NHG (Nationale Hypotheek Garantie)

NHG (Nationale Hypotheek Garantie) is a government-backed mortgage guarantee scheme in the Netherlands that protects both borrowers and lenders from financial loss if a home must be sold due to uncontrollable circumstances (unemployment, disability, divorce, or death) and the sale price is insufficient to repay the mortgage. The guarantee is provided by the Stichting Waarborgfonds Eigen Woningen (Homeownership Guarantee Fund).

For 2026, mortgages up to €470,000 qualify for NHG coverage (or €498,200 if the mortgage includes energy-saving measures of up to €28,200). Borrowers pay a one-time fee of 0.4% of the mortgage amount to secure the guarantee. In return, lenders offer lower interest rates (typically 0.1–0.3% lower) because the risk is reduced. If you fall behind on payments due to covered circumstances, the NHG fund works with you to avoid forced sale and covers any remaining debt if sale proceeds are insufficient.

Real-World Example If Jan takes a €400,000 mortgage with NHG in 2026, he pays a one-time NHG fee of €1,600 (0.4%). In exchange, his lender offers a 0.2% lower interest rate (3.3% instead of 3.5%). Over 30 years, this saves him approximately €13,000 in interest. If Jan loses his job and must sell his home at a loss, the NHG covers any shortfall after the sale, protecting him from residual debt.