{"type":"document","data":{"id":"4d70aa18-01ef-4dde-b6a1-a40dc3a80489","localeString":"en-GB","publishDate":"2025-11-26T13:32:46.732+01:00","contentType":"onecms:productPage","hasMacro":false,"flexPageMetadata":{"afmBanner":false,"robotInstruction":{"noIndex":false,"noFollow":false},"description":"Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make, and one of the most rewarding. It’s not just about the bricks, it’s about building a future, gaining independence and investing in something that’s truly yours."},"mainHeaderZone":{"componentType":"productHeader","cta":{"componentType":"cta","textLink":{"url":"/en/individuals/saving/compare-savings-accounts","text":"Start saving now"}},"coreHeader":{"body":"Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make, and one of the most rewarding. It’s not just about the bricks, it’s about building a future, gaining independence and investing in something that’s truly yours. At ING, we believe homeownership should be in reach for everyone. That’s why we offer tools, tips and support to help you start saving today, so when the right home comes along, you’re ready.","headerImage":{"transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/b9a46e0a-78e1-467d-8f5d-82c9b309f6b7/Woman-walking-home","type":"image","width":8192,"original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/2f1eb16b4232717e/original/Woman-walking-home.jpg","extension":"jpg"},"title":"Owning starts with saving","subtitle":"Your homeownership journey begins here","promoStickerLayout":"None"},"backLink":{"textLink":{"url":"/en/individuals/saving","text":"Saving"}}},"flexZone":{"flexComponents":[{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Thinking about buying your first home?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p>If you&apos;re currently renting, you might be wondering whether it&apos;s time to invest in a place of your own.</p><p><strong>Here’s why buying is worth considering:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>You’re in control:</strong> Decorate, renovate, and personalize your space without asking for permission.</li><li><strong>Turn expenses into investment: </strong>When renting, monthly payments are pure cost. When you own, a significant part of your housing expense goes toward paying down your mortgage loan. If you sell later, you recover part of what you invested—essentially building long-term wealth.</li><li><strong>Potential for appreciation:</strong> Property values often increase over time. While not guaranteed, selling several years after buying gives you a chance to earn more than your initial purchase price.</li><li><strong>Flexibility in payments</strong>: Rent is set by your landlord with little room for negotiation. In the process of becoming a homeowner, you can negotiate terms with your lender. It may be by adjusting the maturity of your loan to match your financial capacity or future projects or during the life of your loan by asking its modification.</li></ul>"},"alignedImage":{"position":"left","transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/18c1a642-856e-4444-8c6c-143e80cda153/Hand-presenting-house-small","original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/44f73110c17b14a3/original/Hand-presenting-house-small.svg","extension":"svg"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"The 4 steps to buying a home"},{"componentType":"applicationProcess","body":"Buying your first home can feel overwhelming, but the process doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s a straightforward 4-step overview to help you get started:","steps":{"stepList":[{"title":"Assess your current situation","body":"Understand your income, expenses, and how much you can reasonably save each month."},{"title":"Estimate what you can borrow","body":"Use ING’s mortgage simulator to get a realistic idea of your borrowing capacity."},{"title":"Start looking for the house of your dreams","body":"Explore neighborhoods, browse listings, and get a feel for what’s available in your price range."},{"title":"Buy the house and start making it your home","body":"Finalize your purchase, pay closing costs (like notary fees and taxes), and start settling in."}]}},{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"Want more information about the steps of buying your house?","richBody":{"value":"<p></p>"},"textLinks":[{"url":"/en/individuals/borrowing/home/one-stop-shop-purchase/6-steps-to-your-dream-house","text":"Discover the 6 steps"}]},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Assess your current situation"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p><span><span><span lang=\"EN-US\" dir=\"ltr\"><span>While a mortgage can cover a maximum of 80% to 100% of the property value (depending on your situation), you’ll still need own funds for additional costs such as the down payment, notary fees, registration fees, and more.</span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span lang=\"EN-US\" dir=\"ltr\"><span>Get prepared: start early and save consistently ! </span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span lang=\"EN-US\" dir=\"ltr\">Here’s a guide that might help you:</span></span></span></span></p><ul><li><strong>Track your income and expenses</strong><br />Identify where your money goes and spot areas to cut back.<br /><strong>Tip</strong>: If you have a look in our ING Banking App in the Insights Tab, we have already made it easy for you to do this!</li><li><strong>Choose the right savings account</strong><br />ING offers a set of savings accounts for different purposes. Do you want to save automatically and consistently, or do you prefer saving with the utmost flexibility?<br /><strong>Tip</strong>: Have a look at our comparison page and open the account(s) that are most relevant to you!</li><li><strong>Make saving a habit</strong><br />Set up a monthly standing order to your savings account and treat it like a non-negotiable expense<br /><strong>Tip:</strong> Send money automatically to your savings account every month with a standing order. This will help you save consistently. </li></ul>"},"alignedImage":{"position":"right","transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/1c989112-2e2b-4448-bc79-94468219ef86/Savings-piggy-bank-spot-2","original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/34b23aae37623ff2/original/Savings-piggy-bank-spot-2.png","extension":"png"}},{"componentType":"cta","textLink":{"url":"/en/individuals/saving/compare-savings-accounts","text":"Start saving today"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p><span><span><span><span lang=\"EN-US\" dir=\"ltr\">The journey to home ownership doesn’t start when you sign a contract, it starts when you begin saving. With ING you can prepare smartly, understand your budget and approach the buying process with confidence.</span></span></span></span></p>"}}]}}}