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 miss it over the past few days: the biggest Open House Day in years. All across the country, doors were thrown wide open. And let me tell you, it was quite the event. Well, an event for the sellers, at least. Because the market madness? 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 a straightforward: "I want it." That's today's market. 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 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 photo where life just goes on, with that pile of Bibles and a dog looking slightly 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 residents. And you know what? Those kinds of homes often sell the best. Because people see themselves in them.

What happens to the cat when you go on holiday?

When I talk to home seekers, I'm increasingly hearing a new concern 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 managing to get a foot on the property 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 odd, but it's a massively important part of the decision. I know someone who almost gave up on their dream home because the neighbours were 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 yet. Because in my opinion, the checklist of "what to look for in a new home" has drastically expanded over the years. In the past, you'd check the roof condition and the fuse box. Now, you also check the soundproofing for nocturnal 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 backyard.

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

• 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 Funda description ever will.
• 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 happiness at home.
• Insure yourself, and your pets: Pet insurance isn't just for vet visits. Some policies nowadays also cover damage to your rented 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 scouring the neighbourhood because your house guinea pig found a gap. You want to avoid that.

The Open House Day has reminded us of a few hard 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 things, 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, but the one 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.