Technical inspection for NHG
Buying with NHG? A technical inspection becomes mandatory when the valuation shows major deferred maintenance. Here's the 2026 rule and what to expect.
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When you buy a home with a National Mortgage Guarantee (NHG) mortgage, a technical inspection (bouwkundige keuring) becomes mandatory if the property valuation report shows significant deferred maintenance — specifically when the appraiser estimates that overdue maintenance exceeds 10% of the property's market value. Below that threshold, an inspection is optional but still strongly recommended.
Here's how the NHG inspection rule works in 2026 and what it means for your purchase.
When is a technical inspection required for NHG?
NHG itself doesn't require an inspection on every home. The trigger is the valuation (taxatie):
- If the appraiser concludes that deferred maintenance is more than 10% of the market value, a technical inspection report becomes a hard requirement for NHG cover.
- Many lenders also ask for a defect specification once necessary repairs are estimated above roughly €5,000.
In those cases, the inspection report has to confirm the actual condition and repair costs before your financing can be approved. Without a valid report meeting NHG standards, the guarantee — and often the mortgage — won't go through. NHG also lowers your interest rate, which can lift the maximum mortgage you can borrow.
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What does an NHG technical inspection check?
It's the same thorough inspection as any other technical inspection. A certified inspector assesses the visible condition of the property, including:
- Foundation and crawl space
- Roof structure, tiles, and gutters
- Exterior and interior walls
- Window frames and woodwork
- Installations (heating, electrics, plumbing) at a visual level
You receive a detailed report with photos, the defects found, how urgent they are, and an estimate of the repair costs. For a full breakdown of what's covered, see what is a technical inspection.
Why it works in your favour
Although it's an extra step, an NHG inspection protects you as much as the lender:
- It gives an independent, expert picture of the home's real condition before you're committed.
- If defects turn up, the seller can be asked to repair them — or you can negotiate the price down — before the financing is finalised.
- You move into your new home knowing what maintenance is coming, with no expensive surprises.
What does it cost, and can you deduct it?
An NHG technical inspection costs the same as a standard one: €350 to €600 in 2026, depending on the size and age of the property. See our full cost guide for the breakdown.
The cost itself isn't deductible from income tax, but with an NHG mortgage you can usually co-finance it into the loan, which makes the interest on that portion deductible. Read more about when an inspection is tax deductible.
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Frequently asked questions
Not always. It becomes a hard requirement when the valuation report shows that deferred maintenance exceeds 10% of the property's market value. Below that, it's optional but recommended.
No. There's no legal obligation for private buyers. The requirement with NHG comes from the lender and the guarantee scheme, not the government.
The same as a standard inspection: €350 to €600 in 2026, depending on the size and age of the home.
The cost itself isn't deductible from income tax, but with an NHG mortgage you can usually add it to the loan, making the interest on that part deductible.
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