Rental homes in Hilversum
Looking for a rental property in Hilversum? Check the current listings, compare neighbourhoods based on resident reviews and find the area that suits you.
Renting a home in Hilversum: media city with a village character
Hilversum is known as the media capital of the Netherlands, but it is also a municipality where almost half of all homes are rental properties. Of the more than 43,600 homes, 46% are rented out, of which 30% are owned by housing associations and 16% by other landlords. This means that both social housing and private sector homes are available, although the waiting time for social housing in the Gooi region is considerable. In the private sector, the average rent over the past year was €1,928 per month, with a range from €344 to €6,000. The average private sector rental home has an area of around 104 m². That is substantial, but compared to the capital, you often get more space for your money. At the top of this page you will always find the current daily price and the current supply. Hilversum's location is a major asset: Hilversum station takes you to Amsterdam Central in 25 minutes, and via the A27 and A1 you are quickly in Utrecht or Amersfoort. Major employers such as the NPO, RTL and various production companies ensure a constant stream of employees who want to rent a home here.
From Centrum to Meent: the districts of Hilversum at a glance
Hilversum is not a one-size-fits-all city. The districts differ considerably in atmosphere, price level and type of resident. Below are the main areas if you are looking for rental properties in Hilversum.
Oost, the green heart with high ratings
The district Oost scores an 8.1 from residents based on 9 reviews, and for good reason. It is a quiet, green district bordering the heathland and forests of the Gooi region. Many families and older couples live here who seek peace and quiet but still want to be within cycling distance of the centre. One resident describes the district as "wonderfully green with good schools nearby". Rental prices here are on the high side, especially for detached houses and spacious apartments.
Zuidwest, affordable but with caveats
The district Zuidwest is the most reviewed district with 13 reviews and receives a 6.9 from residents. That is frankly on the low side. Zuidwest has many social housing units and is therefore more accessible in terms of price, but residents report mixed experiences with the liveability and maintenance of some complexes. For starters with a smaller budget, it can be a stepping stone, but be sure to walk around first before signing.
Noordwest and Zuid, the quiet favourites
Anyone considering renting an apartment in Hilversum would do well to look at Noordwest. This district scores an 8.2 from residents and offers a mix of 1930s homes and newer apartments. It is a pleasant family district with the Hilversumse Meent as a green buffer. Zuid even scores an 8.4 and is characterised by the villa neighbourhoods towards 's-Graveland, although the supply there is limited and pricey.
The Centrum is the logical choice if you like liveliness. Around the Groest and the Marktplein you will find restaurants, shops and the weekly market. The downside: parking is difficult and expensive, and the homes are often smaller. Zuidoost scores an 8.2 from residents and is conveniently close to the Media Park, handy if you work in media. For those who really want space, there is the Landelijk Gebied, which has the highest neighbourhood score of 9.0, although that is based on just one review. You can read more resident experiences per district on the municipality page of Hilversum.
Renting in Hilversum: who is it suitable for?
With an average income of €44,400 and a large proportion of highly educated people (41%), Hilversum attracts a specific audience. Media professionals working at the Media Park are an obvious group. But commuters to Amsterdam or Utrecht also consciously choose Hilversum because of the green environment and the good train connection. Accessibility scores a 7.8 from residents and green spaces even an 8.5, the highest sub-score.
Are you a starter with a median income? Then it becomes difficult in the private sector. With an average of almost €1,928 per month, you quickly need a gross annual income of €65,000 to qualify. In that case, register with housing association Dudok Wonen for social housing, but expect years of waiting. An alternative is to look at homes for sale in Hilversum, where the average WOZ value is €451,000. Nearby municipalities such as Amstelveen or Aalsmeer can also be interesting if you are flexible about location. Have you set your sights on Hilversum? Then make sure you have your documents (employer's statement, payslips, ID) ready. Private sector rental homes go quickly, especially in the popular districts. On the website of the municipality of Hilversum you can also find information about parking permits and registration.
View the current rental supply in Hilversum
On Buurtje.nl, we combine the current housing supply with neighbourhood scores and real resident reviews, so you not only choose a home but also a neighbourhood that suits you. Hilversum scores an average of 7.6 based on 31 reviews. View the current supply at the top of this page, or explore the rental market in surrounding municipalities such as Beverwijk and Bergen. More about the region can be found on the page of North Holland.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Hilversum?
In the free sector, the average rent over the past year was €1,928 per month, excluding social housing. The range runs from €344 to €6,000, depending on size and location. The average free-sector apartment or house has an area of approximately 104 m².
Which neighbourhoods in Hilversum are the most popular for renting?
Based on resident reviews, Oost (8.1), Noordwest (8.2), Zuidoost (8.2) and Zuid (8.4) score the highest. Zuidwest is the lowest-rated neighbourhood with a 6.9. The Landelijk Gebied has a 9.0, but that is based on just one review.
How quickly are rental properties in Hilversum rented out?
Free-sector rental properties generally go quickly, especially in popular neighbourhoods like Oost and Zuid. It is wise to have your documents (employer's statement, payslips) ready so you can respond immediately. At the top of the page you can see the current average rental time.
What is the difference between social housing and the free sector in Hilversum?
About 30% of Hilversum's homes are owned by housing corporations (social housing), with rents below the liberalisation threshold. For this, you must register with Dudok Wonen, often with years-long waiting times. The free sector (16% of the stock) is directly accessible but more expensive, averaging €1,928 per month.
Is Hilversum suitable for expats looking to rent a home?
Hilversum attracts many expats, partly due to the international media companies at the Mediapark and the good train connection to Amsterdam (25 minutes). There are international schools in the region and 41% of the population is highly educated. Rents in the free sector are high, but you get relatively much space and greenery.
Do I need a parking permit if I rent in Hilversum?
In the centre and some adjacent neighbourhoods, you need a parking permit. The costs and availability vary by zone. Check this in advance via the website of the municipality of Hilversum, especially if you want to live in the Centrum or near the station.
Can I rent a home in Hilversum with a modal income?
In the free sector, it becomes difficult: with an average rent of €1,928 per month, you quickly need a gross annual income of around €65,000. With a modal income, you are dependent on social housing (long waiting times) or you can look to surrounding municipalities where rents are lower.
How green is Hilversum compared to other municipalities?
Residents give Hilversum an 8.5 for greenery, the highest sub-score. The municipality borders the Hilversumse heide, the Spanderswoud and various nature areas of the Gooi. Especially the neighbourhoods Oost and the Landelijk Gebied offer direct access to nature.
Generally good but things can always be better in my opinion
Auto-translated to English by AISafe neighbourhood, occasionally some nuisance from young people
Auto-translated to English by AIWithin a reasonable distance you have supermarkets or the train station. Easily accessible from the motorway
Auto-translated to English by AIYou can easily get home without worries
Auto-translated to English by AII have lived in the Geuzenbuurt for 16 years, schools, supermarket. The station and the city centre are a 10-minute walk away, there is a playground on every corner. And there are several primary and secondary schools in the neighbourhood.
Auto-translated to English by AINice area in terms of location, close to the forest, the centre and the cosy Gijsbrecht also nearby. Schools and supermarkets around the corner, really a top location. Fellow residents think too much of themselves. Small gardens, so close together and very noisy. Both young people at night and small children during the day. But a nice mix of ages.
Auto-translated to English by AINeighbourhood itself is fine. Nothing unpleasant. Only the Diependaalselaan is very busy and suffers from exhaust fumes. Speed bumps at the end would make a big difference. They always rev their engines right in front of the flats... Maybe more supervision there...
Auto-translated to English by AIGreat neighbourhood, working-class neighbourhood where everyone looks out for each other and we help each other when necessary without expecting payment.
Auto-translated to English by AI
