Kosten koper: what you actually pay when buying a home

Kosten koper (buyer's costs) are the fees you pay on top of the purchase price — typically 4–6% of the purchase price. Main components: overdrachtsbelasting (2% transfer tax — waived for first-time buyers under 35 up to €510,000), notariskosten (€1,000–€2,000), taxatiekosten (€400–€800), and hypotheekadvieskosten (€2,000–€3,500). These must come from your own savings — the mortgage cannot cover them.