NHG Calculator: National Mortgage Guarantee for Expats (2026)
Check if you qualify for NHG (Nationale Hypotheek Garantie) and how much it saves you. The 2026 NHG limit is €435,000. Free calculator, no obligations.
The Nationale Hypotheek Garantie (National Mortgage Guarantee, or NHG) is one of the most valuable but often overlooked benefits available to homebuyers in the Netherlands. Whether you just moved here or have been living in the Netherlands for years, NHG can save you thousands of euros over the life of your mortgage. Use the calculator below to check if you qualify.
NHG Calculator
Check if you are eligible for NHG and calculate how much you can save:
NHG Checker 2026
Check your eligibility and calculate your benefit
Note: This is an indicative calculation. The actual interest discount varies per mortgage provider. NHG limit 2026: €470,000 (€498,200 with energy-saving measures). Guarantee commission: 0.4%. Consult a mortgage advisor for personal advice. Source: Rijksoverheid.nl.
What is NHG?
NHG is a government-backed safety net managed by the Stichting Waarborgfonds Eigen Woningen (WEW), a foundation that guarantees your mortgage. If you can no longer pay your mortgage due to circumstances beyond your control, such as job loss, disability, divorce, or the death of a partner, and your home is sold at a loss, NHG can cover the remaining debt (restschuld).
In practice, NHG works as a guarantee for your mortgage lender. Because the lender takes on less risk, they offer you a lower interest rate, typically 0.3% to 0.5% lower than without NHG. Over a 30-year mortgage, this adds up to tens of thousands of euros in savings.
NHG limits and costs in 2026
The NHG cost limit (kostengrens) determines the maximum property value for which you can apply. In 2026, this limit is €435,000. If you finance energy-saving improvements as part of your mortgage, the limit increases by 6% to €461,100.
The one-time cost of NHG is 0.4% of your total mortgage amount, known as the borgtochtprovisie. For a mortgage of €350,000, this means a one-time payment of €1,400. This fee is tax-deductible in the year you pay it.
| Year | NHG limit | With energy improvements (+6%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | €435,000 | €461,100 |
| 2025 | €450,000 | €477,000 |
| 2024 | €435,000 | €461,100 |
| 2023 | €405,000 | €429,300 |
How NHG saves you money
The main financial benefit of NHG is the lower mortgage interest rate. Here is how the savings typically work out:
| Mortgage amount | NHG cost (0.4%) | Monthly saving (0.4% rate discount) | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|
| €250,000 | €1,000 | ~€53 | ~19 months |
| €350,000 | €1,400 | ~€74 | ~19 months |
| €435,000 | €1,740 | ~€93 | ~19 months |
As you can see, the one-time NHG cost typically pays for itself within two years. After that, the lower interest rate is pure savings for the remaining mortgage term.
Do I qualify for NHG as an expat?
Yes, NHG is available to expats. Your nationality does not matter for NHG eligibility. What matters is:
- The purchase price of the property does not exceed €435,000 (2026 limit)
- You will live in the property yourself (no buy-to-let or holiday homes)
- Your mortgage meets the responsible lending standards (NHG-normen)
- You apply through a mortgage advisor who is NHG-certified
There is no requirement to hold Dutch citizenship or a permanent residence permit for NHG itself. However, you do need to qualify for a mortgage in the Netherlands, which has its own requirements regarding residency and income. Your mortgage advisor can guide you through both processes.
When NHG does not apply
You cannot get NHG if:
- The property price exceeds the NHG limit
- You plan to rent out the property
- You are buying a second home or holiday property
- Your mortgage does not meet the responsible lending standards
- The property is a houseboat (woonark) in most cases
The safety net explained
If you find yourself unable to pay your mortgage due to involuntary circumstances, here is what happens with NHG:
- You contact your mortgage lender and NHG to report the situation
- NHG helps find a solution, such as adjusting payments or a payment pause
- If the home ultimately needs to be sold and sells for less than the outstanding mortgage, NHG can cover the remaining debt
- This protection applies in cases of involuntary job loss, long-term disability, divorce, or death of a partner
This safety net is particularly reassuring for expats. If your employment situation changes or you need to return to your home country, NHG provides an important financial cushion.
How to apply for NHG
You do not apply for NHG separately. Your mortgage advisor handles the application as part of the mortgage process. When comparing mortgage advisors, make sure they are NHG-certified.
The NHG fee is typically paid at the notary appointment when the mortgage deed (hypotheekakte) is signed. You can also finance the fee as part of your mortgage, so you do not need to pay it upfront.
Next steps
NHG is almost always worthwhile if your property falls within the cost limit. The lower interest rate alone makes it a smart financial decision, and the safety net provides valuable peace of mind.
Ready to explore your mortgage options? Compare mortgage advisors who can help you navigate NHG and find the best mortgage for your situation.