Truly independent mortgage advice

Scherp Financieel Advies specialises in insurance and mortgage advice in the Groningen area. We are fully independent and do business with all of the Netherlands’ lenders and insurers.

With over ten years’ experience as a mortgage adviser, insurance specialist, and financial adviser, we will always offer your reliable and sound mortgage advice with the most competitive mortgage interest rate and the best customised insurance.

Together with our Housing Partners, we offer the convenience of having all services under one roof.

All lenders under one roof

Scherp Financieel Advies is in no way tied to any bank or insurer.

Our customers are our sole clients, we work only for you. By recognising the uniqueness of each customer and listening carefully to your preferences and objectives, we are always able to deliver customised advice. No cutting corners or generic advice, but time and attention for customers is important to us.

Combined with the fact that we can offer all lenders and a wide range of insurers, you can be sure that we will get you the best possible deal. For today, but also for tomorrow. Our aim is to build a lasting relationship with you, so you feel comfortable to entrust your finances to us.

Personal and business insurance

Scherp Financieel Advies specialises in insurance in the Groningen area. As we work with a wide range of insurers, we will always offer you a competitive premium and the right terms and conditions. Aside from that, you will have all your policies, irrespective of whether they are with different insurers, in one single insurance package, with one single premium and an attractive package discount.

And this goes for both personal and business insurance. Also when it comes to invalidity insurance, life insurance, pension insurance, income protection, and other relevant insurance issues, we will be happy to sit down with you to go over your options, based on your preferences and drawing on our ample expertise.

We will also be your port of call for any changes to your policies, claims, calculations, and other services. In a nutshell, we truly make life easier for you as a one-stop shop for all your insurance needs.

With over ten years’ experience, we will always offer you a reliable and sound customised insurance package. Entirely free of charge, we will issue a quote that you can compare to your current policies.

Meet our team

For over fifteen years, Jeroen Koops van ‘t Jagt has been working as a financial adviser in the mortgage and insurance domain. He is also the person to turn to for advice on life insurance, business insurance, annuities, or other financial advice. For Jeroen, honesty, customer focus, and transparency come first. Find out for yourself in a personal advice meeting with no strings attached.

Besides our own expertise, we can draw on a large network of expert partners. After all, sound advice needs a professional follow-up. We work together with estate agents, project developers, property management firms, tax consultancies, notaries, divorce mediation providers, pension advice providers, and architectural firms.

Scherp Financieel Advies is a direct partner of Boekholt & partners and ben-s.nl.

Meet our team

Make an appointment for mortgage advice

The appointment is free of charge and without any obligations. We will try to get back to you within 24 hours to schedule an appointment.

FAQ about mortgages in the Netherlands

Which documents do I need for a Dutch mortgage application?

For employees: a valid passport (and residence permit if applicable), BSN, the two most recent salary slips, an employer’s statement, last year’s income-tax return, and a recent bank statement showing your salary and IBAN. Self-employed borrowers add up to three years of personal tax returns and annual accounts. The purchase agreement and an NWWI-validated valuation report are required for every loan.

Can expats get a mortgage in the Netherlands and what are the basic conditions?

Yes. Both EU and non-EU nationals may apply, provided they are registered in the Netherlands, hold a BSN, have a valid residence permit if required, and can show stable Dutch-euro income (usually on a permanent or long-term contract). Some lenders ask that you have lived here for at least six months; others do not.

What is the National Mortgage Guarantee (NHG) and what are the 2025 limits?

NHG is a government-backed guarantee that lowers your interest rate and protects you if forced to sell with a residual debt. In 2025 you can borrow up to €450,000 with NHG, or €477,000 if you finance energy-saving measures; the one-off guarantee fee is 0.4 % of the loan.

How is my borrowing capacity calculated?

Lenders combine your gross annual income (minus any consumer loans) with the official financing-cost percentages, the chosen interest-rate period and the property’s market value. You may finance up to 100 % of that value—or up to 106 % if the surplus is demonstrably invested in energy-efficiency upgrades.

How long does mortgage approval usually take?

Once all documents are complete, many lenders issue a binding offer within 5–10 working days; if questions arise, each new document check adds roughly two extra days. After you sign the offer, the funds are normally ready for transfer to the notary within one to three working days.

Which additional costs should I budget for besides the purchase price?

Plan for 4 %–6 % of the price: 2 % transfer tax (or 0 % for first-time buyers under 35 up to €525,000), notary fees of €900–€2,000, valuation (€600–€900), optional building survey, mortgage-advice fees and—if you use one—buyer’s-agent commission.

Should I choose a fixed or variable interest rate?

A fixed rate guarantees the same monthly payment for a chosen period (e.g. 10, 20 or 30 years) but costs more. A variable rate starts lower and can fall, yet moves with market rates—so payments may rise. Your decision depends on risk tolerance, plans to move, and expectations for future rates.

Why work with an independent mortgage adviser instead of going straight to a bank?

Independent advisers compare dozens of lenders, negotiate the sharpest rate–condition mix, and remain on your side if one bank declines. They are paid by you—not by a single lender—so their advice is unbiased and they can flex appointments outside office hours.