ExpatoolNL

Kosten koper (k.k.): the real cost of buying (2026)

In short

"Kosten koper" (k.k.) means the buyer pays the purchase costs on top of the asking price — typically 4–6% in total: 2% transfer tax (0% for starters), notary fees for the transfer and mortgage deeds, a valuation (taxatie), mortgage advice, and optionally a buying agent (~1%). Financing costs are tax-deductible in year one; the transfer tax and agent fee are not.

What's included

Transfer tax (overdrachtsbelasting), notary — transfer deed, notary — mortgage deed, valuation, mortgage advice + bank guarantee, and an optional buying agent. A structural survey is extra and only deductible if the lender required it.

Deductible vs not

Financing costs — the mortgage deed, valuation, advice and NHG premium — are deductible in full in year one. Purchase costs — transfer tax, transfer deed and the buying agent — are never deductible. Our calculator applies this split automatically.

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Frequently asked

How much is kosten koper in the Netherlands?
Roughly 4–6% of the purchase price. On a €400,000 home that's about €16,000–€24,000, most of it the 2% transfer tax plus notary, valuation, advice and an optional agent.
Does kosten koper apply to new-builds?
No — new-builds are usually 'vrij op naam' (v.o.n.), meaning the developer covers those costs and there's no transfer tax (VAT applies instead).

Related guides

Startersvrijstelling: the first-time buyer exemptionOverdrachtsbelasting: Dutch transfer taxHypotheekrenteaftrek: mortgage interest reliefNHG: the National Mortgage GuaranteeBox 3: Dutch wealth taxEigenwoningforfait: the home-ownership levyErfpacht: Dutch ground leaseWOZ value: the municipal valuationOZB: municipal property taxVvE: the owners' associationMortgage types: annuity, linear, interest-onlyWet Hillen: relief for a small or paid-off mortgageAankoopmakelaar: the buyer's agent
© 2026 Expatool · Educational, not financial or tax advice · 2026 Dutch tax rules.