Rental homes in De Waag, Leeuwarden

Rental prices and market figures De Waag, Leeuwarden

De Waag is a true rental neighbourhood: no less than 85% of the 723 homes are rental properties. Only 9% are owned by a housing association, meaning the vast majority (76%) is in the hands of private landlords and investors. If you are looking for social housing, the supply here is therefore limited. In the free sector (excluding social housing), the average rent over the past year was €986 per month, with a range from €365 to €2,050. With an average floor area of 79 m², this works out to about €12.50 per square metre. 126 homes were rented out in the free sector, showing that there is regular supply. The WOZ value is €187,000, higher than the average for the Binnenstad district (€157,000), but well below the Leeuwarden average of €234,000. The average income of €24,300 is lower than both the district (€26,700) and the municipality of Leeuwarden (€32,600), which fits a neighbourhood with many students and starters. Always check the current daily prices and available rental properties in De Waag at the top of this page.

Living in De Waag, Leeuwarden

De Waag is the beating heart of Leeuwarden city centre. The neighbourhood is named after the historic Waag building on Waagplein, which now serves as a hospitality venue. You live here right in the centre, between the canals, with shops, cafés and restaurants all around you. It is a lively, compact neighbourhood where everything is within walking distance. The housing stock mainly consists of apartments above shops, converted canal houses and a number of newer apartment complexes. Do not expect spacious family homes: most rental homes are compact (average 79 m²) and suitable for one or two people. This is also reflected in the figures: of the 735 households, the vast majority are single-person households.

Facilities around Waagplein

You are well set for daily groceries. The Albert Heijn on Voorstreek is a few minutes' walk away, as is the Jumbo City in the centre. On Nieuwestad and in Kleine Kerkstraat you will find a wide range of shops, from chains to speciality stores. Hospitality is abundant: Waagplein itself is full of terraces, and the side streets are home to dozens of eateries and restaurants. For sports, you can go to gyms in the centre. Prinsentuin park and Oldehoofsterkerkhof are a few minutes' bike ride away for some greenery. Schools in the immediate vicinity are mainly at secondary and higher levels: NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences and various vocational schools are within cycling distance, which explains the large group of 15-25 year olds (540 of the 1,250 residents).

Accessibility from De Waag

Leeuwarden Station is less than a ten-minute walk from De Waag. From there, you have direct trains to Groningen (approx. 50 minutes), Zwolle and the Randstad. Bus routes depart from the station and the bus station on Zaailand. By car, via Harlingerstraatweg you are quickly on the A31 towards Harlingen or the A32 towards Heerenveen and Zwolle. Parking is a point of attention in this neighbourhood: you need a parking permit and free spaces are scarce, especially in the evenings. By bike, you are everywhere in the centre within five minutes. More information about parking permits and accessibility can be found on the website of the municipality of Leeuwarden.

Residents appreciate the central location and lively character, but are honest about the downside. "It is pleasantly busy during the day and evening, but at weekends the noise from nightlife can be quite disturbing," writes a resident on the neighbourhood page of De Waag. Noise nuisance from hospitality and nightlife is often mentioned as a downside. Compared to neighbouring Nieuwestad, De Waag is slightly more focused on going out and hospitality, while Grote Kerkbuurt feels quieter and more residential. Anyone considering renting a home in De Waag would do well to plan an evening visit to experience the noise level for themselves.

Does De Waag suit you as a tenant?

With 540 residents between 15 and 25 years old, De Waag is clearly popular with students and young starters. If you are a student at NHL Stenden or Friesland College, you live here ideally. Young professionals who enjoy a lively centre also feel at home here. For families with children, the neighbourhood is less suitable: the homes are compact, there is little green space and play areas, and the nightlife can cause unrest. Seniors looking for peace and quiet are better off in a neighbourhood like Sonnenborgh and surroundings. Renting a house in De Waag requires quick action: prepare your documents (employer's statement, payslips, ID) in advance. For social housing, you can register with WoonFriesland, but expect long waiting times given the low housing association ownership of 9%. Would you rather consider buying? Then check the supply of homes for sale in De Waag.

What residents say about De Waag

On the reviews and neighbourhood data of De Waag, residents share their experiences. The central location and the range of hospitality score highly, while noise nuisance and parking problems are the most frequently mentioned criticisms. "Everything is close by, from supermarket to station, but bring earplugs for the weekend," a resident sums it up aptly. Check all reviews and sub-scores on the neighbourhood page to get a complete picture before considering renting an apartment in De Waag.

Rental property De Waag compared to surrounding neighbourhoods

Still unsure whether De Waag is the right neighbourhood? Compare the supply with nearby neighbourhoods. Blokhuisplein is slightly further south and is generally quieter, while Oldehove has a more village-like character within the city centre. Want to search more broadly? Then also check the rental supply in the entire Binnenstad or all rental properties in Leeuwarden. On Buurtje.nl you can compare neighbourhoods based on neighbourhood scores, resident reviews and current rental prices, compiled from more than 1,500 sources.