Rental homes in Alkmaar
View the current rental property listings in Alkmaar, including neighbourhood scores and resident reviews per district. Find a rental property that suits you.
Renting a home in Alkmaar: what you need to know about the rental market
Alkmaar is a municipality with over 112,000 residents, where 42% of the housing stock consists of rental properties. Of those rental homes, 28% are owned by housing associations (such as Woonwaard and Van Alckmaer) and 13% are offered by other landlords in the private sector. This split means that as a tenant you have two very different markets: social housing with long waiting lists, and the private sector where you can move faster but pay more.
In the private sector, the average rent over the past year was €1,467 per month, with a range of €625 to €3,350. The average home had around 91 m² of living space. In total, 367 homes were rented out in the private sector (excluding social housing and room rentals). That sounds like a reasonable supply, but spread over twelve months it is not overwhelming. At the top of this page you can see the current daily supply and the most recent average rent. Alkmaar benefits from Alkmaar station with direct intercity trains to Amsterdam (35 minutes) and Haarlem, making the city attractive for commuters. At the same time, this good accessibility, which residents rate at 8.0, ensures that demand remains high.
The neighbourhoods of Alkmaar: where do you want to rent?
Alkmaar is not a one-size-fits-all. The atmosphere varies considerably per neighbourhood, and the neighbourhood scores based on resident reviews show this clearly. Below are the main areas for renting, with their character and scores.
Centrum, the heart of the cheese city
The centre of Alkmaar scores an 8.6 from residents. The canals, the Langestraat and the Friday cheese market give this neighbourhood a vibrancy you won't find in the suburbs. Here you will mainly find apartments, often above shops or in converted buildings. Expect higher rents per square metre and less parking convenience. But if you love city life and don't need a car, this is the place.
Zuid, popular with families
The Zuid neighbourhood scores an 8.3 based on 4 reviews. This is a quieter, greener neighbourhood with single-family homes and good schools. The Alkmaarderhout, the city park, borders this neighbourhood, making it attractive for families with children. One resident writes that the combination of greenery and proximity to the centre makes for pleasant living. Amenities score an 8.1 municipality-wide, and in Zuid you notice that: supermarkets and GPs are easily accessible.
Huiswaard and Oudorp, affordable and solid
Huiswaard (8.2) and Oudorp (8.1) are neighbourhoods that are often overlooked but score well with residents. Huiswaard has a mix of social housing and owner-occupied homes from the 1970s and 1980s, with an active community centre. Oudorp feels almost village-like, with its own shopping strip along the Oudorperpolder. For tenants looking for an affordable rental home without sacrificing convenience, these are strong options.
On the other end of the spectrum you will find De Mare, the largest new-build neighbourhood in Alkmaar. With a score of 7.2 based on 12 reviews, the verdict is mixed. The homes are modern and spacious, but residents sometimes mention the lack of character and the distance to the centre. Overdie scores a 6.9 and is in transition: a lot of renovation is taking place, and the neighbourhood has a diverse population. Rents are lower here, but the atmosphere is not for everyone.
For those seeking peace and space outside the city, Schermer is interesting (8.6 based on 1 review). This former polder village has been part of Alkmaar since the municipal reorganisation, but feels like countryside. The supply of rental homes here is minimal. Daalmeer/Koedijk (7.3) also offers a more village-like alternative on the north side of the city. View all resident reviews and scores on the municipality page of Alkmaar.
Who is renting in Alkmaar suitable for?
With an average income of €36,900 and private sector rents around €1,467, renting an apartment in Alkmaar is not feasible for everyone. For single people on a median income, the private sector can be tight, especially if you spend more than a third of your income on rent. The largest group of households in Alkmaar is single-person (22,680), so competition for smaller, affordable homes is fierce.
For couples with dual incomes, commuters who work in Amsterdam but want more space, and families looking to avoid the Randstad hustle and bustle, Alkmaar is a logical choice. The labour participation rate is 65%, and local employers such as the Noordwest Ziekenhuisgroep and companies on the Boekelermeer provide employment. Students from the Hogeschool InHolland also find their place here, although the supply of rooms is limited.
Practical tips: register in time with the municipality of Alkmaar for a parking permit if you want to live in the centre. For social housing, there is a waiting time of several years via WoningNet. For private sector homes, prepare your documents (employer's statement, payslips, ID) because popular homes go quickly. Would you rather buy? Then check out the supply of homes for sale in Alkmaar, where the average WOZ value is €342,000.
Searching for rental homes in Alkmaar and surroundings
On Buurtje.nl you combine the current rental supply with neighbourhood scores and real resident reviews, so you not only find a home but also the right neighbourhood. Can't find what you're looking for in Alkmaar? Then also look at rental homes in Bergen, nearby Beverwijk or towards the south in Amsterdam. More about the region can be found on the page of North Holland.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Alkmaar?
The average rent in the free sector in Alkmaar is €1,467 per month, based on 367 rented homes in the past year. Prices range from €625 to €3,350 per month, depending on size and location. Social housing through housing associations is cheaper but has long waiting lists.
Which neighbourhoods in Alkmaar are the most popular to rent?
Based on resident reviews, the Centrum and Schermer score the highest with an 8.6. Zuid follows with an 8.3 and Huiswaard with an 8.2. De Mare is the largest new-build neighbourhood but scores a 7.2. The best neighbourhood depends on what you are looking for: city life, peace and quiet, or affordability.
How quickly are rental homes in Alkmaar rented out?
Popular rental homes in Alkmaar are often rented out within a few weeks, especially in the centre and Zuid. Make sure you have documents such as an employer's statement and payslips ready. The current average rental time can be found at the top of the Buurtje.nl page.
What is the difference between social housing and the free sector in Alkmaar?
In Alkmaar, 28% of homes are owned by housing associations (social housing) and 13% are free sector rentals. For social housing, you need a housing permit and income limits apply. The free sector is directly accessible but more expensive, with an average of €1,467 per month.
Is Alkmaar a good city to rent a home if you work in Amsterdam?
Yes, many renters in Alkmaar commute to Amsterdam. The intercity train takes about 35 minutes. Residents rate accessibility an 8.0. Rents are lower than in Amsterdam, and you get more square metres. The average living space in the free sector is 91 m².
Do I need a parking permit if I rent in Alkmaar?
In the centre of Alkmaar and the immediate vicinity, you need a parking permit. You can apply for this through the municipality. In outlying neighbourhoods such as De Mare, Oudorp and Huiswaard, parking is generally free. Keep this in mind if you are considering renting a home in Alkmaar.
Are there enough amenities in the neighbourhoods of Alkmaar?
Residents rate the amenities in Alkmaar an 8.1 out of 10. The centre has an extensive range of shops along the Langestraat and the Ringers complex. Neighbourhoods such as Zuid and Oudorp have their own supermarkets and GPs. De Mare has the Middenwaard shopping centre within walking distance.
Can I rent an affordable apartment in Alkmaar?
In the free sector, rents start from around €625 per month, but most supply is higher. Neighbourhoods such as Overdie and De Mare offer relatively affordable options. For the lowest rents, you have to rely on social housing through housing associations, where waiting times of several years apply.
It's every man for himself, no cleaning up, just making a mess, not looking out for each other or taking each other into consideration.
Auto-translated to English by AIUnsafe in the evenings
Auto-translated to English by AIAll facilities in the neighbourhood, nice neighbours, only shame about the youth causing unrest. And that the youth don't clean up their mess, so very unhygienic in the neighbourhood. Cleaning up a bit works wonders.
Auto-translated to English by AIGreat neighbourhood typical Alkmaar feels like city and village in one
Auto-translated to English by AIHave lived here for 43 years. Since the completion. It used to be a cosy, friendly neighbourhood. Now you could lie dead in your house and no one would notice. I'm from Amsterdam and I'm not used to this. Here it's every man for himself and God for us all.
Auto-translated to English by AICosy flat, unfortunately the one next to it is less safe. Improvement is that more attention is paid to safety and conditions around the flat next door.
Auto-translated to English by AIDecent, few burglaries. I live in the city so fairly little greenery, but enough within a few minutes' drive
Auto-translated to English by AIVery nice neighbours, good contact. Nice by the water. Only the youth is less. Breaking things, noise nuisance, drug bags on the ground (while walking the dog), setting off fireworks, teasing the dog, not cleaning up mess. Green a colourful verge with many poisonous plants for animals and people. Many social housing homes very damp, lots of mould, cracks in the walls, not insulated. Drains always blocked.
Auto-translated to English by AI
