Tips & advice

Using your home equity: downsizing, renovating or helping the children

30 October 2026 · 5 min

Older couple in the garden of their home, illustrating the use of home equity

In short Thanks to the price rises of recent years, many owners have built up considerable home equity. That wealth can open up new possibilities: living more comfortably, improving your home or helping your children get started. An up-to-date valuation shows how much room you have.

What is home equity?

Home equity (overwaarde) is the difference between the market value of your home and your outstanding mortgage. If you bought your home years ago, that difference has often grown considerably. Prices of existing owner-occupied homes are on average almost 18% higher than at the previous peak in 2022, and far above the level of ten years ago.

Three ways to use your home equity

1. Living smaller and more comfortably. The children have left home and the garden is becoming a chore? Then a single-storey home or a flat can be a great step. With the home equity in your current home, you can often move comfortably without heavy monthly costs, and even have something left over.

2. Renovating and making your home more sustainable. Would you rather stay where you are? Then you can use your home equity for a new kitchen, an extension or sustainability improvements. That makes your home even more pleasant and often worth more too.

3. Helping your children get started. For first-time buyers, the first step on the housing ladder is often difficult. With part of your home equity you can help your children, for example with a gift or a loan. Do make sure you get proper advice from a financial or tax adviser.

How much home equity have you built up? We will determine what your home is worth now, free of charge.

Free valuation

Step 1: know what your home is worth

Whatever choice you make, it starts with a realistic picture of your home's value. Not the WOZ value (the municipal property valuation), not the neighbours' price, but what a buyer will pay for your home today. Only then do you know how much room you really have.

Step 2: talk to an adviser

Releasing home equity, making a gift or taking out a new mortgage has financial and tax consequences. A mortgage adviser or tax specialist will work out what is sensible in your situation. We can put you in touch with advisers in the region.

Conclusion

Your home is probably not just where you live, but also your biggest asset. The home equity you have built up can give you new freedom. Start with an honest valuation, so you know where you stand.

Frequently asked questions

How do I calculate my home equity?

Deduct your outstanding mortgage debt from the current market value of your home. For a reliable market value, a valuation by an estate agent is the best starting point.

Can I release home equity without moving?

Often you can, by increasing your mortgage. Whether that is sensible and what it costs depends on your situation. A mortgage adviser can work it out for you.

Is downsizing financially attractive?

For many people it is. With the home equity from a larger home, you can often buy a comfortable smaller home with lower monthly costs, and sometimes have money left over.

Can I help my children with my home equity?

Yes, for example with a gift or a loan. Get proper advice on the tax rules, as they change regularly.

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Find out how much home equity you have built up. Request a no-obligation valuation. Call us directly: 0492-23 40 40.