Buying a home in 2026: it's about more than just a roof over your head – think style, the cat, and the guinea pig

You can't have missed it over the past few days: the biggest Open House Day in years. Doors were thrown wide open all across the country. And let me 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 beating around the bush about the flooring or the kitchen, just: "I'll take it." That's the market today. Time is money, and if you hesitate, you're too late.

The one photo on Funda that changed everything

But it's not just speed that counts. Sometimes it's simply... luck. Or a bizarre house style. Take that story from the Betuwe region. Henny with his twelve dogs and Clemens with his 3,000 bibles. Their enormous house went viral, but not because of the square footage or the stunning location. No, it was one photo that caused a stir. That one photo where life is just carrying on, with that pile of bibles and a dog looking the wrong way. 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 the best. Because people see themselves in them.

What happens to the cat when you go on holiday?

When I talk to house-hunters, I'm hearing a new concern more and more often lately. It's not just about mortgage rates or energy labels, but about the logistics of everyday 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 a flat, 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 hugely important part of the decision. I know someone who almost backed out of a dream home because the neighbours were absolutely rabid (pun intended) and the garden couldn't be fenced in. His solution? He took out pet insurance that also covers a pet-sitting service. Smart, right? It shows that owning a home nowadays 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 view, the checklist for "what to look for in a new home" has expanded drastically in recent years. In the past, you'd look at the condition of the roof and the fuse box. Now, you also look at soundproofing for the nocturnal mischief, whether there's a safe spot for the rabbit, and if the guinea pig has enough grass to munch on in the back garden.

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 footage:

• Check out the neighbours' house style: Look beyond the front door. Are the gardens neatly manicured, or is there an inflatable paddling pool with a broken dolphin? That tells you more about the neighbourhood than any Funda description ever will.
• The "cat-proof" factor: Is there a place for the litter tray that isn't in the living room? Can the curtains survive without being shredded within a week? This will determine your happiness at home.
• Insure yourself, and your furry friends: Pet insurance isn't just for when the vet needs to make a call. 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 later on.
• 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 guinea pig has found a gap. You want to avoid that.

Open House Day has once again brought us back down to earth: 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; it's 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.