You did it. You reached your Savings Goal, and now your dream of owning a home is within reach. Maybe you used a bunq Joint Account to get here, watching your balance grow with every deposit. That focus and consistency got you this far, and now it’s time to take that same mindset into the next stage.

Buying a home isn’t just one big decision. It’s a series of small, practical steps. The good news is that the same tools that helped you save can help you manage every detail: from viewings to renovations and everything in between.

Look beyond the fresh paint

The first step is the house hunt itself. Viewings are your chance to look past first impressions and focus on what really matters. Check for signs of mold, the age of the boiler, and whether the windows are double-glazed.

You can even use your bunq app to stay organized along the way. Attach notes and photos to transactions related to your search, like inspection fees or deposit payments. Keeping all the information in one place helps you make clear, confident decisions later.

Budget for upgrades

Most homes need a little work once you move in. Maybe it’s a kitchen update or a bathroom refresh. Instead of keeping one vague “renovation fund,” break it down into clear, manageable parts.

With bunq, you can open up to 25 Bank Accounts in seconds. Create a Savings Account for a new kitchen, another for the garden renovation, and a third for new wooden floors. Add Savings Goals to each so you can track progress and stay on budget. Seeing exactly how much you’ve set aside for each project helps avoid surprises and keeps the process stress-free.

Look for financial support

Before finalizing your plan, take a moment to explore the financial help available to first-time buyers. Many governments and banks offer dedicated programs that can reduce your upfront costs or make repayments more manageable.

Here are a few examples:

The Netherlands: The Starterslening is a government-backed top-up loan that helps first-time buyers bridge the gap between their savings and the home price. Interest payments are often reduced or deferred for the first few years.

France: The Prêt à Taux Zéro (PTZ) is an interest-free loan backed by the French government for eligible first-time buyers purchasing a main residence.

Spain: Several regional governments offer tax reductions or partial guarantees for younger buyers purchasing their first property.

A quick check with your local municipality can uncover options that make your budget go further. Even a small grant or lower rate can save you thousands!

Move in or rent out

Once you’ve found the right place, think about what comes next. Will you move in right away or rent it out first?

If you choose to rent it out, open a dedicated Bank Account to separate rental income and expenses. You can even send tenants a bunq.me each month, making rent collection effortless.

If you move in, your Joint Account can become the hub for your shared household bills, helping you and your partner stay on top of everything from day one.

You can also set up a Joint Savings Account for future goals, whether that’s furnishing your new place, planning your next trip, or saving for long-term upgrades. Each of you can contribute automatically, see progress in real time, and decide together how to spend it. 

Stay organized and enjoy the process

There’s a lot to manage when you buy a home. Keeping your finances clear makes it easier to decide what comes next. With bunq, features like multiple Bank Accounts and Joint Savings Accounts keep everything simple and in one place.

Get started today and make your next big move with confidence!

Keep building your money confidence with these guides:

• Building Our Nest: How We Saved for Homeownership

• The Path to Homeownership: Mortgages and Joint Accounts

• Mortgage Rates: What They Are and How They Work