What’s Available
If you're considering renting in the Netherlands, here are some points to consider:
- The Netherlands' free market has income requirements. Your monthly gross income should be at least three times the monthly rent.
- Rental prices have skyrocketed over the past year, primarily due to recent changes in regulations and tax policies that have significantly impacted the housing market.
- Minimum prices for one-bedroom properties in Amsterdam have recently increased to €1800-2000. Utrecht is around €1600-1800, and rent in The Hague and Rotterdam typically costs €1400-1600.
- Properties priced lower are generally not suitable for expats moving to the Netherlands. These include:
- Housing corporation properties, where the application process can take months. They often come without flooring, and to apply, you'll need a BSN, DigiD and 3 months of payslips from a Dutch employer.
- Social housing, where you'll face the same challenges as with housing corporations. Additionally, there are maximum income and often minimum age requirements.
- Prices online are simply starting prices and for most properties you will have to overbid by €50-200 to even be considered by the landlord
Where to search
So, if your annual income is less than €60k in Amsterdam or less than €50k in Rotterdam/ Hague, your best options are Facebook groups or direct-from-owner property listing websites. These platforms allow you to rent directly from the landlord without a middleman. Landlords here are more flexible, and properties are more affordable. However, be aware of potential scams.
Most popular places for finding rooms or for properties directly from owners:
Renting a Room
If you're looking to rent a comfortable place in a nice area and save significantly, rooms are your best option. You can either team up with a friend or colleague and search together or find vacant rooms online and move in. Searching with a friend can be a bit more challenging for two reasons:
- There are significantly more rooms available than whole properties where sharing is allowed. It's quite rare for all renters to move out at the same time. Usually, one person is moving out, and they're looking for a replacement.
- Prices will be higher in newer contracts, unlike older ones that have been continuously occupied for a couple of years already, with only roommates changing.
Renting an Apartment