Rental homes in Havenwijk-Noord, Leiden
Discover the current supply of rental properties in Havenwijk-Noord and compare prices, neighbourhood data and resident reviews to make the right choice.
Rental prices and market figures for Havenwijk-Noord, Leiden
Havenwijk-Noord is a pronounced rental neighbourhood: 77% of the housing stock consists of rental properties, compared to just 23% owner-occupied homes. Of those rental properties, 37% are owned by housing associations (social housing) and 41% by other landlords (free sector and private rentals). For those looking to rent a home in the free sector in Havenwijk-Noord, the average rent over the past year is €2,136 per month, with a range of €1,087 to €3,250 per month (excluding social housing, excluding rooms). The average property size was 80 m², resulting in a price per square metre of approximately €26.70. The average WOZ value in Havenwijk-Noord is €375,000, slightly below the district average for Binnenstad-Noord (€380,000) and clearly below the municipal average for Leiden (€390,000). This makes Havenwijk-Noord one of the more affordable parts of Leiden's city centre, although absolute free-sector rents remain high. For current listings and the daily average rent, see the overview at the top of this page. Considering buying? Also check out homes for sale in Havenwijk-Noord as an alternative.
Living in Havenwijk-Noord, Leiden
Havenwijk-Noord is a compact, urban neighbourhood on the northern side of Leiden's city centre, bordering the historic harbour area along the Oude Rijn and the Galgewater. The neighbourhood has a mixed character: old warehouses and quay walls recall its harbour past, while part of the housing stock consists of post-war multi-family homes and smaller apartments from the 1960s and 1970s. Scattered among these are canal houses and former commercial premises converted into residential space. The result is a neighbourhood that feels both historic and pragmatic, without the polished appearance of the touristy city centre a little further south.
The population is young and predominantly single: the 25 to 45 age group is the largest (240 out of 615 residents), and single-person households form the absolute majority at 300. Only 14% of residents are married. That says something about the atmosphere: this is not a family neighbourhood, but a place for people who want to live urban, close to the city centre, with all the freedom that entails.
Facilities in Havenwijk-Noord
Daily shopping can be done within walking distance. On Langegracht and in the immediate vicinity you will find supermarkets including Albert Heijn and Jumbo, both reachable within a few minutes. For more extensive shopping or specialist shops, the centre of Leiden, with Haarlemmerstraat as the main shopping street, is within cycling distance. Primary schools are available in the adjacent neighbourhoods; secondary schools such as Stedelijk Gymnasium and Rijnlands Lyceum are easily accessible from the neighbourhood. For sports and recreation, the Leidse Hout and the banks of the Galgewater are a short distance away, ideal for runners and cyclists. There is plenty of dining and nightlife: Botermarkt and Nieuwe Rijn are a few minutes' walk away and offer a wide range of cafés and restaurants. The neighbourhood itself has a number of smaller eateries and brown cafés that fit the harbour atmosphere.
Accessibility
Leiden Centraal is about a ten-minute bike ride from Havenwijk-Noord, making connections to Amsterdam, The Hague and Schiphol excellent. Several bus routes run via Rijnsburgerweg and the Central Station past the neighbourhood. By car, you can quickly reach the A4 towards Amsterdam or The Hague via Schipholweg (N206). Parking in Havenwijk-Noord is regulated by a permit system; free parking is hardly possible, which is a point of annoyance for residents with a car. Cyclists are in their element here: the city centre is reachable in five minutes and there are good cycle routes towards the university buildings and the Stationsdistrict.
On the neighbourhood page for Havenwijk-Noord you will find resident reviews, neighbourhood scores per category and more background data on the area. Residents appreciate the location and urban atmosphere, but mention parking and the limited green spaces within the neighbourhood itself as drawbacks. One resident writes: "The location is really great, you can get anywhere quickly. But forget having a car; parking it takes more time than you save." Compared to neighbouring municipalities such as Marewijk, which has a quieter and slightly greener character, or Pancras-West with its mix of students and young professionals, Havenwijk-Noord is more compact and closer to the water. If you prefer a bit more space and greenery, you might also look at Noordvest, which directly borders the canals.
Is renting in Havenwijk-Noord right for you?
Havenwijk-Noord is most suitable for singles and couples aged 25 to 45 who want to live urban and experience Leiden's city centre daily. Students also find their way here, although the supply of rooms is limited and free-sector rents are high. Families with children will find the neighbourhood too compact and busy, and the limited play space in the immediate vicinity confirms that picture. For social housing, you need to register with a Leiden housing association such as Portaal or Ons Doel; waiting lists in the city centre are long. In the free sector, available rental properties go quickly, so responding fast pays off. Make sure you have income statements, employer declarations and identity documents ready. If you are unsure whether buying is an option, you can also view the homes for sale in Havenwijk-Noord.
What residents say about living in Havenwijk-Noord
Residents give Havenwijk-Noord average good scores for location and accessibility, but are more critical about parking and green spaces in the neighbourhood. The atmosphere is described as lively and authentic, with the harbour history as a recognisable element. One resident sums it up aptly: "You really live ín Leiden here, not next to Leiden. Everything is close by, but you have to like the hustle and bustle." View all reviews and the full neighbourhood data on the neighbourhood page for Havenwijk-Noord. These kinds of resident reviews are unique at neighbourhood level and give a more honest picture than a property listing ever can.
Comparing rental properties in and around Havenwijk-Noord
Looking for a rental home in Leiden's city centre but want to consider other neighbourhoods too? The neighbourhoods within Binnenstad-Noord differ in atmosphere and price level. De Camp and D'Oude Morsch offer a slightly quieter alternative with partly different property types. If you are searching more broadly, you can also find available rental properties in other districts via the overview of rental properties in Leiden or look specifically at the supply in Stationsdistrict or Binnenstad-Zuid. Buurtje.nl combines current property listings with neighbourhood scores, resident reviews and district data from over 1,500 sources, so you not only find a home but also know whether the neighbourhood suits you. More about the municipality can be found on the Leiden page or directly at the municipality of Leiden.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Havenwijk-Noord, Leiden?
In the free sector (excluding social housing and rooms), the average rent in Havenwijk-Noord over the past year was €2,136 per month, with a range from €1,087 to €3,250 per month. The average property size was 80 m², which works out to about €26.70 per square metre. Social housing through a housing association is significantly cheaper, but waiting lists apply.
Are there social housing properties in Havenwijk-Noord?
Yes, 37% of the housing stock in Havenwijk-Noord is owned by housing associations, which means social housing. To qualify, you must register with a Leiden housing association such as Portaal or Ons Doel via the regional platform WoonZorg West-Holland. Waiting lists in Leiden city centre are long, so it is wise to register early.
What is it like to live in Havenwijk-Noord?
Havenwijk-Noord is a compact, urban neighbourhood with a harbour character on the north side of Leiden city centre. Residents appreciate the central location and lively atmosphere, but mention parking and limited green space as drawbacks. One resident describes it as: "You really live in Leiden here, not next to Leiden. Everything is close by, but you have to like the hustle and bustle."
Is Havenwijk-Noord suitable for starters and singles?
Havenwijk-Noord is particularly a neighbourhood for singles and young couples: 300 of the 615 residents live in single-person households and the largest age group is 25 to 45 years old. Starters looking to rent an apartment in Havenwijk-Noord will find a suitable urban environment here, although free-sector rents are high. Families with children will generally find the neighbourhood too compact.
How accessible is Havenwijk-Noord?
Leiden Central is about a ten-minute bike ride away, making train connections to Amsterdam, The Hague and Schiphol easily accessible. Several bus routes run along the neighbourhood via the Rijnsburgerweg. By car, the A4 is quickly reachable via the Schipholweg. Parking is regulated through a permit system and free parking is hardly possible, which residents experience as a clear disadvantage.
What amenities are there in Havenwijk-Noord?
Daily shopping can be done within walking distance at supermarkets such as Albert Heijn and Jumbo in the immediate vicinity. Primary schools are available in the adjacent neighbourhoods and secondary schools such as the Stedelijk Gymnasium are easily accessible. For sports and recreation, the Leidse Hout and the banks of the Galgewater are nearby. There is plenty of dining and drinking options around the Botermarkt and the Nieuwe Rijn, just a few minutes' walk away.
How quickly are rental properties let in Havenwijk-Noord?
Rental properties in Havenwijk-Noord generally go quickly due to the popular location in Leiden city centre. The current average number of days on the market can be found at the top of this page. If you see a property for rent, it is advisable to respond quickly and have all necessary documents, such as an income statement and employer's statement, ready in advance.
