New house: Will the mortgage interest also move?
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If you’re thinking about purchasing a second home in the Netherlands, you may have come across the term meeneemregeling. This handy Dutch mortgage option can offer significant financial advantages when upgrading or buying an additional property. In this blog, we’ll explore what the meeneemregeling is, how it works, and why it might be beneficial when purchasing a second home.
What is the Meeneemregeling?
The meeneemregeling, or "carry-over scheme," allows homeowners to transfer the favorable mortgage terms from their first home to a new one. If you’ve locked in a low-interest mortgage on your current home, the meeneemregeling lets you carry that same interest rate over when purchasing a second property or moving to a new home.
This can be particularly useful in times of rising interest rates, as it enables you to maintain the lower rate you previously secured, potentially saving you a substantial amount of money on your mortgage over the long term.
How Does the Meeneemregeling Work?
When you sell your first home and purchase a second one, the meeneemregeling allows you to transfer the interest rate of your existing mortgage to the mortgage on your new property. However, there are a few important conditions:
- Loan Amount: The meeneemregeling typically applies only to the portion of the mortgage that equals or is lower than the outstanding balance of your current mortgage. If the new home requires a higher loan amount, the additional sum will usually be subject to the current market interest rate.
- Time Limit: Most lenders have a time limit on how long you can use the meeneemregeling after selling your current property. This period can vary between banks but is often around six months to a year.
- Same Lender: In most cases, the meeneemregeling is only available if you stay with the same mortgage lender. If you switch banks, you may lose the benefit of transferring your old interest rate.
- Mortgage Type: This scheme is often only applicable if your original mortgage is an annuity or linear mortgage. If you have a different mortgage structure, it’s essential to check whether the meeneemregeling applies.
Is the Meeneemregeling Right for You?
The meeneemregeling can offer great benefits for homeowners looking to purchase a second home, but its suitability depends on your personal financial situation, the size of the new mortgage, and current interest rate trends. Speaking with a mortgage advisor is crucial to ensure you fully understand how this option fits into your long-term plans.
At Cash Vision, we specialize in helping clients navigate the complexities of buying second homes and making the most of options like the meeneemregeling. If you’re thinking about purchasing another property, contact us today to explore your mortgage options and see how we can help you carry over the best terms from your current mortgage!