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

You couldn't ignore it the last few days: the biggest Open House Day in years. Doors were thrown wide open across the country. And let me tell you, it was quite the event. Well, an event... for the sellers, that is. Because the madness in the market? That's far from over. In fact, I heard from someone who was there that in Eindhoven, the very first viewing of the day immediately led to an offer. No small talk about the flooring or the kitchen, just: "I want 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 just... 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 beautiful location. No, it was one photo that really stirred things up. That one photo where life just goes on, with that pile of Bibles and a dog looking just a little askew. 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 does the cat do when you go on holiday?

When I talk to home seekers, 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 relevant for first-time buyers, who are often just able to make a move 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 hugely important part of the decision. I know someone who almost passed on their dream home because the neighbours were absolutely crazy (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 yet. Because in my view, the checklist of "what to look for in a new home" has expanded drastically in recent years. You used to look at the condition of the roof and the fuse box. Now you also look at sound insulation for nightly cat antics, whether there's a safe spot for the rabbit, and whether the house guinea pig has enough grass to eat in the backyard.

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

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

The Open House Day has again confronted us with the facts: 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 belongings, your furniture, and your pets fit perfectly. Whether you have twelve dogs or three thousand Bibles. If I've learned one thing, it's this: the perfect home isn't the sleekest one, but the house where you can add your own story. Without hassle. And if that means the cat claims the best spot by the window, then so be it.