Rental homes in Leeuwarden
Looking for a rental property in Leeuwarden? Check out the current listings below, compare neighbourhoods based on resident reviews, and find the area that suits you.
The rental market in Leeuwarden: Frisian capital with a substantial rental sector
Leeuwarden is a city where renting is very common. Of the more than 64,000 homes, 49% are rental properties, which is higher than in many other municipalities. Approximately 28% of all homes are owned by housing associations, while 21% are offered by other landlords. This means you have quite a bit of choice in the private sector, but competition can be fierce, especially around September when NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences and the University of Groningen branches attract new students. In the private sector (excluding social housing and room rentals), the average rent over the past year was €1,046 per month, with a range from €325 to €16,750. The average rental floor area was 103 m². At the top of this page you will always find the current daily price and the current supply. As the capital of Friesland, Leeuwarden is easily accessible via Leeuwarden station, with direct trains to Zwolle, Groningen and Harlingen. The labour participation rate is 63% and the average income is €32,600, which makes the rents affordable for many working people. Nevertheless, it is wise to respond quickly when you see a suitable rental home, as popular properties are often gone within a few days.
Neighbourhoods in Leeuwarden: from village-like to urban, big differences per area
Leeuwarden is a municipality with diverse neighbourhoods. From the compact city centre to the rural villages in the south, each area has its own character. Residents give the municipality an average of 7.3 based on 54 reviews, but the scores per neighbourhood vary widely. Below are the main areas to consider if you are looking to rent a home in Leeuwarden.
Camminghaburen and surroundings: quiet and popular with families
Camminghaburen scores an 8.7 from residents, and for good reason. The neighbourhood is located on the east side of the city, has plenty of green space and is popular with families. There are primary schools nearby, a shopping centre for daily groceries, and Camminghapark is within walking distance. Residents describe the area as "quiet and child-friendly, with good connections to the city centre". If you are considering renting a flat in Leeuwarden and value peace and quiet, this is a strong option.
De Zuidlanden: new-build on the edge of the city
De Zuidlanden is the newest expansion neighbourhood of Leeuwarden and scores an 8.6. Here you will find modern homes, wide streets and many young families. The neighbourhood is still growing, which means amenities are gradually being added. It is a place for people who appreciate new-build quality and don't mind taking the car or bike for larger shops towards Huizum or the city centre.
City centre: lively with character
The Leeuwarden city centre scores a 7.9 and mainly attracts starters, students and young professionals. Around the Nieuwestad, the Kelders and the Gouverneursplein you are right in the middle of cultural life. The Blokhuispoort, the Fryske Akademy and countless cafés and restaurants are within walking distance. Renting in the city centre is more expensive per square metre, and parking can be a challenge.
Beyond that, there are more options. Huizum-West scores an 8.0 and is an affordable neighbourhood with a mixed supply, close to Leeuwarden Camminghaburen station. The Dorpen Zuid-Oost even score an 8.9, although that is based on one review. Here you really live rurally, in villages like Wergea and Wartena. The picturesque Grou (8.7) is popular with water sports enthusiasts and people seeking village tranquillity while still wanting to be part of Leeuwarden. At the other end of the spectrum is Heechterp and Schieringen with a 5.1. Residents here mention nuisance and a weaker sense of community as points of concern. So be critical in your choice of neighbourhood. View all resident reviews and neighbourhood scores on the municipality page of Leeuwarden to get a complete picture.
Who is renting in Leeuwarden a good choice for?
Leeuwarden, as the Frisian capital, is attractive for various groups. Students from NHL Stenden and the Leeuwarden branches of the University of Groningen find an affordable alternative to Groningen here. Young professionals working at the Medical Centre Leeuwarden, the North Netherlands District Court or the province of Friesland often choose a rental property for its flexibility. Families with children appreciate the space: education scores a 7.7 from residents and there are primary schools in almost every neighbourhood. The average education level is diverse, with 32% highly educated. For expats, the city is compact and easy to navigate, although the supply of international schools is limited. If you are looking for a rental home in the social sector, register with WoonFriesland or Elkien via the website of the municipality of Leeuwarden for more information about housing allocation. Waiting times for social housing can run up to several years, so start early with that. If you prefer to buy something, also check out the homes for sale in Leeuwarden, because with an average WOZ value of €234,000, buying here is still relatively affordable compared to the Randstad.
Searching for rental properties in and around Leeuwarden
On Buurtje.nl you will find the current supply of rental properties in Leeuwarden, supplemented with neighbourhood scores and experiences from residents. This way you not only know what a property costs, but also what it is really like to live there. If you don't find what you are looking for directly in Leeuwarden, also take a look at rental properties in Heerenveen, De Fryske Marren or Harlingen. Or explore the broader supply via the page of the province of Friesland.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Leeuwarden?
In the free sector (excluding social housing and rooms), the average rent over the past year was €1,046 per month, with an average area of 103 m². The range runs from €325 to €16,750, depending on type and location. For social housing, lower rents apply through housing associations such as WoonFriesland and Elkien.
Which neighbourhoods in Leeuwarden are the most popular for renting?
Based on resident reviews, Dorpen Zuid-Oost (8.9), Grou en omgeving (8.7) and Camminghaburen (8.7) score the highest. De Zuidlanden (8.6) and Huizum-West (8.0) are also popular. Heechterp en Schieringen scores significantly lower with a 5.1. The choice of neighbourhood makes a big difference to your living enjoyment in Leeuwarden.
How quickly are rental properties in Leeuwarden rented out?
Popular rental properties in Leeuwarden are often rented out within a few days to two weeks, especially in sought-after neighbourhoods like Camminghaburen and the city centre. The current average time to rent can be found at the top of this page. Make sure you have documents such as payslips and an ID ready in advance.
What is the difference between social housing and the free sector in Leeuwarden?
About 28% of homes in Leeuwarden are owned by housing associations (social housing), with rents below the liberalisation threshold. For these, you need to register and waiting times apply. The free sector (21% other landlords) has no income limit but higher rents, averaging €1,046 per month. In total, 49% of all homes in Leeuwarden are rental properties.
Is Leeuwarden suitable for renting a house as a student?
Yes, Leeuwarden is a true student city with NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences and branches of the University of Groningen. Rents are lower than in Groningen or Utrecht. The city centre and Bilgaard are particularly popular with students. Note: competition is highest around August and September. Also register with housing associations for social housing.
How safe is it to live in Leeuwarden?
Residents rate safety in Leeuwarden an average of 7.4 out of 10. This varies by neighbourhood: in Camminghaburen and the villages, residents feel safer than in, for example, Heechterp en Schieringen. Check the neighbourhood scores per district to get a good picture of safety in your intended area.
Can I rent an affordable apartment in Leeuwarden?
Rents in Leeuwarden are relatively affordable compared to the Randstad. In the free sector, the range starts at €325 per month, although the cheapest properties are quickly taken. Neighbourhoods like Bilgaard and Nijlân generally offer lower rents than the city centre or Camminghaburen. For the lowest rents, you can register for social housing with a housing association.
How accessible is Leeuwarden for tenants who commute?
Residents rate accessibility at 7.8 out of 10. Leeuwarden station offers direct train connections to Zwolle (1 hour), Groningen (50 minutes) and Harlingen. Via the A31 and A32 you are quickly on the motorway. For daily commuting to the Randstad, it is quite a journey, but within Friesland you are centrally located.
You can sum it up as follows: > My experience with the Bloemenbuurt is very negative. In two consecutive situations, we had neighbours who caused a lot of nuisance. There were concerns about drug activities, the safety of children, and serious incidents in the neighbourhood, including a car explosion. As a result, I don't feel safe here and I wouldn't choose to live in this neighbourhood myself. The housing is reasonable, but in my opinion, the houses on Azaleastraat are in need of a thorough renovation. Additionally, there are few to no amenities in the immediate vicinity, which does not improve the liveability of the neighbourhood. Based on my personal experiences, I would therefore not recommend the Bloemenbuurt as a place to live.
Auto-translated to English by AIAtmospheric neighbourhood with nice neighbours. Houses with a stately character interspersed with smaller workers' cottages. You can feel the history, you can walk straight into the city centre.
Auto-translated to English by AIAfter living in this neighbourhood for many years, a lot has changed in the meantime; many neighbours cause division among the residents, and they just do whatever they can't help doing. It must be the times, but it used to be nice living here.
Auto-translated to English by AIEveryone keeps to themselves but it's a calm and peaceful neighbourhood
Auto-translated to English by AIWe have lived in Weidum since 1972. A bullseye, we can say. Our neighbourhood, Sânpaad, is fantastic. Young and old join in when something is organised. Many of our own young people stay living here. An enormous amount is organised, namely: kaatsen, cards, billiards (4 tables), folk dancing, badminton, fair, Christmas ball, 55+ party, etc. etc. It is a great pity that no building is allowed. We hope to be able to stay here for years to come. Weidum "boppe".
Auto-translated to English by AIAntisocial people in the neighbourhood. Very unsafe.
Auto-translated to English by AII've lived there for 55 years, so that says enough.
Auto-translated to English by AIWe have little contact with the neighbours and other residents. Sometimes you do see things that don't belong in the neighbourhood.
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