Technical inspection: everything you need to know

A technical inspection (bouwkundige keuring) is a visual assessment of a property's condition by a certified surveyor, costing €350–€600 in 2026, that reveals hidden defects before you buy. It's not legally required, but it's one of the smartest steps you can take when buying a house in the Netherlands — it tells you what you're really buying and gives you room to negotiate. Here you'll learn what gets checked, how it works, what it costs, and when you actually need one.

What is a technical inspection?

A technical inspection is an examination of a building by a construction expert. During this inspection, the property is thoroughly examined to determine whether there are any defects or issues that could affect its safety, durability, or value. The surveyor then draws up a report with the findings and any recommendations.

A technical inspection is often part of a purchase agreement, but it's also useful simply to understand the condition of a building and any areas for improvement. In some cases it can even be required, for example when applying for certain permits or a home renovation subsidy.

What does a building surveyor check?

The surveyor goes through the property piece by piece, inside and out, and rates the condition of each part. A typical inspection covers:

• Roof and gutters – leaks, worn tiles, the state of the roof structure
• Foundation and walls – cracks, subsidence, signs of movement
• Moisture and damp – rising damp, condensation, wood rot
• Window frames and joinery – paintwork, rot, sealing
• Installations – plumbing, electrics, and central heating at a visual level
• Insulation and ventilation – where these are visible

For each issue you get an indication of how serious it is and an estimate of the repair cost. That gives you a clear overview of what may need attention now and what can wait.

How does a technical inspection work?

The process is straightforward and usually takes just a few hours:

1. You book an inspection, ideally before signing the purchase agreement or within the resolutive conditions.
2. The surveyor visits the property, often together with you, and assesses it room by room.
3. Within a few days you receive a written report with photos, findings, and cost estimates.

Most inspections of an average home take around two to three hours on site. Want to know what surveyors pay extra attention to? Read our guide on what to pay attention to during an inspection.

What does a technical inspection cost?

The cost of an inspection is usually between €350 and €600. The price depends mainly on the size of the house, but also on other factors such as the type of property and the region. In general, the larger the home, the more expensive the inspection.

For a full breakdown of what drives the price, see our detailed guide on technical inspection costs.

Is a technical inspection required?

No, a technical inspection is not legally required for private buyers. However, we strongly recommend it. A house can look good and seem well-maintained from the outside, but a report shows the actual condition. There's one exception: when you buy with a National Mortgage Guarantee (NHG) and the property valuation shows major deferred maintenance, an inspection becomes mandatory — see our guide on a technical inspection for NHG.

A specialist often sees more than you do. With an inspection report, you won't be faced with expensive surprises after the purchase. So it's definitely not money wasted, especially when you're buying a house.

Is the inspector qualified?

A building inspector is someone trained to inspect and assess structures for their safety and structural integrity. This is usually someone with a background in structural engineering or a related field.

In some cases an inspector is also trained in specific areas such as fire safety or sustainability. The exact qualifications can vary depending on the rules and standards in the region where they work. At HuisAssist you're always matched with experienced, certified surveyors.

Is a technical inspection tax deductible?

If you pay for the inspection yourself, the cost is not deductible from income tax — it's a purchase cost, not a financing cost. The only exception is when you co-finance the inspection into your mortgage: in that case the interest on that portion is deductible through the mortgage interest deduction, though the benefit is small. Read more about exactly when an inspection is tax deductible.

Getting the report in English

If you don't speak Dutch, you can ask for your inspection report in English. This is especially helpful for international buyers who want to fully understand the condition of their new home. Learn more about a technical inspection with an English report.

Frequently asked questions

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