Buying a Home in 2026: More Than Just a Roof Over Your Head – Think Style, the Cat, and the Guinea Pig

You couldn't have missed it over the past few days: the biggest Open House Day in years. All across the country, doors were thrown wide open. And I can tell you, it was quite the event. Well, an event... for the sellers, anyway. Because the madness 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 directly to an offer. No small talk about the flooring or the kitchen, just: "I'll take it." That's the market right now. Time is money, and if you hesitate, you're too late.

That one photo on Funda that changed everything

But it's not just about speed. Sometimes, it's simply... luck. Or a bizarre 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 a photo that caused a stir. That one photo where life just goes on, with that stack of bibles and a dog looking a bit odd. 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 place to live, 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 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 getting a foot on the ladder. 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 strange, but it's a massively important part of the decision. I know someone who nearly passed on their dream home because the neighbours were absolutely rabid (pun intended) and the garden couldn't be fenced. Their solution? They 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 opinion, the list of "what to look for in a new home" has expanded drastically in recent years. Before, you'd check the condition of the roof and the fuse box. Now, you also look at soundproofing for nighttime cat antics, whether there's a safe spot for the rabbit, and if the house 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' 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 description on Funda.
• The "cat-proof" factor: Is there a spot for the litter box that doesn't have to be in the living room? Will the curtains survive without being shredded within a week? This determines your day-to-day happiness at home.
• Insure yourself, and your pets: Pet insurance isn't just for when the vet needs to visit. Some policies nowadays also cover damage to your rented or owned 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 house guinea pig found a gap. You want to avoid that.

The 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 the bid, but about finding a place where all your belongings, your furniture, and your pets 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 any fuss. And if that means the cat claims the best spot by the window, then so be it.