Taxes & rules
What is an onderhandse lening? The complete guide
In short
An onderhandse lening is a loan made directly between people or organizations instead of through a bank. It is legally possible in the Netherlands, but the appropriate agreement, interest, repayment and tax treatment depend on the loan’s purpose and actual terms.
When is a private loan useful?
A private loan can finance a home, renovation, study, business or other expense when relatives or friends want to provide funding directly. The lender receives a repayment claim and the borrower takes on a real debt. Family ties do not create an automatic tax exemption or approved interest rate.
Before transferring money, both parties should decide whether the support is genuinely repayable. If repayment is not intended, describe it as a gift and assess the gift-tax rules instead of calling it a loan.
What should the agreement record?
Record the parties, principal, payout date, purpose, interest, term, repayment method, payment dates, early-repayment rules, late-payment process and any security. Explain how the rate was selected and keep the dated comparisons used.
The agreement is evidence, not a tax guarantee. The parties should then behave consistently with it by making and recording the agreed payments and documenting later changes.
Tax treatment depends on the purpose
A loan for an owner-occupied home can qualify for mortgage-interest deduction only when all applicable conditions are met. Other loans and the lender’s receivable can fall into different tax boxes. A separate gift can coexist with a loan, but the transfers and records should remain distinct.
A practical starting sequence
First define the purpose and amount. Then compare genuinely similar rates, choose a repayment structure, write the agreement and transfer the principal with a clear reference. Keep payment records and review only when the agreement requires it or circumstances change.
Sources and further reading
Facts checked against the primary sources below on 16 August 2026.
AFM: what to consider before taking out a loan
Belastingdienst: interest deduction for an own-home loan from family
Belastingdienst: examples for assessing family-loan interest rates
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