Apartments for rent in Nijmegen
Renting an apartment in Nijmegen means searching in an active market. On this page you will find practical tips, neighbourhood information and current listings.
Nijmegen has a tight apartment market, but not equally tight everywhere
Nijmegen is the oldest city in the Netherlands and attracts a broad audience: students from Radboud University and HAN, young professionals, expats at companies in the region, and people who consciously choose urban living without Randstad prices. This makes the market for apartments in Nijmegen varied, but also competitive. The supply ranges from small student studios in the city centre to larger rental apartments in the suburbs, and these segments behave very differently.
The total supply is balanced between rental and purchase, but that doesn't mean it's easy to search. Popular neighbourhoods and sought-after floors are quickly gone. Check the overview at the top of this page for the current state of affairs.
Apartments in Nijmegen are generally priced in the upper middle segment. Those who are flexible in neighbourhood or floor significantly increase their chances. Want to know what's currently available? See all rental properties in Nijmegen for the current overview.
What you need to know before you respond
- Respond quickly and completely. Landlords in Nijmegen receive dozens of responses per day for sought-after apartments. An incomplete application (without income details or references) is often set aside first.
- Income requirement is strict for small floor areas. Banks and landlords apply extra critical standards for apartments under 40m². Ask in advance about the exact income requirement of the landlord.
- Pay attention to service costs in the rent. Many Nijmegen apartments (especially in older complexes) have a split rent with service costs for lift, cleaning or heating costs. Always compare the all-in price.
- Check the energy label. Apartments in the city centre and older complexes in Nijmegen-Midden or Nijmegen-Oud-West sometimes have a low energy label. This affects your monthly costs.
- Temporary contracts occur. Especially with private landlords, you regularly see temporary rental contracts in Nijmegen (maximum two years for self-contained homes). Read the contract form carefully before you sign.
- Parking is not a given. In the city centre and parts of Nijmegen-Oost, street parking is scarce or paid. Ask explicitly about a parking space or permit during viewings.
- Use the free Buurtje.nl app for push notifications. As soon as a new apartment comes online that matches your search criteria, you receive an immediate notification. The app is free to download via the App Store and Google Play.
What determines the rent of an apartment in Nijmegen?
Nijmegen falls in the upper middle segment for renting apartments. This has a number of concrete causes.
The location relative to the city centre and the university plays a strong role. An apartment within walking distance of the Valkhof or Radboudumc commands a different price than a comparable apartment in Dukenburg or Lindenholt. Furthermore, the following factors count:
- Floor (higher floors with lift are sought-after, ground floor less so).
- Presence of outdoor space (balcony or garden noticeably increases the price).
- Energy label (label A or B is increasingly mentioned separately and commands a higher rent).
- Furnishing (upholstered or furnished is common in Nijmegen for expat and student rentals, and more expensive).
- Private versus professional landlord (housing associations sometimes have waiting lists but lower rents in the regulated segment).
Current price ranges can be found in the overview at the top. Considering buying instead of renting? Also check buying apartments in Nijmegen for a comparison.
Neighbourhoods for an apartment to rent in Nijmegen
Nijmegen has neighbourhoods with strongly varying characters. Below are the most relevant options for renters, with resident scores.
- Dukenburg (8.6/10). Quiet family neighbourhood in the southwest. Lots of green, spacious apartments in porch flats. Good for those seeking space at a lower price than the city centre.
- Lindenholt (8.5/10). Similar to Dukenburg, slightly more compact. Residents appreciate the peace and neighbourhood-level amenities. Less suitable for those dependent on the public transport network towards the centre.
- Nijmegen-Oost (7.9/10). Popular with students and young professionals due to its proximity to Radboud University and Goffertpark. Compact apartments, lively streetscape.
- Nijmegen-Oud-West (8.0/10). Older buildings, characteristic 1930s houses. Close to the centre. Supply is limited but sought-after. Energy labels vary widely.
- Nijmegen-Midden (7.7/10). The city centre and immediate surroundings. Maximum urbanity, but also the highest asking prices and the most competition for popular supply.
More neighbourhood data, reviews and liveability scores can be found on the overview page with reviews and neighbourhood data of Nijmegen.
Also looking in the region?
Nijmegen has a strong regional labour market and good connections. Those who don't necessarily have to live in the city itself can look to Arnhem. The travel time between the two cities is limited and the supply in Arnhem is sometimes more extensive. Check apartments for rent in Arnhem as an alternative or supplement to your search.
Frequently asked questions
What is a realistic price level for a rental apartment in Nijmegen?
Nijmegen falls in the upper middle segment for rental apartments. The exact prices depend on the neighbourhood, floor, energy label, and whether the apartment is furnished or unfurnished. Current rental prices can be found in the overview at the top of this page.
How can I quickly find a new rental apartment in Nijmegen?
New listings in Nijmegen are often gone within a day. The free Buurtje.nl app sends you a push notification as soon as an apartment becomes available that matches your search criteria. Download the app for free from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) and never miss a listing again.
What legal aspects should I consider when renting an apartment in Nijmegen?
Pay attention to the contract type: temporary rental contracts (maximum two years for self-contained homes) are common in Nijmegen, especially with private landlords. Also check the service costs in the rent, as these are legally capped. With an all-in rent, you are entitled to a breakdown of the service costs.
Which neighbourhoods in Nijmegen are most suitable for renting an apartment?
That depends on your priorities. Dukenburg (8.6/10) and Lindenholt (8.5/10) score high on liveability and offer more spacious apartments. Nijmegen-Oost (7.9/10) and Nijmegen-Oud-West (8.0/10) are popular with students and young professionals due to their location. Nijmegen-Midden (7.7/10) is the most central but also the busiest in terms of competition.
Is parking a problem when renting an apartment in Nijmegen?
In the city centre and parts of Nijmegen-Oost, street parking is limited or paid. Always ask during a viewing whether a parking space is included with the property or whether you are eligible for a parking permit. In outer neighbourhoods such as Dukenburg and Lindenholt, parking is generally not a problem.
Quiet and friendly. Privacy. Help where needed.
Auto-translated to English by AII think it's very well organised here.
Auto-translated to English by AIThere are many people who throw rubbish everywhere and some who turn their balcony into a dump.
Auto-translated to English by AIQuiet neighbourhood, close to nature and the city centre
Auto-translated to English by AIIt's pleasant to live here. Residents are very sociable with each other.
Auto-translated to English by AIFine
Auto-translated to English by AIMy neighbourhood is nice. There are kind people around you and you have people from young to old. There are shops nearby that I can quickly get to as a student, and homes that aren't too expensive.
Auto-translated to English by AII lived here for 25 years with great pleasure, but in recent years it has become very different. Previously, everyone knew each other and greeted each other. For the elderly, the front path was cleared when it snowed, errands were done, etc. If I hadn't seen someone for a while, I would go and ask how they were. And now... you hear that people lie dead in their homes for 4 weeks and no one notices. Pff, but luckily I'm not like that and I remain loyal to my neighbourhood and go and check in. But unfortunately, the sense of community is completely gone. Now new people move in and you don't even know their names. Very sad. I wish the old days could come back.
Auto-translated to English by AI
