Apartments for rent in Delft
Finding an apartment for rent in Delft requires speed and knowledge of the market. Check the current supply and discover which neighbourhoods suit you best.
Delft rents more than it buys, and you can see that in the supply
Delft has traditionally been a city where renting is the norm, not the exception. This is largely due to the university, the many knowledge workers, and the compact urban form. The result: there are relatively many apartments available in the rental sector, but demand structurally exceeds supply. Anyone seriously considering renting an apartment in Delft would do well to understand this before starting their search.
The supply consists of a mix of porch flats from the 1950s and 1960s, new-build complexes around the station, and smaller apartments in and around the city centre. New-build properties are typically in the higher segment. Older supply can be more affordable but sometimes requires extra attention during viewings. Current prices and numbers can be found in the overview at the top of this page.
For a complete picture, also see all rental properties in Delft and the reviews and neighbourhood data for Delft.
Five neighbourhoods worth considering
Delft is compact, but the neighbourhoods differ greatly in atmosphere, accessibility, and type of supply. Below is an overview of the neighbourhoods with the highest resident ratings.
- Vrijenban (8.2/10): quiet residential area east of the centre, well-connected, popular with families and young professionals.
- Tanthof-Oost (8.1/10): green and spacious layout, slightly further from the centre but valued for its living environment.
- Binnenstad (7.9/10): the historic heart of Delft. Apartments here are scarce and rented out quickly. Busy, but well-connected and lively.
- Wippolder (7.7/10): student-friendly neighbourhood close to the TU Delft campus, with a mix of studios and larger apartments.
- Hof van Delft (7.6/10): newer residential area with a quiet character, suitable if you want a bit more space outside the ring road.
What determines the price level of an apartment in Delft
Delft sits in the upper mid-range when it comes to rental prices for apartments. This is no coincidence: the proximity of The Hague and Rotterdam, the presence of international companies, and TU Delft ensure a constant influx of tenants with relatively high budgets.
Factors influencing the rent of a specific apartment:
- Location relative to Delft station or Delft Campus station
- Presence of a balcony, outdoor space, or parking spot
- Year of construction and state of maintenance (new-build commands a premium)
- Furnished or unfurnished versus shell delivery
- Floor level and presence of a lift
Banks are strict about apartments under 40 m² when assessing mortgage applications, but as a tenant that doesn't directly apply. However, it is wise to check the service costs separately for small apartments: they can add up significantly and are sometimes not clearly stated in the advertisement.
Practical tips for those looking for an apartment in Delft
- Respond quickly, but read the advertisement carefully. For popular apartments in Delft, responses come in within minutes. Yet it pays to check the service costs, the rent commission status (social housing or free sector), and the notice period before you respond.
- Enable push notifications via the Buurtje.nl app. The app is free and sends a notification as soon as new supply matching your search appears. Download via the App Store or Google Play.
- Check whether the apartment falls in the free sector. In Delft, there are still social housing units, but these go through housing corporations with waiting times. Free sector apartments are immediately available but are not subject to rent price protection.
- Pay attention to the parking situation. Delft has paid parking in large parts of the city. An apartment without a parking spot means applying for a parking permit in many neighbourhoods, sometimes with a waiting period.
- Ask about the energy label. Older porch flats in the city centre or Wippolder sometimes have a low label. This translates into higher heating costs, which significantly affects total living expenses.
- Look into the tenants' association or Homeowners' Association (VvE). For apartments in a complex, the Homeowners' Association (VvE) is relevant, even as a tenant. A poorly functioning VvE can lead to deferred maintenance that affects you as a tenant.
- Also consider The Hague as an alternative. Ten minutes from Delft you'll find a much larger supply. Also check apartments in The Hague if you are flexible on location.
Delft or rather the region?
The supply in Delft itself is limited. Those not necessarily tied to Delft will find more choice in the region. The Hague is within cycling distance and has a significantly larger housing supply, also in the mid-range. Train connections between Delft and The Hague are frequent, making commuting easy. Check the current supply in The Hague as a supplement to your search.
Are you specifically looking to buy instead of rent? Then you'll find more on this page: buying apartments in Delft.
Frequently asked questions
What does it cost to rent an apartment in Delft?
Delft is in the higher mid-range for rental apartments. Exact prices vary by neighbourhood, year of construction, size and amenities such as a balcony or parking space. Current rental prices can be found in the overview at the top of this page.
How do I quickly find an apartment in Delft?
The market in Delft is tight: popular apartments are sometimes gone within a day. Turn on push notifications via the free Buurtje.nl app so you get an immediate alert when new listings appear. The app is free to download from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android).
What legal aspects should I consider when renting an apartment?
Always check whether the apartment falls under the free sector or social sector. In the free sector, there are no rent price limits. Also pay attention to the service costs: these are sometimes high and not always transparently stated. For apartments in a complex, the Homeowners' Association (VvE) is relevant. A poorly functioning VvE can lead to deferred maintenance, even if you are a tenant.
Which neighbourhoods in Delft are most popular with tenants?
Based on resident ratings, Vrijenban (8.2/10) and Tanthof-Oost (8.1/10) score highest. The Binnenstad (7.9/10) is popular due to its central location, but supply is scarce. Wippolder (7.7/10) is popular with students and TU staff. Hof van Delft (7.6/10) is quieter and slightly further from the centre.
Is Delft suitable for expats and international tenants?
Yes. Thanks to TU Delft and the proximity of international companies in the The Hague region, Delft is a popular city for expats. Many landlords offer furnished apartments, and English-language rental contracts are not uncommon. Keep in mind that competition in this segment is high and you need to respond quickly to new listings.
Quiet neighbourhood with everything you need nearby. The only hassle is finding parking spaces. There isn't often nuisance or anything.
Auto-translated to English by AINo sense of community, little contact, also some loitering youths, a lot of litter in the area.. I often clean up rubbish but the next day it's all over the ground again.. experienced a burglary at the neighbours' in broad daylight.. that does create a feeling of insecurity.. In addition, I sometimes have trouble with men following me.. and fireworks are set off all year round, also randomly at 3am.. There are 2 nice playgrounds in the neighbourhood but I often don't find them safe for children because there is too much litter.. think lots of cigarette butts and glass and many other things.. but it's nice that the facility is there
Auto-translated to English by AIIt is often dirty, there is a lot of rubbish in my street next to the container, that is the only bad thing, that's why we get vermin in the street, mice, rats for example
Auto-translated to English by AII get along well with the people
Auto-translated to English by AIno negative experiences
Auto-translated to English by AIMy neighbourhood is a pleasant, accessible environment. There are many amenities nearby and the shops are easily reachable. However, there is often litter on the street and we have occasionally had mice in the neighbourhood as a result. Placing more bins could possibly prevent this. However, there are very few houses available and everything is unaffordable. Housing could therefore be better.
Auto-translated to English by AII think it's a fine neighbourhood, except that I sometimes feel unsafe when I cycle late in the evening. Other than that, I never really have trouble with people. The neighbourhood could be a bit greener in my opinion, but well, it's mostly flats and they're not that pretty.
Auto-translated to English by AIGood atmosphere, nice people
Auto-translated to English by AI
