How do you compare offers from lenders?

In the 2026 financial market, comparing offers from lenders has become a strategic skill. Where consumers used to look exclusively at the nominal interest rate, today's market requires a deeper insight into the conditions, flexibility and total costs over the entire term. Whether you're taking out a mortgage for your first home or considering a business loan, the differences between the “big three” banks and the new digital challengers will be significant in 2026. After all, a lower interest rate in the quote does not always mean that you are the cheapest below the line.

Methodically comparing offers prevents you from getting stuck in hidden costs or rigid conditions that don't change with your life course. In this article, we'll analyze the critical factors you need to test quotes against in 2026 to make an informed decision.

The annual percentage rate (APR) as an anchor point

The most important measure for a fair comparison in 2026 is the Annual Cost Percentage (APR). The nominal interest rate is just the price of the money, but the APR tells you the total price of the loan.

In addition to the interest, the APR also includes all additional costs that are required to obtain the loan. This includes closing costs, valuation costs, the costs for mandatory term insurance and any administrative costs. In 2026, lenders are legally obliged to mention this percentage prominently in the offer. When you compare two quotes side by side, the APR offers the only pure comparison of the actual annual costs. A quote with an interest rate of 3.8% but high additional costs may ultimately be more expensive than a 4.0% offer without additional surcharges.

Early repayment conditions

In an economic climate where incomes and interest rates fluctuate faster than before in 2026, the flexibility to make extra repayments is crucial. When comparing quotes, you should pay specific attention to the clauses about penalty-free repayment.

In 2026, most lenders will allow you to repay 10% to 20% of the original principal amount without penalty. However, there are price fighters on the market who lower this percentage to 5% in exchange for a lower interest rate. If you expect to receive an inheritance, receive a bonus or sell your home at a profit in the future, limited repayment freedom can cost you thousands of euros in fines. Also check whether the landlord has a “moving arrangement”: can you take the favorable interest rate with you to the next home? In 2026, this option will be worth gold in the face of a rising interest rate market.

Interest rate decline and automatic risk adjustment

A modern advantage that is standard among many top providers in 2026, but is often missing among budget providers, is the automatic drop in interest rates when the ratio between the loan and home value (Loan-to-Value) improves.

When you repay or when your home increases in value, the bank runs less risk. Many lenders then automatically lower the risk mark-up on your interest rate. When comparing quotes, you should check whether you should request this yourself (often with a new valuation report) or whether the bank will proactively do this for you. A quote that initially seems slightly more expensive may be cheaper in ten years if the interest rate automatically falls along with your accumulated excess value. In 2026, this will be one of the most underestimated factors in long-term planning.

The period of validity and preparation fee

The time between receiving the quote and the actual transfer at the notary can vary from a few weeks to many months in 2026, especially when building a new building. It is therefore essential to compare the period of validity of the offers.

Some banks offer a short validity of three months, while others go up to twelve months. Please note the “preparation commission”: this is the fee you pay to maintain the interest in the quote if the transfer is delayed. In 2026, some providers will charge 0.25% per month on the principal amount for this extension. With a mortgage of €400,000, we are talking about an additional €1,000 per month. Also compare whether the quote has a “daily interest clause”: if the interest rate on the day of passing is lower than in your quote, will you get the lower interest rate? This can provide a significant advantage in a declining market.

Acceptance of various sources of income

In 2026, the way you earn your income is often more diverse than a standard permanent contract. Lenders vary enormously in how they deal with variable income, such as overtime, bonuses, commissions or self-employed income.

When comparing quotes, you'll see that one bank charges your full bonus towards the maximum loan amount, while the other only uses the average of the past three years. For entrepreneurs, it is important to look at the costs of an income statement: some lenders require you to have a party they select do this at a fixed rate. A quote is useless if the provider ultimately does not accept your specific income situation during the final review.

Sustainability discounts and green finance

In 2026, the sustainability of the object will be a direct factor in the pricing. Almost all major lenders now offer a “sustainability discount” or a “green mortgage”.

Compare how the various providers deal with the energy label:

• Will you receive an interest discount based on the current label (for example, A or B)?
• Does the provider offer additional borrowing space (often up to €20,000) for energy-saving facilities outside the standard borrowing standards?
• Is there a special construction depot available for sustainability with a lower interest rate than the regular mortgage?
  In 2026, a home with an A++++ label may provide an interest advantage of 0.2% with one provider, while another provider offers fixed discount amounts. In thirty years, this will be the difference between an affordable home and a heavy financial burden.

Comparing offers from lenders in 2026 is therefore a search for a balance between the hard figures of the APR and the soft conditions of flexibility and future-proofing. It pays to look beyond the first page of the listing.