Let’s take a typical example. You buy your first apartment today. In five to ten years, you might ask yourself:
There’s no “right” answer. But thinking about these scenarios early gives you more flexibility later.
Your first purchase can become:
The key is to see your first home not only as a place to live, but also as part of your future financial story.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Questions worth asking yourself today"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Even if your next purchase feels far away, it’s useful to already reflect on a few points:
1. Could this property work as a rental later on?
Location, layout, energy performance and maintenance costs all matter when it comes to renting out a property. A well-located, energy-efficient apartment is often easier to rent and keeps its value better over time.
2. How flexible is my financial setup?
Your first mortgage, savings buffer and monthly budget will influence how easily you can move on to a second purchase later. Planning with some margin can make a big difference. E.g. maybe you want to keep your instalment lower by taking a mortgage loan with a variable rate?
3. Do I want to live bigger, or invest more?
Some people dream of a family home with a garden. Others prefer to keep living compact and invest in additional properties. Knowing which direction appeals to you helps guide your choices now.
You don’t need all the answers today – but asking the questions already puts you ahead.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"How to prepare for your “next step” from day one"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Here are a few smart ways first-time buyers can already prepare for the future:
"}},{"actionAccordionList":[{"icon":{"altTextNL":"\"\"","extension":"svg","original":"https://assets.ing.com/asset/5455fc3f-9953-4879-925c-06db6daa2665/Savings_goals-Pig_Outline.svg","transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/5455fc3f-9953-4879-925c-06db6daa2665/Savings_goals-Pig_Outline","type":"image","width":32},"paragraphs":[{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Before you buy, plan your savings: notary costs, down payment, and more. Because owning starts with saving.
But also think ahead: Lower your instalment and invest the difference? Or shorten your mortgage to prepare for a future purchase? Many options are possible, but one element remains key: plan your finances smartly.
"}}],"title":{"value":"Think about building wealth
"}},{"icon":{"altTextNL":"\"\"","extension":"svg","original":"https://assets.ing.com/asset/adc84c28-b773-4543-bf67-ab2bb0ecd2b0/Interest-Rate_Rising_Outline.svg","transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/adc84c28-b773-4543-bf67-ab2bb0ecd2b0/Interest-Rate_Rising_Outline","type":"image","width":32},"paragraphs":[{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Think beyond your own needs today. A property that’s attractive to others – buyers or tenants – gives you more options later.
"}}],"title":{"value":"Choose with future value in mind
"}},{"icon":{"altTextNL":"\"\"","extension":"svg","original":"https://assets.ing.com/asset/084d1446-655b-4620-80b6-b535efb565a9/Loans_goals-Garden_Outline.svg","transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/084d1446-655b-4620-80b6-b535efb565a9/Loans_goals-Garden_Outline","type":"image","width":32},"paragraphs":[{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Energy-efficient homes are often more future-proof, both in value and rental appeal, and tend to come with lower running costs.
"}}],"title":{"value":"Pay attention to energy performance
"}},{"icon":{"altTextNL":"\"\"","extension":"svg","original":"https://assets.ing.com/asset/49c09fc3-1586-4256-8897-d4377eedffbf/Functionalities-Lock_Open_Outline.svg","transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/49c09fc3-1586-4256-8897-d4377eedffbf/Functionalities-Lock_Open_Outline","type":"image","width":32},"paragraphs":[{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"A mortgage plan that fits your life today, without stretching your budget to the limit, makes it easier to save, invest or move later on.
"}}],"title":{"value":"Keep financial flexibility
"}},{"icon":{"altTextNL":"\"\"","extension":"svg","original":"https://assets.ing.com/asset/776b689b-f463-4a0f-bd69-d21a358e900a/Loans_goals-Events_Outline.svg","transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/776b689b-f463-4a0f-bd69-d21a358e900a/Loans_goals-Events_Outline","type":"image","width":32},"paragraphs":[{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Your first mortgage isn’t just about today’s home – it’s also about what you want to build over time.
"}}],"title":{"value":"See your mortgage as part of a long-term plan
"}}],"componentType":"actionAccordion"},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"ING: supporting you today, tomorrow and beyond"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"At ING, we know that buying your first property is only the beginning. That’s why we don’t just look at the transaction, but at your journey as a homeowner.
Whether you’re:
ING advisors help you look at the bigger picture. Together, you can explore scenarios, understand your possibilities, and make informed choices that fit your life – now and in the future.
Because the best financial decisions aren’t just about what works today, but about keeping doors open for tomorrow.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Ready to think ahead?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"If you’re buying your first home, now is the perfect moment to talk not only about this purchase, but also about what might come next. With the right preparation – and the right financial partner – your first home can be the start of something much bigger.
Make an appointment with an advisor
"}}]},"hasMacro":false,"id":"669309d4-be02-43f6-912c-c66bb95ccd49","legalZone":{"flexComponents":[{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Legal note"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"The ING Mortgage Loan, the ING Bridging Loan and the Mortgage loan combined are mortgage loans subject to the law of April 2016 concerning mortgage loans. Offer reserved for natural persons over the age of 18 and subject to prior acceptance of your application by ING Belgium and to mutual agreement.
Your application and any approval of your application by ING Belgium (after examination of your file by ING Belgium) in-branch or via the ‘Mortgage Loans Online’ service at ing.be are not binding for ING Belgium or you until you’ve signed the credit offer at your ING branch (or, in the case of an online application, at home) and returned it to ING. (subject to prior approval of your file by ING). Before this, we’ll look at whether the data disclosed in your application are correct and complete based on, for example, the supporting documents that have been or will be supplied).
General conditions for ING loans are available from any ING branch and on www.ing.be.
You will receive a personalised mortgage loan proposal when you submit your request, based on a set of factors including, but not limited to, preliminary checks and your risk profile. The request and any approval of your request by ING Belgium (after review of your file by ING Belgium) do not bind either ING Belgium or yourself as long as you have not signed a credit agreement. The accuracy and completeness of the information provided in the request are verified beforehand (including on the basis of documents submitted or to be submitted).
ING Belgium NV/SA – Bank/Lender – Marnixlaan/Avenue Marnix 24, B-1000 Brussels – RLP Brussels – VAT: BE 0403.200.393 - BIC: BBRUBEBB – IBAN: BE45 3109 1560 2789
"}}]},"localeString":"en-GB","mainHeaderZone":{"backLink":{"textLink":{"text":"Borrowing for your home","url":"/en/individuals/borrowing/home"}},"componentType":"editorialHeader","coreHeader":{"body":"Buying your first home is a big milestone. Whether it’s a city apartment or a small starter home, it often comes with a mix of excitement, pride – and a long to-do list. But while most first-time buyers are focused on getting the keys, there’s one smart move that’s often overlooked: thinking one step ahead.\r\n\r\nBecause for most people, a first home isn’t the last.\r\n\r\nA few years down the road, your life might look very different. A growing family, a new job, or a change in lifestyle might lead to a bigger home. Or maybe you’ll discover an interest in real estate as an investment. The good news? The choices you make today can make those next steps much easier tomorrow.","headerImage":{"extension":"jpg","original":"https://assets.ing.com/asset/a054a5d2-034c-414d-a9fb-1f8092a4702b/Large_Web-and-Screen-Two-young-colleagues-review-laptop.jpg","transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/a054a5d2-034c-414d-a9fb-1f8092a4702b/Large_Web-and-Screen-Two-young-colleagues-review-laptop","type":"image","width":1920},"title":"Buying your first home? Don’t stop at “first”."},"date":"2026-05-05","readingTime":5},"publishDate":"2026-08-31T11:57:19.162+02:00"}}