Change your mortgage interest rate
Discover your options
Do you want lower monthly expenses? More financial security? Or swap your variable interest rate to a fixed rate? You can change your mortgage interest quickly and easily in Internet Banking or the ABN AMRO app.
4 options for changing your mortgage interest rate
1. End of the fixed interest rate period
If you’re approaching the end of your fixed-rate period, you can make an appointment to discuss your new mortgage interest rate. We’ll make you an offer three months before the fixed-rate period is due to end. You can use this time to work out whether your mortgage is still right for you. It’s the perfect time to change one or more loan parts of your mortgage without paying a fee, and maybe lower your monthly payments.
Always review the different loan parts of your mortgage carefully. Is this a good time to pay off or transfer your mortgage perhaps? Can you get a client discount and/or sustainability discount on your new mortgage interest rate? What are the pros and cons of a fixed rate versus a variable interest rate?
2. Changing the rate category (risk surcharge)
- A risk surcharge is an extra interest percentage on top of your basic mortgage interest rate.
- The interest rate category determines how much risk surcharge you pay. The higher the risk category (i.e. the more you borrow in relation to the value of your house), the higher the risk surcharge.
If the value of your home has gone up or you have made extra repayments, your mortgage might qualify for a lower rate category and you will perhaps pay less interest. In certain cases, we will adjust the rate category for you as a service. You can also calculate and change your rate category yourself online.
3. Interim interest rate change
It is possible to change the fixed interest rate on a mortgage during the fixed-rate period, but you may have to pay a fee if you do. This is because we are forfeiting income that we had expected to earn from interest. There are two ways of paying the fee:
- Incorporate the fee into your new interest rate. This is called interest averaging. You can opt for a new fixed-rate period of five or ten years.
- You can pay the fee in one go, with your savings, for example. You won’t pay the interest averaging surcharge, but you will be charged a single large amount.
If you want to change your interest rate mid-term, go over your options with a mortgage adviser. The fee can very expensive, so make sure that the lower interest rate and new fixed-rate period make it financially viable.
4. Changing from variable to fixed-rate interest
If one or more of your loan parts have a variable interest rate, you can change them to a fixed interest rate at any time, at no extra cost. You can also repay a loan part with variable interest prematurely without being charged a fee.
To find out whether a fixed interest rate is right for you, take a look at the pros and cons of variable versus fixed-rate interest.
We are happy to help
To find out whether it’s a good idea for you to change your mortgage interest, make a free, no-strings-attached appointment with one of our advisers.
FAQs about changing mortgage interest rates
Why should I change my mortgage interest?
Changing your mortgage interest when the current interest rate is lower than the rate you’re paying can be beneficial. It can lower your monthly payments. It might also be a good time to think about changing your type of interest, depending on the level of certainty you require. Choosing a fixed interest rate means that you know exactly where you are, whereas a variable interest rate allows you to benefit from interest rate drops on the market. However, interest rates can also rise.
How can I change my rate category?
Take a look in Internet Banking or the ABN AMRO app to see whether you can lower your rate category and how to go about it. If you’re nearing the end of your fixed-rate period, we’ll send you a new offer which automatically includes a review of your rate category.
How much does it cost to change my mortgage interest?
Changing your interest rate is either free or subject to a fee, depending on your situation. If you’re approaching the end of your fixed-rate period and you agree with our offer, we will make the change free of charge. But if you want to change your interest rate during its term, you may have to pay a fee. In some cases, you will also be charged costs. These could include administrative fees and/or a consultation fee for detailed mortgage advice.
What is risk surcharge?
Risk surcharge is an extra interest percentage on top of your basic mortgage interest rate. It is applied if you borrow a relatively high amount in relation to the value of your property, resulting in a higher financial risk for us.
What are the consequences in terms of tax?
A lower interest rate will affect your mortgage interest deduction. If you receive a monthly provisional tax refund from the Dutch authorities, remember to adjust it to your new situation. Go to the website of the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration to find out how.
Reasons for taking out a mortgage from ABN AMRO
Stay on top of your mortgage
Track your mortgage on Internet Banking or in the ABN AMRO app. It’s secure and easy.
Make changes to your mortgage yourself
From changing the interest rate to making additional repayments. Making changes to your mortgage couldn’t be easier. You can do it yourself online.
Videoconferencing with an adviser
Video Banking makes it easy. Simply use your computer, smartphone or laptop.