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

You couldn't miss it these past few days: the biggest Open House Day in years. Doors across the country were wide open. And I can tell you, it was quite the event. Well, an event... for the sellers, anyway. Because the frenzy in the market? It's far from over. In fact, I heard from someone who was there that in Eindhoven, the very first viewing of the day led straight to an offer. No small talk 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.

That one listing photo that changed everything

But it's not just about speed. Sometimes, it's just... luck. Or a quirky home style. Take that story from the Betuwe region. Henny with his twelve dogs and Clemens with his 3,000 bibles. Their massive house went viral, but not because of the square footage or the stunning location. No, it was one photo that really set things off. That one shot where life just goes on, with that pile of bibles and a dog looking just a little bit off. It was exactly that imperfection, that authenticity, that resonated with people. It showed that a home is more than a styled image. It's a home, with all the quirks of its residents. And you know what? Those kinds of homes often sell the best. Because people see themselves in them.

What do you do with the cat when you go on vacation?

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 for first-time buyers, who are often just able to take that step into the market. They've finally found an apartment they like, but then... what do you do with the cat when you go to Spain for three weeks? It might sound odd, but it's a massive part of the decision. I know someone who almost passed on their dream home because the neighbours were absolutely rabid (pun intended) and the yard 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 mentioned the smaller housemates. Because in my opinion, the checklist for "what to look for in a new home" has expanded drastically in recent years. Before, you'd look at the condition of the roof and the electrical panel. Now, you also look at the soundproofing for nighttime cat shenanigans, whether there's a safe spot for the rabbit, and if the house guinea pig will have enough grass to eat in the backyard.

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

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

The Open House Day has reminded us of the reality: the market remains tough for first-time buyers, but the dynamics are fascinating. It's no longer just about winning a bid, but about finding a place where all your stuff, your furniture, and your critters fit just right. 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 the hassle. And if that means the cat claims the best spot by the window, then so be it.