Rental homes in Heerlen
View the current rental property listings in Heerlen, including neighbourhood scores and resident reviews per district. Find a rental property that suits you.
Renting in Heerlen: an honest picture of the rental market
Heerlen is a true rental city. More than 53% of the housing stock consists of rental properties, which is significantly higher than the national average. Of the over 46,000 homes in the municipality, about 36% are owned by housing associations and 17% by other landlords. This means that as a tenant you have relatively plenty of choice, both in the social sector and in the private sector. In the private sector (excluding social housing and room rentals), the average rent over the past year was €1,039 per month, with a range of €325 to €2,950. The average size of those homes was 141 m², which is quite spacious for that price level compared to the Randstad. Always check the current daily prices at the top of this page, as the supply changes quickly.
As a former mining town, Heerlen has a very distinct character. The Open University, Zuyd University of Applied Sciences and the Parkstad Limburg Stadium attract students, staff and visitors. Heerlen Station offers direct trains to Maastricht, Sittard and even Aachen in Germany, making the city attractive for cross-border workers. At the same time, the average disposable income of €31,100 is lower than the national average, and the labour participation rate of 55% shows that the economic situation is not rosy everywhere. This depresses rental prices, but also means that some neighbourhoods struggle with liveability issues. To be honest: residents give Heerlen an average of 6.8 out of 10, with notably low scores for cleanliness (6.0) and sense of community (6.3).
From Centrum to Hoensbroek: the neighbourhoods of Heerlen compared
The differences between the neighbourhoods in Heerlen are large. Where one area buzzes with amenities, another is quiet and green. Below is an honest overview of the most important neighbourhoods for tenants, including resident ratings from Buurtje.nl.
Heerlen-Centrum: lively and well-connected
Heerlen-Centrum scores the highest of all rated neighbourhoods with an 8.5 out of 10. That's not surprising: here you have everything within walking distance. The station, the shops on the Promenade, the Glaspaleis and the restaurants around Pancratiusplein. If you are considering renting an apartment in Heerlen and want to be in the middle of city life, this is the place. The supply here mainly consists of apartments and upper-floor flats. Keep in mind that it can be busier and noisier in the evenings and at weekends than in the suburbs.
Caumerveld-Douve Weien: quiet living with character
Just south of the centre lies Caumerveld-Douve Weien, which gets a 7.5 from residents. This neighbourhood has a mix of pre-war and post-war homes and feels smaller in scale than the centre. It's an area where you still greet your neighbours. Heerlen's overall green score (7.5) is well reflected here: there are plenty of walking opportunities towards the hills of South Limburg.
Heerlerbaan-Schil: affordable and practical
The neighbourhood Heerlerbaan-Schil scores a 7.3 from residents based on 3 reviews. It is one of the areas where you can find a relatively affordable rental home as a starter or single person. Accessibility is good, with bus lines to the centre and the A76 nearby. Residents call it an "ordinary, pleasant neighbourhood" without much fuss. That's exactly what some tenants are looking for.
Other neighbourhoods worth mentioning: Heksenberg (7.1 out of 10) lies on the southern edge and is greener and quieter, popular with families. Heerlerheide-Passart scores a 6.7 and is a former mining neighbourhood that is slowly improving, but where social cohesion varies. In Hoensbroek-De Dem (6.3 out of 10, 4 reviews) rents are lower, but residents report mixed experiences with nuisance and maintenance. And then there is De Koumen, which has the lowest score at 4.0 out of 10. Here honesty is in order: this is a neighbourhood where liveability is under pressure and where as a tenant you need to know what to expect.
Want to read all ratings and reviews per neighbourhood? Then check the overview page of Heerlen with all resident reviews. Neighbourhoods such as Eikenderveld, Meezenbroek-Schaesbergerveld and Maria Gewanden en Terschuren also have rental properties, but have not yet been extensively reviewed by residents.
Who is renting a home in Heerlen interesting for?
Heerlen attracts different groups of tenants. Students from Zuyd University of Applied Sciences and the Open University are looking for affordable rooms and studios, especially around the centre. Single people form the largest group of households (nearly 22,000 single-person households), which explains why there are many smaller rental properties available. For families, the suburbs such as Heksenberg and De Beitel are more attractive because of the space and greenery. Cross-border workers who work in Aachen or elsewhere in the Euregio benefit from the low rents compared to Germany or Belgium.
A few practical tips: for social housing you need to register with Wonen Zuid or Woonpunt, and waiting times can be long. In the private sector, it is wise to have your documents (employer's statement, payslips, ID) ready digitally, as popular homes go quickly. To be honest: if you have a higher income and prefer to buy, also check homes for sale in Heerlen, because with an average WOZ value of €203,000, buying here is considerably more affordable than in many other parts of the Netherlands. More information about municipal regulations and permits can be found on the website of the municipality of Heerlen.
Searching for rental properties in Heerlen and surroundings
On Buurtje.nl you combine the current rental supply with neighbourhood scores and real resident reviews, so you can not only rent a home in Heerlen, but also know what the neighbourhood is really like. Can't find what you're looking for directly in Heerlen? Then also look at rental properties in Brunssum, Beekdaelen or Beek. Read more about the region on the page of the province of Limburg.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent for a rental property in Heerlen?
In the private sector, the average rent in Heerlen over the past year was €1,039 per month, with a range from €325 to €2,950. The average floor area was 141 m². Social housing through housing associations is cheaper, but waiting times and income requirements apply.
Which neighbourhoods in Heerlen are most popular for renting?
Heerlen-Centrum scores highest among residents with an 8.5 out of 10. Caumerveld-Douve Weien (7.5) and Heerlerbaan-Schil (7.3) are also well-rated. Heksenberg (7.1) is popular with families due to its greenery. Neighbourhoods like De Koumen (4.0) score significantly lower on liveability.
How quickly are rental homes in Heerlen let?
In the past year, 322 homes were rented out in the private sector. Popular homes in the centre or sought-after neighbourhoods go quickly, sometimes within a week. Keep a close eye on the current supply and have your documents ready to respond quickly.
What is the difference between social housing and the private sector in Heerlen?
Approximately 36% of Heerlen's homes are owned by housing associations such as Wonen Zuid and Woonpunt. Income requirements and waiting times apply to these. The private sector (17% of the stock, plus private rentals) is directly accessible but more expensive, with an average rent of €1,039 per month.
Is Heerlen a safe city to rent in?
Residents rate safety in Heerlen at an average of 6.6 out of 10. This varies greatly by neighbourhood: in Heerlen-Centrum and Caumerveld-Douve Weien, residents feel safer than in, for example, De Koumen or Hoensbroek-De Dem. Always check the neighbourhood scores per district before making a choice.
Can I rent a home in Heerlen as a cross-border worker?
Yes, Heerlen is popular with cross-border workers. Heerlen Station offers direct trains to Aachen (Germany) and the A76 provides quick access to Belgium. Accessibility scores a 7.9 among residents. Rents are lower than in comparable German or Belgian border towns.
Are there enough amenities in Heerlen for renters?
Heerlen has a wide range of shops, schools and healthcare facilities. Residents rate amenities at 6.7 and education at 7.0 out of 10. The centre has the most shops and restaurants, while outlying neighbourhoods often have their own shopping strip or supermarket. Zuyd University of Applied Sciences and the Open University are the largest educational institutions.
What is the average cost of renting an apartment in Heerlen?
In the private sector, you pay an average of €1,039 per month. Smaller apartments start at around €325, while more spacious or luxurious homes can go up to €2,950. Due to the large stock of rental properties (53% of all homes), as a renter you have relatively plenty of choice across different price ranges.
In the neighbourhood there are many cultured people, very cosy! The only downside is that there are also antisocial people living here.. and they don't give a damn about anything or anyone.. there is little parking space right in front of my door, which is really not pleasant, the neighbourhood itself is quite close-knit and everyone enjoys chatting with each other during New Year's or a summer day. There is hardly any greenery here and there, some bushes here and there but that's about it.. luckily they are busy renovating and greening the part where we live, so that's something I consider a plus point for the neighbourhood. Unfortunately, it's often the case that houses have overdue maintenance due to landlords or people who simply don't care about what their house looks like.
Auto-translated to English by AIWell, the paving stones could be laid properly and the gardens maintained, and those pesky oak trees could be removed and replaced with nice shrubs.
Auto-translated to English by AIThey meddle in arguments that are none of their business
Auto-translated to English by AIVery nice neighbourhood
Auto-translated to English by AIBad unfriendly not safe
Auto-translated to English by AIIf you like nature and peace and quiet, you're in the right place here. The neighbourhood is super clean and spacious with lots of trees and parks. You can easily walk into the countryside. Ideal for the dog or an evening stroll!
Auto-translated to English by AIVery occasionally people greet you, but that's it
Auto-translated to English by AIToo many steps at our front door. Otherwise it might be fine.
Auto-translated to English by AI
