Rental homes in Enschede
View the current supply of rental properties in Enschede, including neighbourhood scores and resident reviews per district.
Renting a home in Enschede: an honest picture of the rental market
Enschede is a city where more than half of all homes are rental properties. Of the more than 77,000 homes, 52% are rented, of which 36% are owned by housing corporations and 16% by other landlords. This means the social rental sector is large, but waiting lists at corporations like Domijn and De Woonplaats are long. Expect a waiting time of several years if you register via WoningInZicht. In the private sector, around 690 homes have been rented out in the past twelve months, with an average rent of €1,439 per month. The range runs from €385 to €8,750, although most are somewhere in the middle. The average size is 109 m². Check the top of this page for the most current rents and daily listings.
Enschede is a true student city thanks to the University of Twente, which attracts around 12,000 students, including many international students. This is noticeable in the rental market: there is strong demand for rooms and apartments, especially around the start of the academic year. Additionally, the city is a major employment centre in Twente, with, among others, Medisch Spectrum Twente, Thales and a growing tech sector at Kennispark. Accessibility scores an 8.0 among residents, partly thanks to Enschede Centraal station with direct trains to Hengelo, Almelo and Zwolle. The A35 and A1 are easily reachable. If you want to cross the German border, you can be in Gronau within a quarter of an hour.
From the Binnensingelgebied to the suburbs: where do you want to rent?
Enschede is not a city where all neighbourhoods look alike. The differences in atmosphere, price level and type of residents are significant. Below is an honest overview of the main areas, including the neighbourhood scores that residents have left on the municipal page of Enschede.
Enschede-Zuid, the most popular residential area
With a neighbourhood score of 8.3 from 9 reviews, Enschede-Zuid is the highest-rated district in the city. This area includes Wesselerbrink and Helmerhoek. It is a green, spacious neighbourhood with many single-family homes. Families feel at home here due to the good schools and play areas. One resident describes the area as "quiet and green, with everything you need within walking distance." The Wesselerbrink shopping centre offers daily groceries, and the Rutbeek recreation area is just around the corner. However, the supply in the private sector here is limited, as many homes are owned by housing corporations.
Ribbelt-Stokhorst, family neighbourhood with high ratings
Just east of the city centre lies Ribbelt-Stokhorst, scoring an 8.1 among residents. This is a slightly older neighbourhood with a mix of 1930s homes and post-war construction. The atmosphere is village-like despite the proximity to the city centre. Stokhorst has an active neighbourhood life and is close to Volkspark. For those looking for a rental home with character and an involved community, this is an interesting option.
Binnensingelgebied, urban living with buzz
The Binnensingelgebied is the heart of Enschede. Here you will find the Oude Markt, the Muziekkwartier and most of the hospitality venues. The neighbourhood score is 7.0 based on 10 reviews, which is lower than the suburbs. That makes sense: it is busier, there is more noise pollution and the cleanliness scores somewhat poorly. But if you enjoy urban living, close to cafés, shops and culture, then renting an apartment in this area is the logical choice. Especially starters and young professionals like to live here.
In addition, there are a few other neighbourhoods worth mentioning. Enschede-Noord scores a 7.8 and includes Roombeek, the neighbourhood that was completely rebuilt after the fireworks disaster with striking architecture and plenty of greenery. Boswinkel-Stadsveld is a large neighbourhood on the west side with a score of 7.7 from 11 reviews. Investment is being made here in renovation and sustainability. The rural area around Enschede (7.8) offers peace and space, but rental supply is scarce. Hogeland-Velve (6.7) and Twekkelerveld-T.H.T. (6.5) score lower. Residents here more often mention nuisance and a weaker sense of community. That does not mean they are bad neighbourhoods, but it is good to be honest about it.
For whom is renting in Enschede a good choice?
With an average income of €31,200 and a labour participation rate of 60%, Enschede is not a wealthy city. This makes the rental market more accessible than in the Randstad, but the private sector at an average of €1,439 per month is not cheap by Twente standards. Students from the University of Twente and Saxion find rooms and studios on campus and in the city centre, although competition in August and September is fierce. Young professionals working at one of the tech companies on Kennispark find compact apartments in the Binnensingelgebied or Roombeek. Families are often better off in Enschede-Zuid or Ribbelt-Stokhorst, where there is more space.
A few practical tips: register with WoningInZicht as soon as possible if you want to qualify for social housing. For the private sector, you need to respond quickly and always have your documents (employer's statement, payslips, ID) ready. If you have a modal income and are looking for something affordable, it might be wise to also look at homes for sale in Enschede, because with an average WOZ value of €284,000, buying here is still relatively accessible. Those willing to look slightly outside the city can also check nearby Haaksbergen or Borne. More information about living, permits and municipal regulations can be found on the website of the municipality of Enschede.
Searching for rental homes in Enschede via neighbourhood scores and reviews
On Buurtje.nl you will not only find the current rental supply, but also reviews from residents per neighbourhood. With an average score of 7.5 from 58 reviews, this gives a realistic picture of what it is really like to live in Enschede. Compare neighbourhoods on safety, greenery and facilities and discover which area suits you. Rental homes in Enschede not quite what you are looking for? Then also check the supply in Deventer or elsewhere in Overijssel.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Enschede?
In the free sector (excluding social housing), the average rent in Enschede is €1,439 per month, based on 690 rented homes in the past year. The range runs from €385 to €8,750, with an average floor area of 109 m². Social housing through corporations like Domijn is cheaper but has long waiting lists.
Which neighbourhoods in Enschede are the most popular for renting?
Enschede-Zuid scores highest among residents with an 8.3 out of 10, followed by Ribbelt-Stokhorst (8.1) and Enschede-Noord (7.8). The Binnensingelgebied scores a 7.0 but is popular among starters who want to live in an urban setting. The scores are based on resident reviews on categories such as safety, greenery, and amenities.
How quickly are rental homes in Enschede rented out?
Rental homes in the free sector in Enschede go quite quickly, especially apartments in the city centre and around the University of Twente. Make sure you have documents such as an employer's statement and payslips ready so you can respond immediately. At the top of the page, you can see the current average rental time.
What is the difference between social housing and the free sector in Enschede?
In Enschede, 36% of homes are owned by housing corporations (social housing), with rents below the liberalisation threshold. You register for these via WoninginZicht, but the waiting time is several years. The free sector (16% of the stock) has no income limit but higher rents, averaging €1,439 per month.
Is Enschede a good city to rent a home as a student?
Yes, Enschede is a true student city with the University of Twente and Saxion. There are many rooms and studios available, especially in the city centre and on campus. Note: around August and September, competition is fierce. Start searching early and register with multiple landlords.
How safe is it to live in Enschede?
Residents give Enschede a 7.7 for safety. Neighbourhoods like Enschede-Zuid and Ribbelt-Stokhorst score above average, while Hogeland-Velve and Twekkelerveld score lower. So it varies greatly by neighbourhood. Check the neighbourhood scores per district to get a good picture.
Can I rent an affordable apartment in Enschede?
Renting an apartment in Enschede in the free sector costs an average of €1,439 per month. That is significantly lower than the Randstad, but on the high side for Twente. More affordable options can be found in the social housing sector or by looking at surrounding municipalities like Borne or Haaksbergen. Renting a home in Enschede is cheapest if you look outside the city centre.
Are there many rental houses available in the suburbs of Enschede?
In suburbs like Enschede-Zuid and Boswinkel-Stadsveld, there are many housing corporation homes, but the free sector supply is more limited there than in the city centre. In the rural area around Enschede, supply is even scarcer. Keep an eye on the current overview on this page for new rental houses per neighbourhood.
Good, nothing more, safe house
Auto-translated to English by AINice, neat and quiet neighbourhood. Lots of greenery, few high-rise buildings, which I really like. We ourselves live in an apartment where we feel at home. The neighbours in our apartment are all older Enschede residents and Glanerbrug residents. Nice complex to live in. The view from our apartment is beautiful, lots of greenery, and you can easily walk into the countryside. However, the shops, apart from a few, are further away. I personally find that a disadvantage. You really need transport if you want to go somewhere. Not everyone can cycle or has a car. I feel safe here; in the 6 years I've lived here, I personally haven't experienced anything that could give an unsafe feeling. You also don't see groups of young people hanging around here.
Auto-translated to English by AIFriendly and social neighbourhood
Auto-translated to English by AIIt's a tidy neighbourhood but there are a few people who pick fights and have constant issues with the enforcement, which puts the neighbourhood in a bad light. Other than that, it's not extremely clean because there's a lot of dog poo.
Auto-translated to English by AIThere are many problem youths in this neighbourhood. Probably because of people with lower incomes.
Auto-translated to English by AIVery nice living in this neighbourhood
Auto-translated to English by AIIt used to be nice and cosy. Now all kinds of people move in whom you still don't know after 2 years. Few amenities, nothing to do here. Nature is being destroyed by rich stickers who want to build a house.
Auto-translated to English by AIIt's not a nice neighbourhood to live in, junkies are on every corner and everything gets stolen.
Auto-translated to English by AI
