Why does the partner's income count for loans?

In the 2026 financial world, calculating the borrowing capacity for a mortgage or a personal loan has become a complex exercise. For many couples who buy their first home or want to make a large investment, the question often arises: why does the bank insist on assessing both incomes? In the Netherlands, counting partner income is not only a standard procedure for increasing the loan amount, but it is also a crucial risk management tool for both the provider and the borrowers themselves.

In an economic landscape where living costs and house prices remain stable but high, the “two-income model” is the cornerstone of the Dutch credit market. In this article, we explore the underlying reasons, legal frameworks and financial benefits of combining income when applying for a loan in 2026.

Increasing the maximum borrowing capacity

The most immediate reason why partner income is included is simply to increase borrowing capacity. In 2026, the borrowing standards of the Nibud (National Institute for Budget Information) will be leading for banks. These standards determine what part of the gross income can be safely spent on housing costs or loan repayments.

When two incomes are combined, the available budget for housing increases exponentially. This is because many household fixed costs, such as internet, municipal taxes and partly energy costs, do not double when a second person joins. This leaves relatively more room for repaying the loan. In 2026, when applying for a mortgage, 100% of the second income may be included in the calculation, which is crucial to obtain a quality home in the current market.

Risk diversification for the lender

For a bank or lender, everything is about minimizing the risk of default (default risk). In 2026, banks will not only look at current income, but at household stability over a period of 30 years.

Including two incomes offers a form of internal insurance. If one of the partners becomes unemployed, incapacitated for work or experiences a decline in income, there is still a second income stream to cover current liabilities. This “double safety net” reduces the risk profile of the loan. For the bank, this means that they are willing to offer a lower interest rate or provide a higher amount, because the chance that the entire household will run out of income is statistically much lower than that of a single person.

Joint liability

When the partner's income is included, both partners become “jointly and severally liable” for the entire debt. This is a crucial legal aspect in 2026.

Joint and several liability means that the bank can claim the full monthly payment from each of the partners if the other does not pay. By taking into account both incomes, the bank binds both individuals to the contract. This results in a higher level of commitment and financial entanglement. In the event of a divorce or breakup in 2026, both partners remain responsible for the loan until one of the two is officially released from joint and several liability, a process that cannot take place until the remaining income is strong enough to bear the burdens alone.

The influence of the partner's debts

However, taking partner income into account is a double-edged sword. In 2026, the bank will carry out a comprehensive review with the Credit Registration Office (BKR). If the partner whose income you want to include has a current personal loan, a private lease contract or significant student debt, this will be deducted directly from the total borrowing capacity.

Banks are looking at the couple's net worth. A high second income associated with high monthly debt obligations can make the total loan even lower than if one partner with a clean credit history applied alone. In the practice of 2026, we see that couples often first repay smaller debts from one partner in order to maximize the joint borrowing capacity for a home.

Tax benefits and the national mortgage guarantee (NHG)

Combining incomes also has tax consequences that affect the affordability of the loan. In 2026, the mortgage interest deduction can be distributed among the partners in the most favourable way during the tax return.

In addition, the limit for the National Mortgage Guarantee (NHG) in 2026 is linked to the market value of the home, but the admissions committee looks at the joint income to determine whether the burdens can be borne safely. The NHG offers additional protection in the event of forced sales due to loss of income, but this guarantee is only provided if the income of both partners (if both become owners) has been fully tested and agreed.

Future income development and retirement

When it comes to long-term loans such as mortgages, banks are also looking at the horizon in 2026. If one of the partners reaches retirement age within ten years, future pension income is included in the calculation.

By including both incomes, the bank gets a complete picture of the household life cycle. This prevents a loan from being affordable now, but in ten years, when one of the partners stops working, will lead to financial problems. That is why counting partner income also forces couples to think about long-term scenarios, such as working less after family expansion or the impact of early retirement on monthly payments.

Integrating both incomes into a loan application in 2026 is therefore much more than a math to get a higher amount. It is an integral assessment of the financial stability, legal connectedness and future resilience of a