The rental market in the Netherlands explained

Rental prices in the Netherlands have skyrocketed over the past year, primarily due to recent changes in regulations and tax policies that have significantly impacted the housing market.

The most recent example of such regulations is the Affordable rent act, which greatly affected the supply of rentals.

In the Netherlands, the rental market is divided into several categories. In this guide we’ll explain the main differences.

There are ~ 8 million homes available for rent: ~ 36% are student rentals/short-term/ others

~ 30% are social housing

~ 19% are mid-sector apartments

~ 15% are free sector

This means that as an expat who earns more than €50,000 per year- you can only rent from middle sector & free sector. You have a choice to rent from either a private landlord or from a housing corporation. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.

If your income is below €50,000 check out our Affordable rentals guide.

Private landlords

Private landlords represent only 30% of the total rental market. But when it comes to long-term rentals, which expats can apply to, they own a staggering 68%. These include private individuals who rent out their homes as well as investment companies who have a larger portfolio of properties. These properties are in super high demand, and generally Netherlands has a landlords dominated market. Landlords often get to pick from 10-20 applicants their next tenant, so they are really picky and have high demands.

How can you rent these?

• Via Agencies/Relocify: Properties listed on major real estate websites, published by agencies. Landlords usually pay agencies one month’s rent for tenant placement. Basic documents are required, and deals close in days. Each listing online gets about 50-200 responses within the first hours of being published, so responding quickly is key. Candidates are pre-screened by agencies, so often only a few people can attend a viewing, but being one of the first increases the chances. To be considered, your gross income should be 3x the rent. (rent of 2000eur means you should earn 6000eur gross). With Relocify’s push notifications, you’d be the first to know when a property is published.
• Via Landlords : Properties listed in Facebook groups, Kamernet or other less reputable websites, directly by landlords. These landlords are more flexible, employment contracts are not always necessary, your income doesn’t have to be 3x the rent, but scams are very common. Main reason for scams is anyone can make a post - there's no verification that the person actually owns the property or has the right to rent it out. Similarly, each listing receives 50 responses right away and competition is fierce as ever.

Who is eligible for these?

• Residents & expats in the Netherlands who prove sufficient income.

Housing Corporations