At DutchReview, we like to celebrate all of the wonderful things that make the Netherlands great, but let’s be fair: there are some things the Netherlands just doesn’t have (but should).
If you’ve lived in Holland your whole life, you may not realise, for example, that there are real places in the world where the not-so-mythical sun actually shines. ☀️
However, we complain about the weather enough. Instead, let’s focus on some other vitally important things that the Netherlands doesn’t have.
1. Space and housing
Ok, so this one is quite simple. The Netherlands is small and has a lot of people. It would be nice to have a bit more space to put all these people.
It’s not as if we don’t have the technology. We’ve been making land out of water for hundreds of years. Why stop now?
A logical follow-up to the lack of space is the lack of houses (at least, that’s certainly what it feels like).
Let’s all just move to the countryside. Image: nerdy.maps/Wikimedia Commons/CC4
Ever tried finding a reasonable place to live in Amsterdam? It’s really super easy, as long as you don’t mind homelessness or crippling debt.
2. Good curtains
Although we love sneakily looking into people’s homes, we’ll never truly understand why the Dutch don’t have curtains. And it’s not just in the bedrooms that curtains (or the lack of them) can cause problems — it’s in every window! 🪟
Have you ever tried one of those lovely summer evening strolls in the Netherlands? There you are, just strolling calmly along the sidewalk, and suddenly your gaze drifts to the right.
Next thing you know, you’re blank staring at the neighbouring family inside eating dinner. You quickly turn back before you’re caught creeping, hoping it was fast enough. What would they think if they saw you?
Good curtains are just something that the Netherlands doesn’t have, but definitely needs if we’re ever to avoid more such awkward encounters.
3. Delicious Dutch cuisine
Yes, Dutch food does exist, but is the cornucopia of fried snacks and glorified mashed potatoes really a claim to fame?
Wouldn’t it be nice if the Dutch had…good food to call their own?
It’s not as though there is a lack of ingredients. The Dutch are some of the world’s most renowned experts when it comes to growing with greenhouse technology. Not to mention they have no issue producing high-quality meat and fish.
Why then, have the Dutch settled for sticking a potato, a plain piece of meat, and some broccoli on a plate? Simply put, it seems the Dutch, on the whole, lack an appreciation for truly flavourful food. 🧆
Boerenkool: The pinnacle of Dutch cuisine. Image: Depositphotos
To be fair, it’s not as though they have no tastebuds, and there are plenty of exceptions — but a love for food just isn’t as ingrained in the Dutch.
It’s not too strange to see a Dutchie bring their own sandwich to work (consisting of nothing but bread and cheese). 🥪
Have you ever seen a Frenchman do that? Or an Italian?
4. A good men’s football team
I’m super happy with the state of Dutch football. Well… the women’s team, that is. Nothing to complain about there. Let’s keep that up.
But when it comes to the men…well, let’s just say it seems that a good men’s football team is just another thing that the Netherlands doesn’t have. ⚽️
At least we’ve still got the orange spirit! Image: Depositphotos
Though the men’s team have qualified for the 2026 FIFA world cup, the Dutch football women have historically done much better overall. Let’s not forget when a Dutch female player was named FIFA’s Best Women’s Goalkeeper in 2019.
I’m staying optimistic for this year, though!
5. Toilets with leg space
Why can’t the Dutch just put the toilet in a room where you aren’t resting your knees halfway up the wall in order to fit your legs?
Why even bother putting a toilet if you end up squatting on top of it anyway? And it’s not as though the Dutch are small people, either!
It’s Valentine’s Day in the Netherlands and you’re dating a Dutchie. Not sure what to do or to gift them? If you’re thinking “nothing, or maybe a card,” then you may not be too far off!
If Valentine’s Day isn’t your favourite day ever, you’re not the only one: The Dutch are not the biggest fans, either.
Since numbers don’t lie, we can tell you two thirds of Dutchies in relationships report that they don’t celebrate this day! Most of them consider it to be just commercial nonsense — an obligation rather than a celebration.
So yes, you could say that there’s some truth to the stereotype that the Dutch are not heel romantic.
For most Dutch couples, Valentine’s Day is just a normal day. Image: Depositphotos
How can you surprise your partner on Valentine’s Day in the Netherlands?
Of course, we understand if you want to prepare a V-day little surprise for your schatje (darling).
That’s why, as someone who has been dating a lovely Dutchman for many years, I’m bringing you a selection of tried and tested things you can do to make the day of love a little more special (without going overboard, of course). 💘
Keep it cliché (and cheap)
Let’s say you are dating one of those rare Dutchies that actually enjoys the celebration of love on Valentine’s Day.
You don’t want to do anything too major, but you also don’t want it off your radar completely.
We believe that even the tiniest bit of thought makes a gift memorable — so why not learn some Dutch pick-up lines to reignite that spark with your loved one? 😉
If you’d rather stick with the classics, then the Netherlands is the right place to do so: plenty of Dutch people offer cards to their partner on Valentine’s Day.
You’d also still be a great Valentine if you go for chocolates or wine, but your don’t go too expensive. The Dutch are a thrifty bunch, after all!
Say it with flowers
Second to a card and chocolates? Flowers. Flowers from the market, flowers from the store, even the flower shop itself — they’re all flowers, and they’re all yours. 💐
However, where the French or the English might give their Valentine red roses, the Dutch are more into mixed bouquets, keeping it classy and colourful.
Of course, you can never go wrong with a bouquet of Dutch tulips! Image: Freepik
If you’re a florist, then this day is when you rake in all that sweet money. The number of pre-orders for flowers is enormous leading up to V-day.
According to Royal FloraHolland, they sell many more flowers in the early weeks of February than any other time of the year. In 2024, for instance, they sold 166 million roses in the two weeks before Valentine’s! 💐
Valentine’s Day activities in the Netherlands
If you want to do something a little special for V-day, there are a few things you could do.
For something a little extra, take a trip to the Dutch seaside, like Scheveningen, where we’ve compiled a whole list of activities that you could plan for your valentine. You could also try going out for an outdoor activity or a day trip, depending on your city.
Going on a city trip on Valentine’s Day? Don’t forget to dress for the Dutch weather! Image: Pixabay
As the true foodies we are, rest assured we have plenty of food suggestions for you here at DutchReview. And even if you’re in the mood for something a little low-key, you can opt for some home-cooking — maybe even go for a Dutch meal?
If you are planning on going to the restaurant, it’s crucial to think ahead and make reservations. The Dutch might not spend the most on presents, but they sure enjoy a nice dinner date. 🍽️
The only thing you should absolutely not do on Valentine’s Day, is to send your date a Tikkie for whatever activity you end up doing (but we’re sure you already knew that!). 😉
Good news! The NS has unveiled plans to boost rail services in the north and east of the country, with a direct Groningen-Rotterdam connection and weekend upgrades for commuters heading to Amsterdam and beyond.
The Dutch rail operator has published its advisory proposal for the 2027 timetable, and those of us in the northern and eastern regions are going to be the big winners.
The changes include bringing back direct trains between cities in these regions, adding more weekend services, and using high-speed trains to cut journey times.
The direct Groningen-Rotterdam route returns
Commuters coming to and from the north can rejoice. One of the headline announcements is the return of a direct intercity between Groningen and Rotterdam, which disappeared at the end of 2024.
And this time around, the train will take a faster route via the high-speed line (HSL).
According to NS, trains from Groningen will travel via the Hanzelijn to Zwolle and Schiphol, then continue along the HSL to Rotterdam Centraal. The new ICNG trains (nicknamed “the Wasp”) can reach speeds of 200 kilometres per hour on the high-speed track.
Travel times could drop even further once speed limits on the Hanzelijn are increased.
Weekend improvements across multiple regions
However, that’s not all. The NS is also proposing several weekend service upgrades that’ll make Saturday and Sunday travel significantly easier for those heading to or from major cities.
Between Amersfoort and Deventer, intercity trains will run three times per hour on Saturdays and Sundays, up from two currently. This improves connections between these cities and Amsterdam in both directions.
Meanwhile, Amsterdam and The Hague will see extra early-morning and late-evening intercities on weekends, and trains between The Hague Centraal and Amsterdam Centraal will add stops at Voorhout and Hillegom stations during weekends, replacing a sprinter service on that route.
For commuters from The Hague, there’s more good news.
The number of sprinters between The Hague and Dordrecht will double on Sundays, jumping from two to four per hour. During weekdays, the current ten-minute sprinter service will continue.
Another change on the cards is the return of a direct peak-hour train between Enschede and Amsterdam Centraal, which would help commuters travelling between the east and the capital.
These are proposals, not confirmed changes. NS asks regional governments and passenger organisations for feedback on the new timetable every year, which it uses to refine its plans.
Rail infrastructure manager ProRail will then assess whether NS’s wishes are feasible, taking into account the needs of other passenger and freight operators. The final 2027 timetable will be announced in autumn.
Will these changes make your commute easier, or are you still waiting for better connections? Let us know in the comments!
Whether or not you’ve heard the phrase “going Dutch”, you probably instantly understand what this means. The Dutch are notoriously known for keeping tabs on every cent, and not shying away from sending you a Tikkie for last week’s borrel. Here’s why you should think twice before doing that this Valentine’s day.
I had been living in the Netherlands for over three years when I first heard it. By that time, I had already experienced myself — and heard many stories about it — that dreaded moment at the end of dinner when the waiter comes with the bill.
What do the man and woman in the Netherlands expect from each other then? Is splitting the bill always acceptable?
Maybe it’s a cultural thing?
In many cultures, splitting the bill is not common practice at all, at least not for me, or many others coming from abroad to live in the Netherlands, or historically the majority of the Anglo-Saxon world from where the “going Dutch” phrase originally stemmed.
But why is this practice so ingrained in Dutch culture?
Coming from a country where everyone always insists (and almost fights) to foot the entire bill as a token of appreciation for the good time they have had, Dutch frugality was a bit of a shock for me. There are plenty of valid reasons to be conscious about how you spend your money, and the Dutch have mastered this with the invention of the Tikkie.
It sure is a handy invention. Image: DutchReview
Dutchies see paying their own bill as something natural; it’s a part of their ego and a show of the independence they pride themselves so much on. Unfortunately, this attitude ended up bleeding into a situation where I think it simply doesn’t belong — dating.
Dating is no time to be frugal because it is all about good impressions. That is why I support the good old way that men should be taking over the bill. It might be a Sisyphean task to explain why I find the Dutch way ineffective, but it might have something to do with making men lazy, and women, well, underappreciated.
Clichés that are ruining dating
If you have read this far and you still fail to see why you can’t just split the bill with your date, you might well be supporting one of the following clichés (which I think are ruining the dating scene):
Cliché 1
“Women today have a job and are independent. They don’t need a man to pay for everything while dating.”
Interesting, but here’s a 2026 spin on that: “Women today don’t need to prove that they have a job and are independent. They are entitled to prefer men that take the initiative.”
There is nothing wrong with a woman who likes men who take charge and can be romantic! Image: Depositphotos
Cliché 2
“Many women will only date a guy who is rich, with high social status and will expect him to pay for everything.”
Maybe. And so, what? Many men will only date women who are good-looking. It’s a trade-off of qualities, and definitely not wrong if it’s made clear and both people are okay with it from the get-go.
Women are hard-wired to look for a stable partner who can contribute to a possible new family. Men, on the other hand, are instinctively attracted to healthy-looking women.
The point is, if you are using that cliché to shame women with different priorities than yours, it’s time to stop.
Cliché 3
“Being a gentleman and paying for dinner doesn’t impress the women of today.”
Yes, it does. It especially does today, when it’s rare to find a guy who knows how to treat a woman he likes.
It’s not all about the money; it’s the gesture behind paying the bill that counts. It’s a show of appreciation and understanding of the effort that their date put into herself to look her best on that day with you. And, to an extent is a way of showing your financial stability, which is always impressive.
Paying for the bill, especially on a first date or Valentine’s Day, should be normalised! Image: Depositphotos
Why you shouldn’t go Dutch as a woman
If you are a woman in the Netherlands and it’s usual for you to suggest splitting the bill, ask yourself why you do that. Does it help fulfill your sense of independence, do you think it will impress him, or do you just feel awkward accepting him paying for the whole dinner?
Have you considered that you could be just perpetuating this new “norm” to fit into Dutch culture?
It’s normal for humans to want to belong, and we even go a long way to conform to what is generally accepted in society. But sometimes, it’s worth questioning whether these ideals serve their original purpose anymore.
First dates shouldn’t be for worrying about splitting the bill for dinner. Image: Freepik
Women who openly express a desire to be only with financially stable men are looked down upon. Debunking clichés that are meant to put shame on some women is a crucial part of establishing new norms of behaviour.
If you are like me, going Dutch on a date just wouldn’t send the right message. The law of attraction states that the feelings and desires you project, attract the same back at you.
It is best to be focused on what kind of relationship you want and, ultimately, what kind of man you wish to attract. First dates are a way of establishing how you want to be treated right from the start.
Why you shouldn’t go Dutch as a man
Simply because €34 will not make you any richer. You might argue that those dinners and drinks out add up, and if it weren’t for them, you could be driving that new scooter now. Possibly, but your new scooter will not impress her. Consistent and thoughtful gestures will.
To avoid surprises, carefully choose the place yourself according to your budget, so you don’t have to monitor her order, or, even worse, veto a meal or drink.
Imagine: you’re finishing a date and then get a Tikkie request sent to your phone! Image: Freepik
BONUS: What to do if she insists on paying:
Show her this article. If she just offers to pay: say no. Especially if you like her, do not accept. I would never offer that, but some women like to test the grounds.
Okay, but what if the date goes wrong?
It happens… a lot.
If you are a woman and you are having a horrible time, that would be a situation where paying your own part makes sense. You don’t want any gestures; you just want to leave. Understandable.
If you are a guy and your date goes wrong, be a class act, follow the advice above and eventually leave. Ghost if you need to. But really, do not send a Tikkie.
Will you be going Dutch this Valentine’s Day? Tell us in the comments below!
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of DutchReview.
The Netherlands just struck gold (and silver) at a nail-biting speed skating race at the Winter Olympics in Milan.
On Monday evening, Jutta Leerdam and Femke Kok battled it out in the women’s 1000m speed skating final.
Finishing in 1 minute, 12 seconds, and 31 milliseconds, Leerdam broke the Olympic record, edging Kok into silver by less than half a second.
Finally, the Netherlands had its first medal of Milano Cortina 2026 — and it came from the sport the Dutch know best.
Experts “run out of superlatives”
According to NOS, speed skating coaches and veterans were in disbelief at Leerdam’s performance.
Speed skating analyst Mark Tuitert thought Kok’s race was unbeatable. Watching Leerdam face that impossible pressure, he says, “This is the most beautiful 1,000 metres I’ve ever witnessed live.”
Meanwhile, a legend in Dutch speed skating, Ireen Wüst, says…
“If you can do this when Femke Kok just rode so incredibly hard in front of you… Stay true to yourself, maintain a certain calmness in your mind, keep the faith and confidence that you can do this too, and even faster, then you are truly by far the best.”
Mounting pressure
Aside from racing the clock, Leerdam faced a lot of pressure before her race.
Three-time Olympic champion Marianne Timmer knows pressure. But Leerdam faced even more, she tells NOS.
Aside from sponsor expectations, there was a media frenzy around Jake Paul, her influencer-turned-boxer fiancé. He was “shouting and saying they’d win gold,” said Timmer.
There was also backlash over a private jet: Leerdam ditched the team flight for one provided by a Quote 500 member.
Following recent recalls by Nestlé and Danone, up to thirty reports have been made in the Netherlands from parents whose children have fallen ill after eating baby food.
Dozens of callers described to RTL Nieuws’s tip line how their children had become seriously unwell from store-bought baby food.
Nestlé and Danone issued a recall last month due to the presence of cereulide in the products, a toxic substance.
Nutrilon, a Dutch subsidiary of Danone Nutricia, issued a recall as well this past weekend in response to the incident.
What happened?
Parents calling both RTL Nieuws and the NVWA in the last few weeks reported that their children were experiencing symptoms of gastrointestinal distress after consuming the Nutrilon products.
Apparently, some children became so unwell that they were hospitalised, reports RTL Nieuws.
Parents have been advised by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre to be vigilant and not to use these products for the time being.
But is it too little, too late?
What is Cereulide?
Cereulide is a toxin produced by a more commonly known bacteria called Bacillus cereus, which can exist and thrive in products like rice, pasta, and dairy.
Cereulide itself is also largely heat-resistant, which makes it much harder to get rid of once it has contaminated a product, according to Reuters.
In other words, even if the parents heat up their infant formula or boil it, it’s unlikely the food would be toxin-free.
Danone dodges claims
Despite issuing a recall, Danone is tiptoeing around accountability.
In talks with the NVWA, the company clarified that no cases have been officially linked to the Nutrilon product line, and that the link is therefore unconfirmed.
According to RTL Nieuws, they also said they didn’t receive complaints from any affected parents prior to the recall.
The company also emphasised its strict safety standards and regular quality inspections.
Following the first recalls, the agency established an acute reference dose for celeuride in infants, as well as concentrations in infant formula that should be marked as a potential safety concern.
Ultimately, the goal is to “help EU risk managers determine when products should be withdrawn.”
What do you think of the recalls? Let us know in the comments!
After three months of coalition talks, the full roster of ministers and state secretaries who will make up the Netherlands’ new minority cabinet is now known. There are quite a few fresh faces.
The lineup was completed yesterday with the final D66 nominees announced. Let’s break this list down.
Minister for Agriculture
First up, 34-year-old Jaimi van Essen of D66 has been appointed as the Minister for Agriculture.
According to NOS, Van Essen, currently a climate councillor in Deventer, is expected to tackle one of the government’s toughest challenges: solving the nitrogen crisis whilst reducing the number of farms.
That challenge is sure to cause some upheaval, to say the least. D66 has previously advocated halving the livestock population, a position farming organisations haven’t forgotten. Let‘s see if the farmers’ riots will return.
Minister for Defence
The VVD secured the Defence portfolio, with Dilan Yeşilgöz stepping into the role.
The current Defence Minister, Ruben Brekelmans, will head to parliament to lead the VVD faction in the Tweede Kamer (House of Representatives).
Ministers of Finance and Health
Finance Minister Eelco Heinen keeps his position for the VVD, whilst VVD’s Sophie Hermans takes on the challenge of the Health Ministry.
She is expected to be responsible for implementing the coalition’s planned healthcare reforms (aka drastic cuts).
Minister of Social Affairs
For D66, veteran Hans Vijlbrief will become Minister of Social Affairs. He has the unenviable task of selling Social Security reforms that include raising the retirement age and shortening benefit durations.
Vijlbrief previously served as a state secretary handling earthquake damage compensation and the closure of gas extraction operations in the Groningen province.
Digital Economy and housing
The coalition also announced that cyber expert Willemijn Aerdts of D66 will become State Secretary for Digital Economy, while D66’s Elanor Boekholt-O’Sullivan, now a high-ranking military officer with the rank of lieutenant general, will oversee Housing and Spatial Planning.
The ambitious goal is to build 100,000 homes annually; perhaps she can also leverage her military experience to remove red tape and move things forward.
A cabinet with no ministerial veterans from the CDA
One striking detail about this cabinet? Not a single CDA nominee has previous ministerial experience.
The party’s candidates bring expertise from roles as provincial deputies, MPs, MEPs, and corporate positions, but none have sat at a ministerial desk before.
According to NOS, this “new generation” approach fits with CDA leader Henri Bontenbal’s vision, who stated last week that fresh faces were essential for the party’s direction.
Overall, 12 of the 28 cabinet candidates across all three parties have previous ministerial experience — but that number drops significantly when you look at the CDA specifically.
What happens next: security screenings and the ‘bordesfoto‘
All candidates will undergo security screenings and interviews with Jetten before the official royal swearing-in.
The cabinet aims for a February 23 ceremony, though that date is not yet confirmed. They will then get their picture taken with the king, as is tradition.
One notable absence from this process? Parliamentary hearings with candidates. These were introduced two years ago but were recently scrapped after the PVV withdrew support, leaving no majority to continue them.
As readers will recall from the coalition agreement announcement two weeks ago, this will be a minority cabinet with just 66 seats in the 150-seat parliament.
Every single piece of legislation will require convincing opposition parties to vote along, so there will be no guaranteed majorities, no easy wins, and we’ll just have to see if anything materialises.
The complete starting cabinet lineup of Jetten 1
Here’s everyone who’ll be running the Netherlands (or at least trying to):
General Affairs
Rob Jetten (D66) — Prime Minister
Foreign Affairs
Tom Berendsen (CDA) — Minister of Foreign Affairs
Sjoerd Sjoerdsma (D66) — Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation
Justice and Security
David van Weel (VVD) — Minister of Justice and Security
Claudia van Bruggen (D66) — State Secretary of Justice and Security (legal protection and prison system)
Bart van den Brink (CDA) — Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Asylum and Migration
Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations
Pieter Heerma (CDA) — Minister of Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations
Eric van der Burg (VVD) — State Secretary of Home Affairs (kingdom relations and effective governance)
Elanor Boekholt-O’Sullivan (D66) — Minister of Housing and Spatial Planning
Education, Culture and Science:
Rianne Letschert (D66) — Minister of Education, Culture and Science
Judith Tielen (VVD) — State Secretary of Education, Culture and Science
Finance
Eelco Heinen (VVD) — Minister of Finance
Nathalie van Berkel (D66) — State Secretary of Finance
Sandra Palmen (independent) — State Secretary for Allowances Recovery
Defence
Dilan Yeşilgöz (VVD) — Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence
Derk Boswijk (CDA) — State Secretary of Defence
Infrastructure and Water Management
Vincent Karremans (VVD) — Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management
Annet Bertram (CDA) — State Secretary of Infrastructure and Water Management
Economic Affairs and Climate
Heleen Herbert (CDA) — Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate
Willemijn Aerdts (D66) — State Secretary of Economic Affairs (digital economy and sovereignty)
Stientje van Veldhoven (D66) — Minister of Climate and Green Growth
Jo-Annes de Bat (CDA) — State Secretary of Climate and Green Growth
Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature
Jaimi van Essen (D66) — Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature
Silvio Erkens (VVD) — State Secretary of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature
Social Affairs and Employment
Hans Vijlbrief (D66) — Minister of Social Affairs and Employment
Thierry Aartsen (VVD) — Minister of Work and Participation
Health, Welfare and Sport
Sophie Hermans (VVD) — Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport
Mirjam Sterk (CDA) — Minister of Long-term Care, Youth and Sport
Think this minority cabinet will actually get things done, or are we in for endless political negotiations? Share your predictions in the comments.
If you’re landing at Schiphol tomorrow afternoon, you might want to mentally add an extra hour (or two) to your journey home. Dutch customs officers are protesting in a unique way.
How? They’ll be carrying out checks on the baggage of all arriving passengers.
Yep, between 12:00 and 1:30 PM tomorrow (Tuesday, February 10), every single traveller collecting their checked luggage at Schiphol is expected to face a customs inspection.
That includes you, even if you have nothing to declare and would normally walk straight out of the baggage hall.
The action, announced by trade unions FNV, CNV, and AC Rijksvakbonden, is part of a broader campaign for higher civil service salaries. Rotterdam and Vlissingen ports will also see extra customs checks tomorrow.
Why customs officers are taking action
The unions are protesting against the government’s so-called nullijn (zero line) policy, which freezes salaries for all civil servants in 2026 with no inflation adjustment.
According to FNV, customs officers work alongside police, the Marechaussee (military police), and fire services to secure Dutch borders. And yet, those other services received pay increases, while customs workers received none.
“It’s inexplicable,” FNV Overheid official Jasper de Jong tells Transport Online.
This is a stand against the government, not travellers
The unions acknowledge their action will cause disruption and want travellers to know it’s not about them, but the government.
“We genuinely find this unpleasant,” the FNV writes in a statement. “Customs officers care about their work and society. This action is explicitly not a conflict with Schiphol or with travellers, but with the national government that is letting down its own workers.”
As passengers report empty planes, flight bookings from Schiphol to the US have dipped by nearly a quarter. But why? Many can hazard a guess.
Donald Trump has been busy lately: trying to annex Greenland, deporting Dutch people from the States, kidnapping Venezuela’s president, and deploying ICE.
It’s no wonder Nederlanders want nothing to do with the “land of the free.”
Reports by AD and The Financial Times suggest the US president’s recent actions could certainly be a factor.
Bookings to the US take a noticeable hit
Aside from travellers reporting empty rows on US-bound flights, there’s abundant data showing the US’ drop in popularity as a travel destination.
Aviation data from Cirium shows that bookings from major European airports to the US have dropped significantly for July.
Schiphol is among the hardest hit, with a 23% decline compared to the same month last year.
Meanwhile, data from the International Air Transport Association from 2025 shows that air traffic grew the least between Europe and the US: a measly 2.8%.
When NOS surveyed travel companies two weeks ago, their answer was clear. Bookings to the US are down 20%.
Given the fact that the World Cup is still planned for July, the timing of the decline is especially jarring.
Trump’s political moves and stricter visas deter travellers
While we cannot control Trump’s politics, avoiding the US entirely is a choice many seem to be making.
According to the NOS, travel agents are citing Trump’s capture of Maduro, threats towards Greenland, and ICE as reasons why travellers are reluctant to make the journey to the US.
The Netherlands isn’t the only country having this reaction. According to YouGov, Great Britain, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain are also seeing fewer travellers to the US, attributing this trend to a negative view of the US.
And the US is feeling the repercussions of this.
The Financial Times reports that 11 million fewer tourists travelled to the US in 2025 compared to the year before. This has cost Americans roughly $50 billion in lost revenue. Yikes.
Part of the drop also comes down to tighter US visa rules, which have made entry from countries like Brazil and Thailand impossible.
Translation: Flights to the US are empty. Thx to the Donald.
What does this mean for your travel plans?
Anyone who missed the “boycott the US” memo and still wants to fly stateside this summer is in luck, according to travel website Thrifty Traveler.
Air capacity between Europe and the US is over 2% higher this July compared to last year. And with fewer people booking seats, this can only mean one thing: cheaper tickets.
Meanwhile, flights between Europe and Asia jumped by a whopping 11.8%, suggesting many Europeans are redirecting their travel plans eastward.
The first thing you probably ask yourself when you decide to take out a Dutch mortgage is this: “Okay, so what can I afford to buy?” In other words, you want to know about your borrowing power.
In this article, we’ll cover important factors to consider when buying and financing a home in the Netherlands.
In the end, what’s most important is that you understand the options and choose what best suits your plans and wishes. Ensuring that your finances don’t keep you up at night and you can sleep with a clear mind in your new home.
In the Netherlands, there are several factors that will determine how much money a mortgage provider will lend you. Many of these factors are dependent on timing.
So, what’s your borrowing power in the Netherlands going to look like in 2026?
We teamed up with the mortgage experts at OHAO to bring you the latest insights into your borrowing power for 2026. With access to 40+ mortgage lenders, they deliver top-quality advice and help you compare mortgage interest rates. And the best part? No hidden fees. OHAO’s advisory fee is among the lowest in the market — transparent, fair, and the same for everyone.
What is borrowing power?
Put simply, your borrowing power is the mortgage amount a mortgage provider will approve.
This is determined based on a number of factors:
Your gross annual income. Yep, that’s right, gross income — so before taxes. While only a certain amount of your income may be landing in your bank account, when calculating your borrowing power, your income before taxes will be considered. Why? Because you can be eligible for a tax benefit on part of the interest paid on the mortgage loan for your residential property.
The duration of the mortgage. This will also affect your borrowing power. In the Netherlands, the standard mortgage duration is 30 years. You can choose a shorter term. However, the shorter the term may lower your borrowing power. This is because your monthly mortgage repayments are higher if you repay faster.
The interest rate. A higher mortgage interest rate, means lower borrowing power. If the interest is higher, less of your calculated budget (income that can be spent on housing) goes towards capital repayment, so you can borrow less.
Good to know: If you have a partner, their income will also be considered. Since 2023, this second income will account for 100% of the calculation (as opposed to 90% in previous years).
Changes for your Dutch borrowing power in 2026
As mentioned before, your borrowing power also depends on timing. Every year the government adjusts the calculation rules, mortgage providers adjust their conditions, interest rates can change, and the housing market evolves. So, what’s different in 2026?
Dutch mortgage interest rates in 2026 are expected to remain stable — but what does this mean for your mortgage? Image: Freepik
Dutch mortgage interest rates are stabilising
Mortgage interest rates in the Netherlands have stabilised after declining throughout 2025, with rates now hovering around their lowest point in recent years.
According to major Dutch banks, rates are expected to remain broadly stable through 2026, with the European Central Bank (ECB) keeping its deposit rate around 2%.
What does this mean for your borrowing power in 2026? With interest rates staying low and stable, combined with an expected 4.1% wage increase, most households will be able to borrow more.
If interest rates remain stable and wages increase as expected, many households could see a modest improvement in their borrowing capacity — however, the exact impact will still depend on personal income, expenses, and lender criteria.
A mortgage expert can discuss your Dutch borrowing power with you — so what’s changing in 2026? Image: Freepik
How does this work?
In the Netherlands, your borrowing capacity is influenced by:
The loan-to-value ratio (LTVR) or risk category
The interest fixation period, i.e. the period of time the client chooses to fix the interest rate (we’ll explain these below).
The interest rates of the mortgage provider
The loan-to-value ratio (LTVR) sounds tricky, but it’s actually quite simple.
For example: If a house is worth €350,000 and you want to take out a loan for €350,000, then your LTVR is 100%. This means that your LTVR also falls into the high-risk category. If your mortgage is €315,000, the LTV is 90%, which means the mortgage provider might offer you a lower interest rate.
This means that if you use more of your savings to finance your home, the LTV can decrease. A lower LTV can mean a lower interest rate and lower monthly payments. Lower interest rates can result in a higher borrowing power!
In the end, what’s most important is to balance the following aspects. Let’s order them by priority:
Monthly payments: What monthly payments are you comfortable with?
Input of savings: What amount of your savings can you use for this purchase?
Borrowing power: Within your parameters and the banks’ conditions, what is the best balance?
Sustainable measures remain very important
As we all know, energy in the Netherlands is expensive. How does this interact with the housing market?
Many people are looking for sustainable measures to reduce energy costs and be less dependent on, for example, gas.
The future of Dutch housing is a sustainable one, and that will help improve your borrowing power. Image: Freepik
Not only are sustainable housing options a good move to consider when you already own a home, but also when you’re looking to buy one.
If you wish to make sustainable changes to the home you’re considering buying, this can increase your borrowing power.
As of January 2024, home buyers in the Netherlands could borrow more money to purchase a home and improve its energy label. In 2026, this continues to play an important role in how much you can borrow towards a mortgage.
Just how much extra money you can borrow is determined by where the house’s energy label falls:
The lower the energy rating, the more money you can borrow to implement energy-saving measures in the home.
The higher the energy rating, the more you can borrow to purchase the home.
Energy label
Extra money to implement energy-saving measures
Extra money to purchase the home
E, F and G energy label
€20,000
€0
C or D energy label
€15,000
€5,000
A or B energy label
€10,000
€10,000
A+ or A++
€10,000
€20,000
A+++
€0
€25,000
A++++
€0
€40,000
A++++ with at least a 10-year energy performance guarantee
€0
€50,000
The NHG limit has gone up
As of January 2026, you can take out a mortgage with the National Mortgage Guarantee (NHG) for homes with a purchase price or value of up to €470,000, including renovation costs, or €498,200 if you plan on taking energy-saving measures.
In order to take out a mortgage with the National Mortgage Guarantee, you must pay a one-off contribution. In 2026, this contribution amount remains at 0.4%
For example, if you wanted to take out a mortgage of €450,000 with the NHG in 2026, the one-time costs are €1,800.
Another important change in 2026? From January, this NHG limit applies to all home types.
Singles can still borrow €17,000 more than couples
If you are single and not looking to mingle, you don’t have to give up on your dream of owning a home.
In January 2024, single people in the Netherlands with an income of at least €28,000 became eligible to borrow an extra €16,000 towards buying a home. In 2025, this amount increased to €17,000 and will remain the same in 2026.
By allowing for this extra borrowing power, the Dutch government hopes to give singles a fighting chance in the Dutch housing market.
Whether or not your wages increase is very important in 2026
Good news! According to the National Institute for Budget Information (NIBUD), your wages will increase in 2026 by an expected 4.1%. And an increased wage means increased borrowing power.
What sort of increase can we expect? Well, in 2026, households with an average gross income of €70,000 able to borrow around €6,000 more compared to 2025.
As NIBUD researcher Marcel Warnaar puts it, “On average, people will be able to get a larger mortgage in the new year.”
However, please note: without a wage increase, your borrowing capacity may actually decrease slightly due to inflation. According to NIBUD, it’s the wage growth that’s driving increased borrowing power, not just the interest rates.
How do interest rates impact your borrowing power?
A mortgage expert will make the whole process a lot less stressful for you, and they can tell you what your borrowing power is for a house in the Netherlands. Image: Freepik
Interest rates are certainly going to impact your borrowing power. And how much do you know about them? For example, do you know the difference between fixed and floating mortgage interest rates?
A floating/variable mortgage interest rate means that the interest rate can change every month throughout the loan period. This change is determined by your mortgage provider and largely based on fluctuations within the market.
A fixed interest rate does what you imagine, the interest rate is fixed throughout the fixed period you choose. Depending on the mortgage provider, that can be any period from one year, to the full duration of 30 years.
Let’s compare the two a bit further.
The pros and cons of floating mortgage interest rates
First up, the pros of a floating mortgage interest rate:
One of the key pros of taking out a mortgage with a floating interest rate is that you have the flexibility to adjust your mortgage.
Your interest contract is renewed every month. As a result, you can adjust your mortgage every month without having to pay a penalty to break a fixed contract.
The mortgage provider can adjust the interest rate every month, and if the provider decides to decrease rates, you benefit from this directly.
However, there are also some cons.
For one, you will experience uncertainty in your monthly payments. The bank can change your floating rate every month, which in turn means your monthly payment can change every month.
Is the interest rate decreasing? Good! You’ll have lower costs. Is the interest rate increasing? Well, your monthly payments will too.
Floating rates are often (slightly) higher than short fixed rates (one to three years).
So, who should choose this option? Floating interest rates are mostly interesting for people who want to regularly check interest rates and are ok with changing monthly payments.
Pros and cons of fixed mortgage interest rates
Now, let’s talk about fixed mortgage interest rate loans. First up, the pros.
One big pro is that you can enjoy certainty in your monthly payments.
During your fixed interest period, you know exactly what your monthly payments will be, no surprises. If the mortgage provider decides to increase their rates, you will not be affected during your fixed period.
After the fixed interest period, your mortgage provider will offer new interest rates. At that time, you can also choose to refinance your mortgage with another mortgage provider with better rates and conditions.
As for the cons, there is less flexibility than with floating rates. You can only change the interest rates after the fixed period. Want to break the contract during the fixed period? This could get you a penalty.
So, who should choose this option? Fixed interest rates are mostly interesting for people who like more security in their monthly payments. You can choose to fix the interest for a period that suits you best.
Feeling overwhelmed? That’s completely understandable. The experts at OHAO have helped thousands of expats navigate the Dutch mortgage process, earning an average rating of 9.9 on Advieskeuze. You can check their reviews and schedule a free, no-obligation call.
What fixed interest should international homebuyers in the Netherlands consider?
First of all, you should determine how long you expect to stay in the Netherlands — especially if you’re considering opting for a fixed interest period.
On average, people stay in their first home for four to seven years. When benefitting from the 30% ruling you might consider living here for the five year duration of the ruling.
Internationals may stand to benefit from lower interest rates. Image: Freepik
Or maybe you’re planning on starting a family in a couple of years and you may want to move to another place or country. Whatever your future plans are, you can tailor your mortgage to these.
For example, the standard fixed interest period is 10 years. However, if you are planning to leave the Netherlands in six years, you might not need the security of a 10 years fixed rate.
In that case, you would pay a higher interest for an extra four years security that you do not end up using.
Moral of the story? You should make sure to gather all the information and advice before you make the final decision.
Are you an international who has bought a home in the Netherlands recently? Tell us about your experience in the comments below!
