Rental homes in Groningen

Renting in Groningen: a city where 60% of homes are rental properties

Groningen is par excellence a rental city. Of the more than 122,700 homes in the municipality, about 60% are rental properties, compared to 40% owner-occupied homes. That is significantly more rentals than the national average, and that is no coincidence. With the University of Groningen and the Hanze University of Applied Sciences, the city attracts tens of thousands of students annually, and the growing employment at the UMCG, Gasunie, and a thriving tech and energy sector ensures a constant influx of young professionals and expats. Approximately 32% of all homes are owned by housing corporations (think Lefier, Nijestee and De Huismeesters), while 28% are rented out by private and commercial landlords. In the free sector, the average rent over the past year was €1,207 per month, with a range of €360 to €3,879. That average is based on 2,283 rented homes with an average floor area of 95 m². Keep in mind that the social rental market is not included here. At the top of this page you will always find the most current daily price and time to rent.

The average disposable income in Groningen is €33,100, which is relatively modest for a city of nearly 244,000 residents. This is partly due to the high proportion of students: the 15-25 age group numbers over 54,000 people. The labour participation rate is 61%, and 44% of residents are highly educated. That combination of young, highly educated and relatively modest income makes the rental market competitive, especially in the mid-range segment. Anyone wanting to rent an apartment in Groningen would do well to respond quickly.

From Grote Markt to Meerstad: neighbourhoods to rent in Groningen

Groningen is a compact city with very different neighbourhoods, from the bustling centre to the village-like outskirts that joined the municipality after the reorganisation with Haren and Ten Boer. Residents give the city an average of 7.6 on Buurtje.nl, but the scores vary widely per district. Below is a tour of the main areas.

Centrum: the beating heart with everything within walking distance

The Groningen centre scores a 7.8 from residents based on 27 reviews. Accessibility (8.0) and amenities stand out: you have the Grote Markt, the Vismarkt, the Forum and dozens of cafés and restaurants within reach. Renting in the centre does mean you pay more per square metre and that parking is difficult and expensive. One resident puts it aptly: "You have everything here, but you pay for everything too." For students and young professionals who love city life, this is the logical place.

Oud-West: creative and popular with young families

With a score of 7.9 based on 17 reviews, Oud-West is one of the most popular districts. The Noorderplantsoen forms the green heart, and the atmosphere is a mix of students, young families and creatives. The Zonnelaan and surrounding streets have characteristic 1930s houses. The community score (7.3) shows it is not a village, but involvement is growing. Expect stiff competition here when a rental home becomes available.

Helpman and surroundings: quiet living close to the city

Helpman scores a 7.9 from 8 reviews and mainly attracts families and dual-income couples. The district lies directly south of the centre, with good schools nearby and the Stadspark within cycling distance. It is greener and quieter than the city centre, but you are at the Grote Markt in ten minutes. Housing scores a 7.4 here, indicating that the quality of homes is reasonable but not uniformly good.

Outside the ring road lie districts with a very different character. Noorddijk and surroundings scores a striking 8.6 from 8 reviews. Residents appreciate the village feel, the space and the safety. Meerstad (8.0 from 3 reviews) is the large new-build district on the east side, popular with families who want space but want to stay within the municipality of Groningen. The level of amenities there is still growing, so you sometimes rely on the car for a supermarket or GP.

At the other end of the spectrum: Noordwest scores a lower 7.2 (20 reviews). It is a mixed district with a lot of social housing, where liveability varies per street. The Oosterparkwijk (7.4 from 12 reviews) is in transition: parts are being renovated, and the district is increasingly attracting starters due to the relatively affordable rents. Oud-Noord sits in between with a 7.6 (25 reviews), a lively district with many eateries along the Moesstraat and a mixed audience.

For those seeking real peace: the former municipality of Haren offers with Haren-West (8.8) and Glimmen, Onnen and Noordlaren (7.9) a village alternative. Here you live in the green, with good bus connections to the centre. The supply is more limited though. On the municipality page of Groningen you can read all resident reviews and compare districts on safety, green space and amenities.

Who is renting a home in Groningen suitable for?

With 88,754 single-person households (by far the largest group) and only 23% married households, Groningen is clearly a city of singles, students and starters. If you are just starting out on the labour market or coming to work as an expat at the UMCG or the university, renting in Groningen is the logical choice. The city scores an 8.0 on accessibility: the main station has direct intercity connections to Zwolle and the Randstad, and the cycling network is excellent.

Are you looking for social housing? Then register with Woningnet Groningen as soon as possible. Waiting times are increasing, especially for popular districts. For the free sector: prepare your documents (employer's statement, payslips, ID) and respond the same day. Renting a house in Groningen in the free sector goes quickly, especially under €1,200 per month. Those looking for more space and a garden at a lower price can also look at homes for sale in Groningen. With an average WOZ value of €295,000, buying here is still feasible compared to the Randstad, although prices are rising steadily.

To be fair: for families with a modal income looking for a spacious rental home in the free sector, Groningen can be tough. The supply in the mid-range segment is tight. Then also consider the edges of the municipality or look at neighbouring municipalities. Via the website of the municipality of Groningen you can also find information about rent allowance, urgent schemes and registration with corporations.

Searching for rental homes in Groningen and surroundings

On this page you will find the current supply of rental homes in Groningen, supplemented with neighbourhood scores and experiences from residents. This way you not only see the price and floor area, but also what it is really like to live somewhere. Looking more broadly? Then also look at rental homes in Het Hogeland, Midden-Groningen or Eemsdelta. On the page of the province of Groningen you get a complete overview of all municipalities in the region.