Apartments for rent in Hilversum
Apartments in Hilversum are in high demand and scarce. Here you can read how the market works, which neighbourhoods suit you, and how to respond quickly.
Media city with a tight apartment market
Hilversum is not a student city or a typical commuter town. It is a compact city with its own character: media industry, villa neighbourhoods, and a city centre that offers more than its size suggests. This attracts a mixed audience. Young professionals working for broadcasters or creative agencies, expats with temporary contracts, and people who find Amsterdam too expensive but want to be close to it.
The result: the supply of apartments in Hilversum is limited and competition is fierce. Those actively searching notice that homes disappear quickly. View the current supply via all rental properties in Hilversum for the most recent status.
What you need to know before responding
- Respond quickly, but read carefully. Apartments in Hilversum are sometimes taken off the market within a day. Yet it pays to check the rental agreement and service costs thoroughly before signing.
- Watch out for service costs. For apartments in an HOA building, service costs can add up significantly. Always ask for the monthly advance payment and what exactly it covers (lift, cleaning, reserve fund).
- Small apartments and mortgage logic. If you ever want to buy: banks are critical of apartments under 40m², especially regarding financing. Renting such a home now is not a problem, but keep it in mind for later.
- Temporary contracts are common. Landlords in Hilversum often offer fixed-term contracts. Check if there is an extension option and what the notice period is.
- Parking is not a side issue. Many apartments in the centre or older neighbourhoods do not have their own parking space. Inquire about permit parking in the area and the waiting time for it.
- Install the Buurtje.nl app on your phone. The app is free and sends push notifications as soon as new supply appears that matches your search criteria. That saves daily manual searching. Download via the App Store or Google Play.
- Registration with housing corporations. Social rental apartments require registration time. Those who have not built that up are dependent on the private sector. That is the vast majority of supply in Hilversum.
Price level: higher middle segment, but not uniform
Anyone considering renting an apartment in Hilversum should expect a higher middle segment. Hilversum is more expensive than many surrounding municipalities in the Gooi region, but cheaper than Amsterdam. Current rental prices are listed in the overview at the top of this page.
Factors influencing the rent:
- Proximity to Hilversum station or Hilversum Sportpark station
- Presence of a balcony, lift, or parking space
- Construction period (1930s buildings versus new builds)
- Furnished or upholstered versus unfurnished
- Neighbourhood: centre and South are higher, Northeast and Southwest lower
Are you interested in buying instead of renting? Then also check buying apartments in Hilversum for a comparison.
Neighbourhoods worth considering
Hilversum has clearly distinct neighbourhoods. Below are the most relevant for those considering renting an apartment, including the resident score.
- Zuid (8.4/10): quiet, green neighbourhood with wide streets and many 1930s buildings. Popular with young families and professionals.
- Noordwest (8.2/10): varied supply, slightly more affordable than the centre, good accessibility towards Bussum and Baarn.
- Zuidoost (8.2/10): quiet location, near nature and the Goois Nature Reserve. Less supply, but popular with those seeking peace.
- Oost (8.1/10): mixed neighbourhood with an active community. Easily accessible by bike from the centre.
- Noordoost (7.6/10): lower entry price, more turnover. Suitable if you are flexible about location and want to rent quickly.
More neighbourhood data and resident reviews can be found on the reviews and neighbourhood data of Hilversum.
Also consider Amsterdam as an alternative
Those who do not find something quickly enough in Hilversum sometimes look at Amsterdam. The city is less than thirty minutes by train and has a larger supply of apartments, although the price level is generally higher. Check apartments in Amsterdam as a comparison or as a temporary alternative.
Frequently asked questions
What does it cost to rent an apartment in Hilversum?
Hilversum belongs to the upper middle segment of the Dutch rental market. Specific prices change quickly, so check the current overview at the top of this page for the most recent rental prices. Factors such as location, year of construction, balcony and furnishing have a major influence on the rent.
How do I quickly find an apartment in Hilversum?
Responding quickly is essential in Hilversum. Download the free Buurtje.nl app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android). You will then receive an instant push notification as soon as new listings appear that match your search criteria, without having to search yourself.
What legal aspects should I consider when renting an apartment?
Pay close attention to the type of rental contract: a fixed-term contract has a set end date and may legally only be offered once without renewal rights. Also check the service costs: they may not exceed the actual costs. In an HOA apartment, you as a tenant have no voting rights, but the HOA rules do apply to you. Request the house rules before you sign.
Which neighbourhood in Hilversum is most suitable for tenants?
That depends on your priorities. Zuid (8.4/10) and Zuidoost (8.2/10) score high on liveability and green character. Noordwest (8.2/10) offers good value for money. Those who want to rent faster and are slightly more flexible on location also look at Noordoost (7.6/10), where competition is slightly less.
Is parking a problem with apartments in Hilversum?
This varies greatly by neighbourhood and building. In the centre and older neighbourhoods, many apartments do not have their own parking space. You then rely on permit parking, for which there is sometimes a waiting period. Always ask the landlord about this before you sign, especially if you have a car.
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
