Apartments for rent in Enschede
Looking for an apartment to rent in Enschede? The supply is varied but limited. Check the current overview here and read what you need to know.
Enschede as an apartment city: what you need to know before you start looking
Enschede is a large city with a remarkably balanced housing market. Buying and renting are more evenly matched here than in many other large cities, which means the rental supply is reasonably varied, but certainly not abundant. Anyone looking to rent an apartment in Enschede will notice that the supply is concentrated around the city centre and a number of surrounding neighbourhoods that have been redeveloped in recent years.
Apartments in Enschede are popular with students (the University of Twente attracts many new residents each year), expats coming through technology companies in the region, and young professionals who do not want to buy immediately. The mid-range segment dominates the supply. Apartments in the higher segment exist, but are more limited in number. Check the overview at the top of this page for the current state of supply.
See also: all rental properties in Enschede or compare with buying apartments in Enschede if you are also considering that option.
What makes renting an apartment in Enschede different from elsewhere
A few things that specifically apply to this type and this city:
- Floor area and mortgage limit. You are renting, but if you ever want to buy: banks take a strict view of apartments under 40m². That does not matter now, but it is relevant if you are renting an apartment as an intermediate step.
- VvE costs in new complexes. In newer apartment complexes, the landlord pays VvE contributions. Check your rental contract whether service costs already include this, or whether disputes could arise later about what you are reimbursed for.
- Student market versus regular market. Around the University of Twente (Campus side, towards Wijk Noord), the market is extra tight in August and September. Looking during that period? Respond quickly and make sure your documents are ready.
- Rent price protection. Check via the Rent Tribunal whether an apartment falls into the regulated or free sector. If in doubt, you can request a points assessment. This is not always proactively communicated in Enschede.
- Parking. In the Binnensingelgebied and directly around the centre, parking for residents is paid or restricted. Always ask whether a parking permit is available, or what the costs are for a fixed parking space at the complex.
- Set up push notifications. The Buurtje.nl app is free and sends you a notification as soon as a new apartment becomes available that matches your filters. Download the app via the App Store or Google Play. In a tight market, every hour counts.
- Respond completely. Landlords in Enschede select quickly. A response without an income statement, employer's declaration or reference often gets rejected. Make sure you have this package ready.
Price level: what determines what you pay
Enschede is in the mid-range segment compared to the Randstad, but that does not mean everything is cheap. What determines the price of an apartment:
- Location relative to the centre and the station.
- Year of construction and state of maintenance. Newer complexes ask more.
- Presence of a balcony, lift or parking space.
- Whether the apartment is offered furnished, unfurnished or empty. Empty is less common in Enschede than in the Randstad, but it does occur with private landlords.
- Level of service costs. Always compare the bare rent plus service costs together.
For current prices per type and neighbourhood: see the overview at the top of this page.
Neighbourhoods for an apartment: character and score
Not every neighbourhood in Enschede has as much apartment supply. These are the most relevant options, with resident score:
- Enschede-Zuid (8.4/10). Quiet, green, well accessible. Popular with people who want a bit more space but do not want to leave the city.
- Ribbelt - Stokhorst (8.1/10). Varied buildings, mix of families and starters. Relatively quiet with good connections.
- Enschede-Noord (7.8/10). Closer to the university, attractive for students and young renters. More dynamics, more supply in the lower segment.
- Boswinkel - Stadsveld (7.7/10). Affordable neighbourhood with its own character. Less touristy, but practical for daily use.
- Binnensingelgebied (7.0/10). The centre of Enschede. Closest to amenities, but also busier and with parking restrictions. Supply is limited and requires a quick response.
More neighbourhood data, resident reviews and scores per neighbourhood can be found on the overview page of Enschede.
Also look outside Enschede
Not working out in Enschede itself? The region offers alternatives. Renting apartments in Zwolle is a serious option if you are flexible on location. Zwolle has its own housing market with a slightly different supply profile. It is a journey of about an hour by public transport, but for those who work in the region or can work from home, it can be a workable choice.
Frequently asked questions
What does it cost to rent an apartment in Enschede?
Enschede is in the mid-range compared to other large cities. The price depends on the neighbourhood, the year of construction, the floor area, and whether it includes a balcony or parking space. Check current rental prices in the overview at the top of this page.
How do I quickly find an apartment in Enschede?
Make sure your documents are ready (income overview, employer's statement) and respond as quickly as possible. The free Buurtje.nl app sends push notifications as soon as new listings become available. Download the app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) and don't miss any new homes.
What should I look out for when renting an apartment?
Check whether the apartment falls under the regulated or free rental sector. If in doubt, you can request a points assessment via the Rent Tribunal. Also pay attention to the service costs: these can vary greatly, especially in complexes with a homeowners' association. Always compare the base rent plus service costs together.
Which neighbourhoods in Enschede are suitable for an apartment?
Enschede-Zuid (resident score 8.4/10) and Ribbelt - Stokhorst (8.1/10) are popular for their peace and accessibility. Enschede-Noord (7.8/10) attracts students and young renters. The Binnensingelgebied (7.0/10) is centrally located but has limited supply and parking restrictions. View neighbourhood reviews and scores per district on the municipal overview page.
Is parking a problem with apartments in Enschede?
In and around the centre (Binnensingelgebied), parking for residents is paid or limited. Always ask during the viewing whether a parking permit is available or what the costs are for a fixed parking space. In neighbourhoods such as Enschede-Zuid or Ribbelt - Stokhorst, parking is generally less of an issue.
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
