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

You couldn't escape it over the last few days: the biggest Open Home Day in years. All over the country, doors were flung wide open. And I can tell you, it was quite the event. Well, an event... for the sellers, that is. 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 straight to an offer. No beating around the bush 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 listing photo that changed everything

But it's not just about speed. Sometimes, it's simply... 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 got people talking. That one picture where life just goes on, with that stack of Bibles and a dog looking just a bit off. It was precisely 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 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've been hearing a new concern more and more often lately. It's not just about mortgage rates or energy certificates, but about the logistics of life. This is especially true among first-home buyers, who are often just able to take that step into 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 odd, but it's a huge part of the decision-making process. I know someone who almost passed on a dream home because the neighbours were absolutely rabid (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 having 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 yet. Because in my opinion, 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're also looking at soundproofing for those late-night zoomies, whether there's a safe spot for the rabbit, and whether the house guinea pig will have enough grass to munch on in the backyard.

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

• Check out the neighbours' home style: Look beyond the front door. Are the gardens neat and tidy, 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 box that doesn't have to be in the living room? Can the curtains stay up without being shredded within a week? This determines your day-to-day happiness at home.
• Insure yourself, and your furry friends: 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 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 little gap. That's something you want to avoid.

The Open Home 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 the bid; it's 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; it's the house 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.