Rental homes in Assen
View the current supply of rental properties in Assen, including neighbourhood scores and resident reviews per district. Find a rental property that suits your situation.
Renting a home in Assen: what you need to know about the rental market
Assen is the capital of Drenthe, but in terms of scale and atmosphere it feels more like a large, manageable town than a real city. That makes it attractive for people seeking peace and quiet without wanting to sacrifice amenities. Of the nearly 33,000 homes in the municipality, 41% are rental properties. About 27% of the total housing stock is owned by housing associations (mainly Actium and Domesta), while 14% is offered by other landlords. This means the social rental sector is relatively large, but so are the waiting lists: expect several years of registration time with the municipality of Assen or the housing associations.
In the private sector, 165 homes have been rented out over the past twelve months, at an average rent of €1,123 per month. The range is wide: from €455 for a compact apartment to €3,500 for the largest detached homes. The average floor area of those rented homes was 149 m², showing that the supply in the private sector largely consists of single-family homes. For the current daily price and the current number of available rental properties in Assen, you can consult the overview at the top of this page. Compared to cities like Groningen or Zwolle, rental prices are moderate, but for Drenthe they are at the higher end.
From Kloosterveen to Lariks: renting per neighbourhood in Assen
Assen is compact enough to cycle anywhere within ten minutes, but the neighbourhoods differ considerably in character and price. Below are the main areas to consider when looking for a rental home.
Kloosterveen: popular with families, highest neighbourhood score
Kloosterveen is the newest major expansion neighbourhood on the west side of Assen and scores the highest among residents with an 8.2 out of 10. The neighbourhood has wide streets, plenty of greenery and good primary schools. It is clearly a family neighbourhood: new-build single-family homes dominate. The downside is that the rental supply in the private sector here is limited, as many homes are owner-occupied. When something does become available, it is usually gone quickly.
Centrum: everything within walking distance
The centre of Assen scores a 7.8 among residents and receives particularly high marks for accessibility and amenities. Here you will find the Gouverneurshuis, the Vaart, shops on the Mercuriuspassage and the station within walking distance. Renting an apartment in Assen centre is especially interesting for singles and couples who enjoy urban vibrancy. The supply mainly consists of apartments above shops and in newer complexes around the Havenkade. One resident describes it as "cosy and lively, with everything you need within easy reach". Bear in mind that parking in the centre is more difficult and expensive than elsewhere.
Marsdijk: spacious living with a village feel
Marsdijk lies on the south side and scores a 7.7 among residents based on 4 reviews. It is a quiet neighbourhood from the 1980s and 1990s with plenty of greenery and spacious gardens. Residents appreciate the tranquillity and the proximity of the Asserbos. For families who prefer a bit more space than in Kloosterveen, Marsdijk is a serious alternative.
Noorderpark (7.5 out of 10) on the north side is a mixed neighbourhood with both social housing and private sector homes. It is a somewhat older neighbourhood that has been partially renovated in recent years. The atmosphere is down-to-earth and prices here are generally lower than in the centre or Kloosterveen. Lariks scores a 7.2 and is the most affordable option. It is a neighbourhood with many housing association homes and its own shopping centre. Honestly, Lariks does not have the best reputation, but residents mention community spirit as a plus point and the neighbourhood is undergoing significant development.
In addition, there are neighbourhoods such as Peelo, Pittelo and Assen-Oost, each with their own character. Peelo is a typical 1970s neighbourhood with plenty of greenery, Pittelo is somewhat more tucked away on the east side, and Assen-Oost offers a mix of older and newer homes. Those who really want to live rurally can look at the rural area, but the rental supply there is minimal. View all resident experiences and scores on the municipality page of Assen.
For whom is renting in Assen a good choice?
With an average income of €34,300 and a labour participation rate of 64%, Assen is not a high-income municipality. This makes the private sector (average €1,123 per month) difficult to access for part of the population. Renting a home in Assen is particularly interesting for those working at the provincial government building, the UMCG satellite office, Astron or the GGD, and for people who work in Groningen but prefer to live outside the city. The train to Groningen takes half an hour, and the A28 towards Zwolle is easily accessible.
First-time buyers and students are dependent on the social rental sector or room rentals, as the private sector really only starts at around €700 for a small apartment. So register early with Actium or Domesta. If you are looking for more space for less money and are considering buying, also check out the homes for sale in Assen, because with an average WOZ value of €278,000, buying here is relatively affordable compared to the Randstad. Seniors are a growing group in Assen (over 15,000 residents are 65-plus), and for them there are increasingly more ground-floor rental apartments available, especially in Marsdijk and Noorderpark.
Viewing the rental supply in Assen and surroundings
On Buurtje.nl you combine the current housing supply with neighbourhood scores and resident reviews, so you not only choose a home but also a neighbourhood that suits you. Assen scores an average of 7.7 among residents, particularly high on accessibility (8.3) and amenities (8.1). If you do not find anything directly in Assen, also look at rental properties in Aa en Hunze for a rural environment, Hoogeveen as an alternative Drenthe town, or Emmen for more urban supply. More about the region can be found on the page of the province of Drenthe.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Assen?
In the free sector (excluding social housing), the average rent in Assen is €1,123 per month, based on 165 rented homes in the past year. The range runs from €455 to €3,500, depending on size and location. The average floor area is 149 m².
Which neighbourhoods in Assen are the most popular for renting?
Kloosterveen scores highest among residents with an 8.2 out of 10, followed by the Centrum (7.8) and Marsdijk (7.7). Kloosterveen is popular with families, the centre mainly attracts singles and couples, and Marsdijk offers spacious homes in a green environment.
How quickly are rental homes in Assen let?
Rental homes in the free sector in Assen are taken off the market fairly quickly, especially in popular neighbourhoods like Kloosterveen and the Centrum. Prepare your documents (income statement, employer's statement) in advance and respond quickly. At the top of this page you can see the current average time to let.
What is the difference between social housing and the free sector in Assen?
About 27% of homes in Assen are social housing via housing associations such as Actium and Domesta, with rents up to the liberalisation threshold (around €880). The free sector (14% of the stock) has no income limit but higher rents, averaging €1,123 per month. For social housing you need to register separately and the waiting time is often several years.
Is renting a home in Assen affordable on a median income?
The average income in Assen is €34,300. Using the rule of thumb that no more than a third of your income should go to rent, you can spend around €950 per month. That is lower than the average free sector rent of €1,123, but there are homes available from €455. Dual-income households have more options. Otherwise, consider also buying a home.
How accessible is Assen for commuters?
Assen scores an 8.3 on accessibility among residents. Assen station offers direct trains to Groningen (30 min) and Zwolle (55 min). Via the A28 you are quickly in Hoogeveen or Zwolle, and the N33 connects Assen with the east of Groningen. For commuters heading to Groningen, renting a home in Assen is an affordable alternative.
Are there enough amenities in Assen for renters with children?
Assen scores a 7.5 on education and an 8.1 on amenities. There are several primary schools spread across the neighbourhoods, secondary schools in the centre and Kloosterveen, and the Drenthe College for vocational education. Kloosterveen and Marsdijk are the most family-friendly neighbourhoods with playgrounds, sports facilities and safe cycling routes.
Can I rent an apartment in the centre of Assen?
Yes, apartments regularly become available in the centre, both above shops and in newer complexes around the Havenkade and Kop van de Vaart. Rents in the centre are generally slightly higher than in the suburbs, but you have the station, shops and restaurants within walking distance.
I was born and raised in marsdijk assen. I have lived in this nice neighbourhood for 14 years, which is also because I am 14 years old. I enjoy living here. I generally feel quite safe, except when you go to the anne frank park after 8pm. the atmosphere there is usually grim. it is a very cosy neighbourhood, I definitely recommend people to live here. especially if they have a pretty daughter my age.
Auto-translated to English by AIThe neighbourhood is cosy but can be noisy in the evening in the adjacent park, but overall it's always fine and not much else happens in the area.
Auto-translated to English by AIThere's nothing in this neighbourhood. Everything is gone. Have to go to other districts for activities, etc. I drive an electric wheelchair myself and that makes it even more difficult.
Auto-translated to English by AIFriendly people but everyone keeps to themselves
Auto-translated to English by AIReasonably neat, but more green maintenance by residents themselves, more control over housing construction. Shops, schools, playgrounds sufficient.
Auto-translated to English by AIIt's a decent neighbourhood. Never any crazy stuff, just quiet.
Auto-translated to English by AIIt's a pretty decent neighbourhood, sometimes there are fireworks or other loud noises, and you often hear the police and ambulance driving by. But otherwise it's a fairly quiet neighbourhood and I'm glad I live here, I can easily get to other places from here. Like Groningen or Zwolle. Which is very handy.
Auto-translated to English by AIIt's a neighbourhood where many diverse people live, often it's very cosy but there can also be a lot of hassle among each other at certain times. A bit more consideration could be given to plants and flowers and grass fields.
Auto-translated to English by AI
