Rental homes in GWL-terrein, Amsterdam

Rental prices and market figures GWL-terrein, Amsterdam

The GWL-terrein is a unique neighbourhood when it comes to the housing market. Of the 602 homes, 53% are in the rental sector, but the vast majority of these are social housing: housing associations own 45% of the stock, while only 8% is with other (private) landlords. Free-sector rentals are therefore scarce here. In the past year, only 2 homes were rented out in the free sector, at an average rent of €3,250 per month for a home averaging 100 m². That works out at €32.50 per m² per month. These are free-sector rental prices, excluding social housing. For current available rental properties and the daily average rent, see the overview at the top of this page.

The WOZ value in the GWL-terrein is €603,000, which is clearly higher than the average in the surrounding district Centrale Markt (€551,000) and also above the Amsterdam average of €517,000. This reflects the attractiveness of this neighbourhood, but also the fact that relatively few homes are available for rent in the free sector. Anyone looking for a rental home in the GWL-terrein outside social housing pays a hefty price. The average income of residents is €41,000, slightly below the district and municipal average, which is partly explained by the large group of housing association tenants.

Living in GWL-terrein, Amsterdam

The GWL-terrein is no ordinary Amsterdam neighbourhood. The former site of the Municipal Water Company, on the Westerpark side of Amsterdam-West, was converted in the 1990s into one of the first car-free residential areas in the Netherlands. The buildings largely consist of 1990s architecture: colourful apartment complexes, former industrial buildings converted into homes, and spacious inner courtyards with plenty of greenery. It is a neighbourhood that stands out, even for those who do not live there.

Living in GWL-terrein means living in a community. The neighbourhood has a strong character of its own: residents are involved, there is an active neighbourhood association, and the car-free principle gives the inner areas a tranquillity rarely found in Amsterdam-West. Children play outside, there are shared gardens, and there is an atmosphere more reminiscent of a small-scale housing cooperative than a big city.

Facilities in the neighbourhood

The immediate facilities on the site itself are limited, but the location more than compensates. Within walking distance you will find shops along the Haarlemmerweg and supermarkets in the vicinity of the Westerpark. The Westerpark itself, one of the greenest and most beloved parks in Amsterdam, practically borders the neighbourhood and offers space for sports, recreation and cultural events at the Westergasfabriek. For schools, there are several primary schools in the immediate vicinity, including schools in the adjacent neighbourhoods of Amsterdam-West. Childcare and playgroups are well represented in the wider area.

Accessibility of the GWL-terrein

The GWL-terrein is relatively favourably located with respect to the centre of Amsterdam, although public transport connections are not the neighbourhood's strongest asset. The nearest tram stops are on Van Hallstraat and Haarlemmerweg, from where tram 10 and various bus lines run towards the centre. By bike, you can reach the centre in fifteen minutes, which is the preferred method for many residents. Driving a car is formally discouraged on the site itself, and parking is done in the adjacent streets, for which a parking permit is required. The A10 ring road is accessible via the Haarlemmerweg, handy for those who regularly drive outside the city.

Residents appreciate the tranquillity and community atmosphere, but are sometimes critical of the limited parking options for visitors and the distance to larger shopping streets. One resident describes it as follows: "The GWL-terrein feels like a village in the city. You know your neighbours, the children play safely outside, and the Westerpark is your back garden. But don't expect a bustling shopping street around the corner." More experiences from residents can be found on the neighbourhood page of GWL-terrein, where neighbourhood scores and all reviews are also available.

Compared to neighbouring neighbourhoods such as Markthallen or Marcanti, the GWL-terrein is greener and quieter in character, but the free-sector supply is smaller. Those looking for more urban dynamism and a bit more choice in rental properties can also look at rental properties in Centrale Markt, the broader district of which the GWL-terrein is a part.

Does renting in GWL-terrein suit you as a tenant?

The GWL-terrein mainly attracts residents who consciously choose a quiet, green and community-oriented living environment in the city. The largest age group is 45-65 years (445 residents), which fits the character of the neighbourhood: people who leave the hustle and bustle of the centre behind but want to continue living in an urban setting. There are also families with children and a group of over-65s. Starters and students find less connection here, partly due to the limited free-sector supply and high rental prices. Those who want to qualify for a social rental home should register with housing associations such as Ymere or de Alliantie, but expect a long waiting time. Want to buy? Also check the supply of homes for sale in GWL-terrein as an alternative. More about living in Amsterdam can be found on the website of the municipality of Amsterdam.

What residents say about GWL-terrein

Residents of the GWL-terrein are generally positive about the atmosphere, safety and greenery in the neighbourhood. The sense of community scores highly in reviews. Criticisms more often concern the limited shopping facilities directly in the neighbourhood and the parking pressure for visitors. One resident writes: "Nowhere in Amsterdam have I got to know my neighbours as quickly as here. The car-free character really makes a difference for liveability." See all reviews and the full neighbourhood scores on the reviews and neighbourhood data of GWL-terrein. This kind of resident data cannot be found on regular housing platforms.

Compare rental properties in and around GWL-terrein

Looking for an apartment to rent in GWL-terrein or want to compare with other neighbourhoods? The neighbourhood is unique but has little free-sector supply. Also look at the supply in Bedrijvencentrum Westerkwartier or broaden your search area to popular Amsterdam districts such as the Haarlemmerbuurt or the Jordaan. For a complete overview of available rental properties in the city, see all rental properties in Amsterdam. Buurtje.nl combines current housing supply with resident reviews and neighbourhood data from more than 1,500 sources, so you not only find a home but also know for sure whether the neighbourhood suits you.