Buying a home in 2026: More than just a roof over your head – think style, the cat, and the guinea pig

You couldn't miss it over the past few days: the biggest Open House Day in years. Doors were flung wide open right across the country. And let me tell you, it was quite the event. Well, an event... for the sellers, that is. Because the crazy market? It's far from over. In fact, I heard from someone who was there yesterday that in Eindhoven, the very first viewing of the day led straight to an offer. No beating around the bush about the flooring or the kitchen, just: "I'll take it." That's today's market. Time is money, and if you hesitate, you're too late.

The one real estate listing photo that changed everything

But it's not all about speed. Sometimes, it's just... luck. Or a bizarre home style. Take that story from the Betuwe region. Henny with his twelve dogs and Clemens with his 3000 bibles. Their massive house went viral, but not because of the square metres or the beautiful location. No, it was one photo that really got people talking. That one photo where life just goes on, with that stack of bibles and a dog looking a bit awkward. It was precisely that imperfection, that authenticity, that resonated with people. It showed that a home is more than a styled picture. It's a home, with all the quirks of its inhabitants. And you know what? Those kinds of houses often sell best. Because people see themselves in them.

What does the cat do when you go on holiday?

When I talk to house hunters, I've been hearing a new concern more and more often lately. Not just about mortgage rates or energy labels, but about the logistics of life. This is especially true among first-time buyers, who are often just managing to get a foothold in the market. They've finally got their eye on an apartment, but then... what do you do with the cat when you go to Spain for three weeks? It might sound strange, but it's a massively important part of the decision. I know someone who almost passed up on their dream home because the neighbours were absolutely furious (pun intended) and the garden couldn't be fenced. His solution? He took out pet insurance that also covers a pet-sitting service. Smart, right? It shows that owning a home these days goes hand in hand with managing your entire household, including the four-legged members.

Don't forget the guinea pig

And we haven't even talked about the smaller housemates. Because as far as I'm concerned, the checklist for "what to look for in a new home" has drastically expanded in recent years. You used to check the state of the roof and the fuse box. Now you also look at soundproofing for night-time cat capers, whether there's a safe spot for the rabbit, and if the house guinea pig can get enough grass in the backyard.

For those of you currently in search mode, I've put together a few points you really need to consider at your next viewing. It goes beyond square metres:

• Check out the neighbours' home style: Look beyond the front door. Are the gardens neatly manicured, or is there an inflatable pool with a broken dolphin? That tells you more about the neighbourhood than any real estate listing ever could.
• The "cat-proof" factor: Is there a spot for the litter tray that doesn't have to be in the living room? Can the curtains survive without being shredded within a week? This determines your everyday happiness.
• Insure yourself, and your furry friends: Pet insurance isn't just for when the vet needs to make a visit. Some policies nowadays also cover damage to your rented or purchased home. It's a small effort that can save you a lot of headaches down the track.
• Think about the guinea pig (or dog): What's the garden like? Is it escape-proof? Before you know it, you'll be scouring the neighbourhood because your house guinea pig has found a hole. You want to avoid that.

Open House Day has once again brought us back to reality: the market remains tough for first-time buyers, but the dynamics are fascinating. It's no longer just about winning a bidding war, but about finding a place where all your belongings, your furniture, *and* your pets fit perfectly. Whether you have twelve dogs or three thousand bibles. If there's one thing I've learned, it's this: the perfect home isn't the sleekest one, but the home where you can add your own story. Without any hassle. And if that means the cat claims the best spot by the window, then so be it.