How much transfertax do you pay?

When purchasing a property in the Netherlands, you are required to pay transfer tax. The amount of this tax depends on your situation as a buyer and the market value of the property. Here’s everything you need to know about the rates, exemptions, and special cases.

What is transfer tax?

Transfer tax is a tax paid upon purchasing a real estate property, such as a home, land, or commercial building. The tax is calculated based on the market value of the property and varies depending on the circumstances.

Transfer tax rates in 2024

2%: For buyers who will use the property as their main residence.
10.4%: For buyers who will not live in the property themselves, such as for investment, vacation homes, or rentals.

First-Time Buyer Exemption in 2024

If you are between 18 and 35 years old and purchasing a property worth up to €510,000, you may qualify for the first-time buyer exemption. This means you won’t pay transfer tax, provided you meet the following conditions:

You are between 18 and 35 years old at the time of purchase.
The property will be your main residence, where you plan to live for an extended period.
The purchase price and the appraised value of the property do not exceed €510,000.
You have not previously used the first-time buyer exemption.

What if one buyer is over 35?

If two buyers purchase a property together and one is over 35 years old, the older buyer pays 2% transfer tax on their share of the property. The younger buyer qualifies for the exemption if they meet the conditions.

Special cases

In certain situations, you don’t need to pay transfer tax, such as:

Purchasing a property from your spouse or registered partner.
Transferring ownership due to a breakup, where one partner takes over the shared home.
Inheriting a property.
Reselling the property within six months without a value increase.

Resale within six months

If a property is resold within six months without an increase in value, the new buyer doesn’t have to pay transfer tax. This benefit usually goes to the first seller unless otherwise agreed. If the property’s value has increased, the tax is calculated on the difference between the two sale prices.

Applying for the first-time buyer exemption

To use the first-time buyer exemption, you must complete the "Declaration of First-Time Buyer Exemption" and submit it to the notary. If you forget, you can file an objection within six weeks after paying the transfer tax to still claim the exemption.

Transfer tax on new construction

If you’re buying a newly built home, you won’t pay transfer tax but instead pay 21% VAT on the purchase price.

Important considerations for rentals and vacation homes

For properties intended for rental, vacation homes, or those purchased for children, the higher rate of 10.4% applies. For partially rented properties, where at least 90% of the living space is used by the buyer, the exemption may apply in part.