Rental homes in Kerkrade

Renting a home in Kerkrade: what to expect from the rental market

Kerkrade is a municipality where renting and buying are almost in balance: 47% of the housing stock is rental housing, 52% is owner-occupied. That is a remarkably high rental share compared to many other municipalities. Of the more than 24,000 homes, around 32% are owned by housing associations, meaning social housing forms a solid foundation. In addition, 15% is owned by other landlords, such as private investors and small property companies. In the free sector, the average rent over the past year was €1,094 per month, with a range of €495 to €1,999. The average size of those homes was 117 m², so you get relatively plenty of space for your money compared to cities like Maastricht or Heerlen. Check the top of this page for the current daily price and time on the market.

Kerkrade lies directly on the German border, with Herzogenrath as its neighbouring town. This makes the municipality interesting for cross-border workers and people who work in Aachen. Accessibility scores a 7.9 among residents, partly thanks to Kerkrade Centrum station and good bus connections to Heerlen and the rest of South Limburg. The average disposable income is €31,100 and the labour participation rate is on the low side at 55%, something to bear in mind if you want to gauge the economic dynamics of the municipality. Via the website of the municipality of Kerkrade you can find more information about local regulations and housing policy.

The neighbourhoods of Kerkrade: where do you want to rent?

Kerkrade is divided into three main districts, and the differences are quite significant. Residents give the municipality as a whole a 7.0 based on 17 reviews, but the scores per district range from 5.7 to 8.4. So it pays to look carefully at where you end up. On the municipality page of Kerkrade you can read all resident reviews and compare the sub-scores per category.

Kerkrade-Noord: quiet and well-regarded

Kerkrade-Noord is by far the best-rated district with a neighbourhood score of 8.4 (based on 6 reviews). This part of the municipality, including Chevremont and Nulland, is characterised by a quiet, green environment. Residents appreciate the village-like character and the proximity to nature. It is a district that mainly attracts families and older residents. If you are looking for a rental home in an area with little nuisance, you will be well placed here. The supply in the free sector is more limited here, so you need to be quick when something becomes available.

Kerkrade-Oost: the core with amenities

In the eastern part of Kerkrade you will find the centre, shopping area and most amenities. The neighbourhood score here is 6.5 (8 reviews). Residents mention accessibility and the level of amenities as plus points, but the scores for safety (6.3 average for all of Kerkrade) and cleanliness (6.1) bring down the overall rating. One resident noted that the neighbourhood "is easily accessible, but some streets look a bit neglected." Nevertheless, this is the district where you will find the most rental supply, both apartments and single-family homes. For starters who want to rent an apartment in Kerkrade, this is often the logical place to start.

Kerkrade-West: affordable but with caveats

Kerkrade-West scores a 5.7 among residents (3 reviews), the lowest of the three districts. This area, including Terwinselen and parts of the Gravenweg, faces socio-economic challenges. Rents here are generally lower, making it attractive for people with a smaller budget. But be honest with yourself: the lower scores for safety and sense of community are not for nothing. If you want to rent here, visit the neighbourhood at different times of the day before making a decision.

In addition to the three main districts, there are sub-areas with their own character. Eygelshoven, in the north, has a village feel with its own station. Around GaiaZOO and the Anstelvalleipark you will find greener neighbourhoods that score highly on the green category (7.7 average). Education in Kerkrade receives a 7.4 from residents, partly thanks to schools like the Eijkhagencollege.

For whom is renting in Kerkrade a good choice?

With an average rent of €1,094 in the free sector, Kerkrade is considerably more affordable than the Randstad, and you get plenty of square metres for your money. This makes it interesting for various groups. Cross-border workers who work in Aachen or the region find a favourable price-quality ratio here. Single people form the largest group of households (9,781 one-person households), so if you live alone, you are in good company. The large group of over-65s (over 12,000) says something about the quiet character of many neighbourhoods.

Renting a house in Kerkrade is less suitable if you depend on a vibrant nightlife or a large cultural offering. For that you need to go to Maastricht or Aachen. Also, if you are looking for a highly educated working environment, it is good to know that only 19% of residents are highly educated. For those who prefer to buy: also check out the homes for sale in Kerkrade, because with an average WOZ value of €199,000, buying here is relatively accessible. Want social housing? Then register with Wonen Zuid or Wonen Limburg, the housing associations active here. Waiting times are shorter than in the Randstad, but still expect at least a year.

Searching for rental homes in Kerkrade and surroundings

On Buurtje.nl you 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. If you don't immediately find what you are looking for in Kerkrade, also take a look at rental homes in Brunssum, Beekdaelen or Echt-Susteren. Discover more about the region on the page of the province of Limburg.