Rental homes in Binnenstad, Haarlem
View the current rental property listings in Binnenstad, Haarlem. Compare rental prices, read resident reviews, and discover if this neighbourhood suits you.
Rental prices and market figures Binnenstad, Haarlem
Binnenstad in Haarlem is predominantly a rental neighbourhood: 64% of homes are rental properties, compared to 36% owner-occupied. Notably, only 7% of the total housing stock is owned by housing associations. The vast majority, around 57%, is rented out by private landlords and investors. This means that most rental homes in Binnenstad fall under the free sector, with corresponding prices.
In the free sector (excluding social housing), the average rent over the past twelve months was €2,218 per month, with a range from €1,009 to €5,750. With an average floor area of 83 m², this works out to about €26.70 per square metre. During that period, 107 homes were rented out, showing that there is regular supply, but competition among tenants is fierce. The average WOZ value in Binnenstad is €505,000, comparable to the district average of Oude Stad (€510,000) and higher than the Haarlem average of €480,000. Want to see what is currently for rent in Binnenstad? Check the current overview at the top of this page for daily prices and available rental homes.
Living in Binnenstad, Haarlem
Binnenstad in Haarlem is the beating heart of the city: a maze of narrow streets, historic façades and canals around the Grote Markt with the Sint-Bavokerk. You don't live here in an ordinary residential area, but right in the middle of a lively city centre that dates back to the Middle Ages. The housing stock mainly consists of apartments in monumental and pre-war buildings. Think of upstairs flats above shops on the Grote Houtstraat, apartments on the Gedempte Oude Gracht or compact studios in the side streets towards the Spaarne. Spacious family homes are scarce here. Most homes are smaller than average, which fits the 1,105 single-person households that form the largest group here.
The population is young and highly educated: the largest age group is 25 to 45 years (1,455 out of 3,285 residents) and 55% are highly educated. Only 25% of households are married, confirming the image of a neighbourhood full of young professionals and couples without children.
Shops, dining and amenities within walking distance
The Grote Houtstraat and Barteljorisstraat are the main shopping streets, with chains like Albert Heijn (Grote Houtstraat) and various specialist shops. On the Botermarkt and the Verwulft you will find smaller supermarkets and organic shops. Dining options are abundant: from the terraces on the Grote Markt to the restaurants along the Spaarne and the cafés on the Lange Veerstraat. For daily groceries, you don't need to leave the neighbourhood. GP practices and pharmacies are located in and around the centre. Primary schools such as the Dreefschool and the Kohnstammschool are just outside the immediate Binnenstad, within cycling distance in adjacent neighbourhoods like Vijfhoek and Heiliglanden. Sports facilities are mainly found in the nearby Kenaupark and Haarlemmerhout, a few minutes away by bike.
Accessibility: central but parking is difficult
Haarlem Station is a five-minute walk from the edge of Binnenstad, in the adjacent Stationsbuurt. From there, you can reach Amsterdam Central in fifteen minutes. Bus lines depart from the station square to all districts and surrounding towns. By car, you can quickly reach the A9 and A5 via the N200 and A200, but parking in Binnenstad is expensive and difficult. Street parking requires a permit and waiting lists are long. Many residents consciously choose the bike or public transport. The municipality of Haarlem actively pursues a car-free policy in the centre.
Resident Sannie Jager gives the neighbourhood a 10 and writes: "Beautiful neighbourhood... shops nearby, bus connections nearby." She calls it "cosy, lots of greenery, beautiful street lighting and great to be able to live here." That enthusiasm is understandable if you live in the historic heart, but be aware of the downside: noise from hospitality venues and events, limited living space and high rents. See all experiences and neighbourhood data on the Binnenstad neighbourhood page.
Compared to neighbouring areas like Bakenes and Burgwal, Binnenstad is the most urban and busiest. If you prefer somewhere quieter but still close to the centre, those neighbourhoods sometimes offer a bit more space for a similar price.
Is a rental home in Binnenstad right for you?
A rental home in Binnenstad best suits young professionals, couples without children and expats seeking the vibrancy of a city centre. With an average income of €48,000 in the neighbourhood and rents around €2,218 per month, you need an above-average income. If you want to rent an apartment in Binnenstad, prepare your documents (employer's statement, payslips, ID) in advance and respond on the same day. Homes go quickly here. For social housing, supply is very limited (7% housing association stock); register with WoningNet Haarlem and expect years-long waiting lists. Also consider buying a home in Binnenstad as an alternative, or look at the broader supply for rent in Haarlem.
What residents say about Binnenstad
Based on 1 review, Binnenstad scores 10.0 out of 10, with a perfect 10 on all sub-scores (safety, accessibility, green spaces, amenities, beauty, community, education and housing). That is of course based on a limited number of reviews, so take it with a pinch of salt. Sannie Jager sums it up: "Cosy, lots of greenery, beautiful street lighting and great to be able to live here." Want to read more reviews or share your own experience? Check the reviews of Binnenstad.
Renting in Binnenstad compared to surrounding neighbourhoods
Unsure between Binnenstad and a neighbouring area? Compare the supply and atmosphere. Vijfhoek is smaller and quieter, Bakenes offers more waterside living, and Stationsbuurt is convenient if you take the train daily. Also look at districts like Haarlemmerhoutkwartier for more greenery, or Zijlwegkwartier for larger homes. On Buurtje.nl, you combine neighbourhood scores, resident reviews and current housing supply from more than 1,500 sources, so you not only consider renting a home in Binnenstad, but really know if the neighbourhood suits you. Also check the full overview of rental homes in Oude Stad for the complete picture.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Binnenstad, Haarlem?
The average rent in the free sector in Binnenstad is €2,218 per month, based on 107 rented homes in the past year. The range runs from €1,009 to €5,750 per month, with an average floor area of 83 m² (approximately €26.70 per m²). Social housing via housing associations is cheaper, but supply is very limited (7% of the housing stock).
Are there social housing units in Binnenstad, Haarlem?
Only 7% of homes in Binnenstad are owned by housing associations, making the supply of social housing very limited. Those looking for social housing can register with WoningNet Haarlem. Expect waiting lists of several years. The majority of rental homes (57%) are rented out by private and commercial landlords in the free sector.
What is it like to live in Binnenstad, Haarlem?
Living in Binnenstad means living in the historic heart of Haarlem, with shops, restaurants and the Spaarne within walking distance. Residents appreciate the cosiness, the greenery and the good accessibility. The neighbourhood scores a 10.0 from residents. However, be prepared for noise from hospitality venues, limited parking space and relatively small homes.
Is Binnenstad suitable for young professionals and starters?
Yes, Binnenstad is particularly a neighbourhood for young professionals. The largest age group is 25 to 45 years old and 55% of residents are highly educated. Most households are single-person (1,105 out of approximately 1,700). Keep in mind that with a rent around €2,218 per month, you need an above-average income to find a rental home here.
How accessible is Binnenstad, Haarlem?
Haarlem Station is a five-minute walk away and takes you to Amsterdam Central in fifteen minutes. Bus lines depart from the station square in all directions. By car, you are quickly on the A9 and A5, but parking in the centre is expensive and requires a permit with long waiting lists. Most residents cycle or take public transport.
What facilities are there in Binnenstad, Haarlem?
In Binnenstad you will find everything within walking distance: supermarkets such as Albert Heijn on the Grote Houtstraat, dozens of shops, restaurants and cafés. GPs and pharmacies are located in the centre. Primary schools are in neighbouring neighbourhoods such as Vijfhoek and Heiliglanden. Sports and recreation can be found in the Haarlemse Hout and at the Kenaupark, a few minutes' cycle away.
How quickly are rental homes rented out in Binnenstad, Haarlem?
Rental homes in Binnenstad go off the market quickly. With 107 rented homes in the free sector in the past year, there is regular supply, but demand is high. Prepare your documents (employer's statement, payslips, ID) in advance and respond as quickly as possible. See at the top of the page the current average rental time in days for the most recent figures.
Cosy....lots of greenery, beautiful street lighting and great to be able to live here
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