficient type, at €15,000 – €30,000. It draws heat from the ground through pipes or a borehole, which is why the cost is high — drilling and groundwork are a big part of the bill. In return you get the lowest running costs and very stable performance year-round.

What affects the cost of a heat pump?

Two homes rarely pay the same price. The main factors are:

• Capacity (kW): a bigger or draughtier home needs more power, which raises the price.
• Insulation: poorly insulated homes need a larger system. Improving your energy label first can lower the heat pump you need.
• Type of emitters: underfloor heating works best with a heat pump. Switching from radiators adds cost.
• Hot-water cylinder: all-electric systems usually need one for your tap water.
• Installation complexity: drilling for ground-source, or limited space for an outdoor unit, adds labour.

ISDE subsidy: get part of your cost back

The Dutch government rewards you for switching with the ISDE subsidy (Investeringssubsidie Duurzame Energie). The amount isn't a flat percentage — it's built up from a start amount of €1,025 (lowered from €1,250 in 2026), plus €225 per kW of capacity counting from the first kW, plus a label bonus (e.g. €200 for A+++). The more powerful the heat pump, the higher the subsidy.

• A hybrid heat pump typically yields roughly €1,800 – €2,700.
• A full air-to-water (all-electric) system gets more because it needs higher capacity — often around €2,500 – €4,000, depending on the kW. As a worked example, a first 4 kW air-to-water heat pump with an A+++ label gives €1,025 + 4 × €225 + €200 = €2,125; a larger 8 kW unit reaches around €3,000+.
• A ground-source system, with its high capacity, can reach the upper end of the scale.

Conditions to qualify in 2026:

• The device must be on the RVO product list.
• It must be fitted by a recognised installer.
• Your home needs at least energy label D or proven insulation.

You apply after installation, which is another reason to compare official, certified partners rather than book the cheapest quote.

Running and maintenance costs

A heat pump runs on electricity instead of gas, so your gas bill drops while your electricity use rises. For most homes the net effect is lower energy costs, especially when combined with solar panels. Note that net metering for solar panels ends on 1 January 2027, so pairing a heat pump with solar works best when you use the power you generate directly — see how that affects your solar payback. Budget for periodic maintenance too: filter replacements and a check of the compressor and other parts, usually once a year.

Is a heat pump worth it?

For most Dutch homes, yes. Lower monthly energy bills, the ISDE subsidy, and a more sustainable home together make the investment pay off over time. If you're buying or refinancing, you can often finance the heat pump through a sustainable mortgage and borrow a little extra for the upgrade. How quickly depends on your gas usage today, your insulation, and the system you choose — which is exactly why a tailored quote beats any average.

Find the best heat pump

Looking for an efficient, sustainable way to heat and cool your home? Request quotes through HuisAssist and you'll be matched with certified installers. Compare prices side by side, so you know you're not overpaying and you get the right system for your home.

Related topics

• Heat pumps explained
• Solar panels
• Make your home more sustainable
• Energy label