Mortgage advice · Tilburg
The Dutch National Mortgage Guarantee: your safety net when things go wrong
Last updated on: August 16, 2026
Nobody buys a house expecting things to go wrong. But a divorce, redundancy or long-term illness can happen to anyone, in Tilburg too. The Dutch National Mortgage Guarantee (NHG) is a safety net for exactly those moments, and it often comes with a lower mortgage rate as well. In this article we explain what NHG actually does, what it costs in 2026 and whether it makes sense for you.
What exactly is NHG?
NHG stands for Nationale Hypotheek Garantie. It's not an insurance policy you claim on yourself, but a guarantee that the Homeownership Guarantee Fund (WEW) provides to your lender. If circumstances such as unemployment, disability or a divorce mean you can no longer pay your mortgage and your home has to be sold in a forced sale, any residual debt can be waived under certain conditions. That way you avoid dragging around a debt for years for a house you no longer even live in.
What does NHG cost in 2026?
The NHG limit for 2026 is €470,000. If you're financing energy-saving measures, the limit can rise to €498,200. The amount above the standard limit must be spent entirely on those energy-saving measures. The NHG guarantee fee for 2026 is 0.4% of the amount you borrow. Exactly which home value and financing fit within NHG depends on the NHG conditions and your situation.
What do you get out of it?
NHG can be attractive because lenders often charge a lower interest rate on mortgages with NHG. How big that rate advantage is differs per lender and risk category. So always weigh the guarantee fee against the rate advantage and the extra security NHG gives you.
When is a residual debt waived?
A waiver is not automatic. NHG assesses, among other things, whether you acted in good faith and whether you fully cooperated in limiting the loss. Think of meeting your payment obligations as far as possible, keeping the home in good condition and trying to sell it for the highest possible price. If you don't meet the conditions, any residual debt remains yours.
Is NHG mandatory, and is it a smart choice?
NHG is not mandatory. Whether it's a smart choice depends on your mortgage amount, interest rate, home value and personal situation. The rate advantage can offset the guarantee fee, but that's not automatically the case for every mortgage. If you buy above the NHG limit, NHG isn't available to you. In 2026 that limit is €470,000, or €498,200 when you meet the conditions for energy-saving measures.
Wondering whether NHG makes sense for you?
Whether NHG fits your situation depends on your income, your housing plans and the home you have your eye on. We're happy to think it through with you, free of obligation, over a cup of coffee at our office in Tilburg or online. Call us on 06 52 69 88 22 or email Martin@belderbrandt.nl and we'll set up an appointment.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get NHG if I'm buying together with my partner?
Yes. NHG can also be used with a joint mortgage, as long as the mortgage and the home meet the conditions. The assessment looks at the overall situation of the applicants.
Is NHG the same as mortgage insurance?
No. NHG is a guarantee between your lender and the Homeownership Guarantee Fund (WEW). It's not an insurance policy you claim on yourself, but a safety net that takes effect in the event of a forced sale.
Do I need to apply for NHG separately?
No, it's arranged as part of your regular mortgage application. We make sure it's set up correctly in the application from the start, so you don't have to give it another thought.
Ready for an introduction?
- 1Book a free introductory meeting
- 2We discuss your situation and options
- 3You decide whether and how to continue
Your introductory meeting is completely free and without obligation. It takes about 90 minutes.