Rentals apartment in Netherlands

Rent a house in the Netherlands

The rental housing market in the Netherlands has seen a significant drop in available homes. In the second quarter of 2024, only about 16,673 rental properties were available, which is a 32.8% decrease from the previous year. This decline is largely due to new regulations making it less attractive for landlords to rent out properties. As a result, rental prices have risen by an average of 9.9%, driven by high demand and limited supply.

With the limited number of rental and for-sale properties available, homeowners often find themselves inundated with requests. Sometimes, a fairly ordinary house might receive over 500 rental applications in a single day, and the situation is similar for those looking to buy.

More often than not

homeowners choose their

preferred candidate

from the first 10

applicants

without going through all

500 documents.

So in this game,

being alert (like a commando!)

is crucial.

By using our site’s service, you'll be kept up to date with the latest property listings from all the estate agents and websites related to house rentals. You don't need to visit thousands of sites every day—just set your criteria and wait for a notification from us.

It's also essential to present your documents correctly and on time to the homeowners or their agents. Typically, homeowners have certain preferences that they care about. Some of the most common criteria for selecting tenants include:

• Age
• Job
• Income level
• The reputation of the company where the tenant works
• Length of contract with that company
• Number of children
• Whether or not they have pets
• Smoking habits, and so on.

These are just a few of the typical details that any homeowner might want to know about potential tenants. However, this doesn't necessarily mean that all of these factors are important to everyone. For instance, some landlords may have no issue with pets, and so forth.

It’s also worth noting that some properties come with income restrictions, meaning that the tenant's income must be within a certain range. Generally, gross monthly income should be more than 3.5 times the rent amount.

Homes in the Netherlands are typically rented out in three main forms:

1. Unfurnished homes: These are completely empty, with no essential living amenities. In some cases, the tenant may even need to install flooring or add appliances like a fridge, washing machine, dishwasher, etc.
2. Semi-furnished homes: These homes usually come without flooring but often include a fully equipped kitchen, and in some cases, even furniture like sofas or beds.
3. Fully furnished homes: These are fully equipped with almost everything you need for living and are usually rented out for shorter periods, such as for a month in cities like Amsterdam, The Hague, or Rotterdam.

In another categorization, homes are rented out as either independent or shared accommodation.

In shared homes, typically only one room is rented out, and the costs for utilities and some shared facilities like the kitchen are split among the residents. These homes are usually sought after by those looking for cheaper or short-term rental options.

In independent homes, all costs, rooms, and facilities are exclusively for the tenant(s).

Below, we’ve explained the types of homes in the Netherlands based on their structure:

Row Houses or Terraced Houses

These are very common in the Netherlands, especially in cities. They are built in a row with shared walls and are generally more economical.

Detached Houses

These homes are completely free-standing with no shared walls and are usually found in rural areas or suburbs. They offer more space for gardens and yards.

Semi-Detached Houses

These typically include two residential units in one building with a shared wall. They’re a middle ground between row houses and detached houses and are more common in the suburbs.

Apartments

Apartments are very common in large Dutch cities. These are housed in taller buildings, with one or more units on each floor.

Houseboats

Houseboats are also very popular in the Netherlands, especially in cities like Amsterdam. These are homes built on water, often moored at docks.

Duplex and Triplex Houses

These houses have two or three floors, with each floor potentially being a separate unit, or they can be connected as one larger home. They are suitable for larger families or those needing more space.

Farmhouses

Found in rural areas of the Netherlands, these homes often come with agricultural land. Traditional Dutch farmhouses are known for their steep roofs and brick or wooden walls.

Studio Apartments

Studio apartments typically consist of an open space that serves as a bedroom, living area, and kitchen, with the only separate area being the bathroom. These are ideal for those looking for a smaller, more affordable space.

Villas

Villas are large, independent homes that typically come with more garden space and open areas compared to other types of houses. They are mostly found in suburbs or recreational areas and are suited for large families or those seeking more privacy.

One-Bedroom Apartments

These include a separate bedroom along with a living area, kitchen, and bathroom. They are ideal for those needing more space than a studio.

Penthouses

Penthouses are residential units located on the top floor of buildings, often featuring large terraces and excellent views. Due to their unique location, they are usually very luxurious and expensive.

Townhouses

Townhouses are usually multi-story homes with each unit having its own entrance. They are a blend of row houses and villas and are common in urban areas.