Rental homes in Amsterdam
View the current supply of rental properties in Amsterdam, including neighbourhood scores and resident reviews per district.
Renting a home in Amsterdam: an honest picture of the rental market
Amsterdam is par excellence a city of renters. As much as 70% of the housing stock (nearly 475,000 homes) consists of rental properties, compared to 30% owner-occupied homes. About 40% of all homes are owned by housing associations, and another 30% are rented out by private landlords and institutional investors. This makes the city unique in the Netherlands: nowhere else is the share of rentals so dominant. In the free sector, the average rent over the past twelve months was €2,659 per month, with a range of €300 to €16,500. That average is heavily inflated by large and luxury apartments; the median is lower, but renting in Amsterdam is by no means cheap. Check the top of this page for the current daily price and available supply. The high prices are linked to enormous demand: two major universities (UvA and VU), the financial district around the Zuidas, the creative sector and a large international community keep constant pressure on the market. Accessibility scores a 7.9 among residents, partly thanks to an extensive metro, tram and bus network and the proximity of Schiphol.
From canal belt to Bijlmer: the neighbourhoods of Amsterdam
Amsterdam is not a one-size-fits-all city. Each neighbourhood has its own character, price level and type of resident. Below is an honest tour of a number of districts, with the scores that residents give on Buurtje.nl.
Apollobuurt: quiet and affluent in Zuid
The Apollobuurt scores an 8.7 among residents and is known for wide avenues, stately apartments and the proximity of the Vondelpark and the Zuidas. This is the domain of expats and professionals who want to rent a home in Amsterdam with space and peace, but still close to the centre. Rental prices here are well above the city average. One resident describes the neighbourhood as "quiet living with everything within walking distance, from the Concertgebouw to the Albert Cuyp."
Bellamybuurt: creative and cosy in West
With a score of 8.9, the Bellamybuurt is one of the best-rated neighbourhoods. This district in Oud-West attracts young families and creatives. The Kinkerstraat and the Ten Katemarkt are just around the corner, and the Erasmuspark offers some greenery. Don't expect large apartments: they are mainly upstairs flats and porch flats, but the atmosphere makes up for a lot.
Buitenveldert: family neighbourhood with a green appearance
Buitenveldert-Oost (8.8) and Buitenveldert-West (8.4) are typical post-war neighbourhoods with plenty of greenery, spacious flats and a quieter pace than the city centre. Popular with families and the elderly. The Zuidas is within cycling distance, and metro lines 51 and 52 connect the district to the rest of the city. Schools and sports facilities are well represented.
Those who want the centre can look at the Burgwallen-Oude Zijde (8.2) or the Nieuwe Zijde (7.8). Both neighbourhoods score high on accessibility and amenities, but residents also report crowds, tourists and sometimes noise pollution. The score for cleanliness (6.6 on average in all of Amsterdam) is a recurring point of criticism in the city centre.
In Amsterdam-Zuidoost lie neighbourhoods such as Amsterdamse Poort (6.8), Bijlmermuseum (4.8) and Amstel III/Bullewijk (6.8). Here rental prices are lower and supply is greater, but resident satisfaction varies. The Bijlmer is in transition: much is being demolished and rebuilt, and some parts have clearly improved, while other neighbourhoods struggle with a lower sense of safety. In Noord, Buikslotermeer (7.0) and Banne Buiksloot (6.0) score more modestly. Banne Buiksloot is experienced by residents as mixed in terms of safety and amenities. A surprising outlier is Betondorp in Oost (7.1 based on 7 reviews): a small, village-like area in the middle of the city, with a close-knit community.
On the municipal page of Amsterdam you can find all resident reviews and compare scores per category, from safety to greenery.
Who is a rental home in Amsterdam suitable for?
The largest group of residents is between 25 and 45 years old (over 343,000 people), and almost half of households are single-person. That says a lot: Amsterdam is a city for starters, singles, students and young professionals. With 48% highly educated and an average income of €44,276, there is high demand for apartments in the free sector, but not everyone can afford those prices. If you are looking for an affordable apartment to rent in Amsterdam, registering with a housing association (via WoningNet) is essential, but expect years of waiting time. If you need a home quickly, you almost automatically end up in the free sector.
Practical tips: prepare your documents (employer's statement, payslips, ID), because landlords standardly ask for these. Respond quickly, because popular rental homes in Amsterdam can be gone within a day. Also consider owner-occupied homes in Amsterdam as an alternative, especially if you plan to stay for a longer period. The WOZ value averages €517,000, so buying is not cheap either, but in the long term it is often more advantageous than renting in the free sector. Be honest with yourself: if your budget is limited and you have no waiting time for social housing, also look outside the city limits.
Searching for a rental home in Amsterdam and surroundings
On this page you will find the current rental supply, including neighbourhood scores and experiences from residents. This way you not only see the home, but also what it is really like to live there. If you can't find anything in Amsterdam itself, then take a look at rental homes in Amstelveen, Aalsmeer or Beverwijk. More information about living, permits and registration can be found on the website of the municipality of Amsterdam. And on the page of Noord-Holland you can discover even more municipalities in the region.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Amsterdam?
In the free sector (excluding social housing), the average rent over the past twelve months was €2,659 per month. The range runs from €300 to €16,500, depending on size, location and luxury. The current average price can be found at the top of this page.
Which neighbourhoods in Amsterdam are the most popular for renting?
Based on resident reviews, the Bellamybuurt (8.9), Buitenveldert-Oost (8.8) and the Apollobuurt (8.7) score the highest. In the city centre, the Burgwallen-Oude Zijde scores 8.2. More affordable neighbourhoods such as Betondorp (7.1) and Buikslotermeer (7.0) are popular with families and first-time renters.
How quickly are rental properties in Amsterdam rented out?
Popular rental properties are often rented out within a few days, sometimes after just one viewing. Prepare your documents (employer's statement, payslips, ID) in advance so you can respond immediately. The current average rental time is shown at the top of this page.
What is the difference between social housing and the free sector in Amsterdam?
Social housing is rented out through housing associations (about 40% of the housing stock) and has a maximum rent. Registration is via WoningNet, with waiting times that can exceed ten years. The free sector has no rent cap and is immediately available, but on average considerably more expensive.
Is it difficult for an expat to rent a house in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam has a large international community, and many landlords are used to expats. You will need a BSN number, employer's statement and often a bank guarantee. The Apollobuurt, Buitenveldert and the centre are popular with expats due to their proximity to international schools and the Zuidas.
Do I need a parking permit if I rent in Amsterdam?
In almost all of Amsterdam you need a parking permit. The costs and waiting times vary per district. In the centre and South the waiting lists are longest. Many renters consciously choose a home near a metro station and get rid of their car.
Can I also rent an affordable apartment in Amsterdam?
Affordable rental homes are scarce in the free sector. Your best bet is to register with WoningNet for social housing, but expect long waiting times. Also look at neighbourhoods such as Zuidoost or Noord, where rents are lower. Alternatives outside the city, such as Amstelveen or Aalsmeer, sometimes offer more space for less money.
How safe is living in Amsterdam?
Residents give Amsterdam an average of 7.9 for safety. This varies greatly per neighbourhood: the Apollobuurt and Buitenveldert score high, while parts of Zuidoost and Noord score lower. Check the neighbourhood scores per district for a realistic picture of your intended neighbourhood.
IJburg is a new district still under development and it's getting better with all the amenities and a beach nearby. And you're also quickly out of the city and into the greenery.
Auto-translated to English by AIQuiet, peaceful, relaxed, green, social and a nice mix of people
Auto-translated to English by AII lived here for about 12 years. The neighbourhood has clear advantages: good connections by tram, bus and ferry/boat, plenty of supermarkets, gyms and practical amenities nearby. For me, however, there was one major drawback: structural low-frequency noise, demonstrably coming from commercial shipping on the Amsterdam-Rijnkanaal. If you are sensitive to that, it can be very burdensome. In my case, it was clearly noticeable indoors, especially at night. Neighbours said they slept with earplugs and extra insulation offered limited to no solution. The municipality took measurements at the time and acknowledged that the noise was significant, but indicated they could do little or nothing about it because the source fell outside their direct authority. My honest advice: visit this neighbourhood not only during the day, but also in the evening and at night, and pay specific attention to low-frequency humming or vibrations. For people sensitive to noise, I would personally strongly advise against this location.
Auto-translated to English by AINo public transport!
Auto-translated to English by AINice, quiet and reasonably cosy neighbourhood. Good accessibility, the Amsterdam Forest nearby. Lots of different facilities within walking distance. Nice to live here with a family and pets! Quite a few schools within cycling distance. Hygiene in the neighbourhood is above the average level in Amsterdam. VUmc very close by.
Auto-translated to English by AIAt the end of the Silodam lies the striking MVRDV building. Surrounded by water on all sides. Every apartment has a view of the IJ and/or the Oude Houthaven. The views are therefore phenomenal and every day is different due to the weather. The sunrises and sunsets are unbeatable. Because the building is at the end of the Silodam, there is no through traffic and every person is either a resident or a visitor. This makes it, by Amsterdam standards, an exceptionally safe living environment. There is little turnover. The residents of this building form a close-knit community. A nice mix of families with and without children and single people who help each other where needed. And that too is a special quality in an increasingly transient Amsterdam. Within walking distance are the Haarlemmerdijk and the markets where you can find all the hustle and bustle if you feel like it. On the Silodam there is peace and quiet, a delight for body and mind. The wind, the seagulls, the waves on the IJ, the boats, occasionally a cruise ship, and every 5 years Sail! A little paradise in Amsterdam? Absolutely!
Auto-translated to English by AIBecause we are on the outskirts, there is no through traffic. In the middle of the street a large playground with a table tennis table and a small football pitch. And playground equipment. Behind our house only meadows.
Auto-translated to English by AIIt's a nice quiet neighbourhood on the edge of the city but still close to many good amenities that a city has to offer. The neighbourhood is still becoming more beautiful.
Auto-translated to English by AI
