Rental homes in Hengelo
View the current supply of rental properties in Hengelo, including neighbourhood scores and resident reviews per district. Compare prices, sizes, and neighbourhoods.
Renting in Hengelo: what does it cost and how does the market work?
Hengelo is a medium-sized city in Twente with over 83,000 residents, where the rental market accounts for a significant share of the housing stock. Of all homes (nearly 39,500), 43% are rental properties. Of these, 31% belong to housing associations such as Welbions, and 13% are owned by other landlords. This means that for social housing you depend on long waiting lists at the association, while the private sector forms a smaller but more accessible segment. In the private sector, the average rent over the past twelve months was €1,167 per month, with a range of €475 to €4,150. The average floor area was 86 m². This makes Hengelo considerably more affordable than many cities in the Randstad, but here too you notice that prices are rising. Check the top of this page for the current daily price and the current supply.
Hengelo benefits from a strong regional economy. Major employers such as Thales, Stork and the technological ecosystem around Innovatiepark Twente attract professionals. Hengelo station offers direct train connections to Enschede, Almelo, Deventer and further towards the Randstad. With an average income of €34,000 and a labour participation rate of 65%, it is a working city, not a commuter town. This combination of accessibility and employment keeps demand for rental properties strong.
Districts in Hengelo: from highly rated to developing
Hengelo has ten clearly distinct districts, each with its own character and type of resident. Residents rate the municipality an average of 7.7 based on 34 reviews, but scores per district range from 6.6 to 10.0. Below are the main districts if you are looking for a rental home.
Hasseler Es, popular with families
With a neighbourhood score of 8.6 based on 7 reviews, Hasseler Es is one of the best-rated districts. It is a green, spacious district in the south of Hengelo with many single-family homes. Residents appreciate the tranquillity and proximity to schools. One reviewer writes that it is "a nice neighbourhood to raise children, with plenty of play areas and little nuisance". The district scores highly on safety and green spaces, which suits its family-oriented character.
Wilderinkshoek, urban and well-connected
Wilderinkshoek scores an 8.1 among residents and is located close to the centre and Hengelo station. For those who want to rent a flat in Hengelo and travel by train daily, this is a logical choice. The district is more compact than the suburbs, but residents cite accessibility and amenities as major plus points. You are within a few minutes of the Enschedesestraat with shops and restaurants.
Noord, the largest district with a mixed character
The Noord district is the most reviewed with 8 reviews and a score of 7.4. It is a diverse district: partly post-war construction, partly newer apartments. You will find many social housing properties here, making it an entry-level district for those waiting for social housing. Amenities are good with the Thiemsbrug shopping centre nearby, but some residents mention that certain streets could use more maintenance.
In addition, Woolde is a green, villa district in the west with a score of 8.4, but the rental supply there is limited and pricey. Hengelose Es scores a 7.5 and offers a mix of rental and owner-occupied homes in a quieter setting south of the centre. The Binnenstad is compact and convenient if you like short distances, although the supply there is mainly apartments. Slangenbeek (7.8) on the east side borders almost on Enschede and offers quiet living with a village feel.
To be fair, not every district scores equally high. Groot Driene comes out at 6.6 and Berflo Es at 6.8. In Berflo Es, a large restructuring project is underway, which should bring improvement in the long term, but currently causes construction nuisance and a district in transition. View all resident reviews and scores on the municipality page of Hengelo to form your own picture.
Who is renting a home in Hengelo interesting for?
Hengelo attracts a broad group of tenants. Starters and young professionals working at technical companies in the region find affordable apartments here, especially compared to cities like Utrecht or Amsterdam. The 25-45 age group (over 21,000 residents) is large, and with 16,408 single-person households, there is clearly demand for smaller rental homes. For expats working at Thales or the University of Twente (just across the border in Enschede), Hengelo is a quiet alternative to the busier Enschede, with good train connections.
Families looking to rent should focus on districts like Hasseler Es or Slangenbeek. Seniors (65+: over 17,300 residents) find suitable apartments in Noord and Hengelose Es. If you want social housing, register as soon as possible with the municipality of Hengelo or with housing association Welbions, as waiting times are increasing. For those who prefer to buy: also check out the homes for sale in Hengelo, because with an average WOZ value of €292,000, buying can be more advantageous in the long term than renting in the private sector. Be aware that the private sector supply in Hengelo is limited: 122 homes were rented out in the past year. Responding quickly and having your documents (income statement, employer's statement) ready is not a luxury but a necessity.
Searching for a rental home in Hengelo and surroundings
On Buurtje.nl you will find the current rental supply in Hengelo, supplemented with neighbourhood scores and resident reviews so you can assess not only the home but also the neighbourhood. If you don't immediately find what you are looking for in Hengelo, also look at rental homes in Enschede, nearby Borne for a more village-like alternative, or Almelo where prices are generally slightly lower. Read more about the region on the page of the province of Overijssel.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Hengelo?
In the free sector, the average rent in Hengelo over the past 12 months was €1,167 per month, with an average area of 86 m². The range runs from €475 to €4,150 per month. Social housing via housing associations such as Welbions falls outside this and is considerably cheaper.
Which neighbourhoods in Hengelo are the most popular for renting?
Based on resident reviews, Hasseler Es (8.6), Woolde (8.4) and Wilderinkshoek (8.1) score the highest. Hasseler Es is especially popular with families because of the greenery and tranquillity. Wilderinkshoek attracts people who want to live close to the station and city centre. Wijk Noord has the most reviews and scores a 7.4.
How quickly are rental properties in Hengelo let?
Supply in the free sector is limited: 122 properties were rented out in the past year. This means popular properties are snapped up quickly. Make sure you have your income statement and employer's statement ready so you can respond immediately. See the current average time to let at the top of the page.
What is the difference between social housing and the free sector in Hengelo?
In Hengelo, 31% of homes are owned by housing associations (social housing via Welbions), with rents below the liberalisation threshold and allocation based on waiting time and income. The free sector (13% of the stock) has no waiting lists but higher rents, averaging €1,167 per month. For social housing, you must register separately.
Is Hengelo suitable for expats looking to rent a home?
Yes, Hengelo is a logical choice for expats working at Thales, Stork or the University of Twente in Enschede. Hengelo station offers good connections and rents are lower than in the Randstad. Neighbourhoods such as Wilderinkshoek and Woolde are conveniently located. Bear in mind that supply is limited and English-language services are not always a given.
Are there safe neighbourhoods to rent a home in Hengelo?
Residents give Hengelo an average of 8.0 for safety. Hasseler Es and Woolde score above average for safety and tranquillity. Berflo Es (6.8) and Groot Driene (6.6) score lower, although a major renovation project is underway in Berflo Es to improve the neighbourhood.
Should I look for a rental home in Hengelo or in Enschede?
Hengelo is quieter and often slightly cheaper than Enschede, but supply is smaller. Enschede has more urban amenities, a university and more nightlife. If you work in engineering or are looking for peace and quiet, Hengelo is attractive. If you work or study at the UT, Enschede may be more convenient. Both cities are a ten-minute train ride apart.
Do I need a parking permit if I rent an apartment in Hengelo?
In the city centre and immediate surroundings, paid parking applies. Residents can apply for a parking permit via the municipality of Hengelo. In most outlying neighbourhoods such as Hasseler Es, Slangenbeek and Groot Driene, parking is free and there is plenty of space.
For me, it's very nice to live in.
Auto-translated to English by AIIt's quite quiet to live, nice neighbours
Auto-translated to English by AIA snug rural area, despite being close to the motorway, almost never bothered by the noise. Lots of nature and wildlife around us. And friendly neighbours.
Auto-translated to English by AIOur street was once a beautiful street. But ruined completely by certain people. And you don't get any help. Such a shame. The neighbourhood is also not well maintained by the municipality; nowadays this is only for the better neighbourhoods where people with money live. And the housing association washes its hands of many things. The ordinary person can only get flats anymore. Where has our Hengelo gone, where I always lived so happily! What could be improved is the rubbish situation, that houses are better maintained, overall maintenance of streets, etc. And that there aren't deep trenches next to streets, life-threatening. Even if you call them, they change nothing. Fences around playgrounds, making unsafe streets safe again. And that they don't charge mega rent prices for small old houses and that new houses are also built for social renters. And that the municipality and police really intervene when necessary. But something has to happen first. Sad, all of it! Such a shame!
Auto-translated to English by AIMy neighbourhood is a tidy neighbourhood, nice houses and just very neat. Unfortunately, I do miss contact with neighbours.
Auto-translated to English by AImany loitering youths throwing eggs at houses.
Auto-translated to English by AIpretty good, you know
Auto-translated to English by AInormal neighbourhood but very dependent on exactly where you are. the closer to the railway, the worse it gets. waste nuisance around the Aldi is excessive and really needs attention. speeding on the Mozartlaan, Paganinistraat, Oude Postweg, Jozef Haydnlaan is also significant. speeding is too easy and it's unclear what the maximum speed is. small gardens and green strips also need attention. where the streets are swept regularly (plus point), the gardens are maintained once a year. I feel safe enough, although it's not always great, loud foreign voices, groups of men and overdue maintenance on sometimes entire blocks.
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