Rental homes in Oosterheem, Zoetermeer
Looking for a rental property in Oosterheem? Check out the current listings, average rental prices, and read honest resident reviews about this young, green neighbourhood in Zoetermeer.

The rental market in Oosterheem: scarcity in the private sector
Anyone looking for a rental home in Oosterheem must prepare for a challenging search, especially if you are dependent on the private sector. The figures speak for themselves: of the more than 8,600 homes in this newest district of Zoetermeer, 36% are rental properties, but the vast majority (32%) are owned by housing associations. Only 4% of the housing stock is rented out by other landlords in the private sector. This results in a limited supply where you need to act quickly. The average rent in the private sector over the past twelve months was €1,610 per month, with peaks of up to €3,500 for luxury single-family homes or penthouses. This price level is in line with the high WOZ value of the district (€463,000), which is significantly above the municipal average of €357,000.
It is clear that renting in Oosterheem is mainly reserved for people with above-average incomes, unless you qualify for social housing. Incomes in the district, averaging €42,600, are also higher than in the rest of the city. For current availability and daily prices, we refer you to the overview at the top of this page, as supply changes daily. If you are looking for a rental home in the higher segment, you often get plenty of space in return; the average size of rented homes is 92 square metres, which is relatively spacious for an apartment or single-family home in the Randstad.
Living near the Bentwoud: green and safe, but is it cosy?
Oosterheem is known as a modern, spacious Vinex district. But how do residents themselves experience it? Reviews on Buurtje.nl show that opinions on the atmosphere are divided, while the physical environment scores highly. With a resident rating of 7.8, the district is generally well appreciated, with particularly high scores for accessibility (8.6) and education (8.5). The location adjacent to the Bentwoud nature reserve is a definite plus for many renters. Resident Marianne de Zeeuw writes: "We live by the Bentwoud, and you can see, smell and feel it! I always feel we live in a healthy environment!" Another resident, MdZ, confirms this and calls it a "Green neighbourhood" where the Bentwoud is excellently maintained. For nature lovers looking to rent an apartment with a view, this is a top location.
Yet there is a downside that appears in several reviews: social cohesion. The community score remains at 6.5. Residents indicate that contact with neighbours sometimes remains superficial. "The synergy and looking out for each other in the apartment complex disappoints us! That could be better," says MdZ. Marianne also notes that neighbours barely know each other in her complex. This is typical of many new-build districts where everyone is busy and social structures still need to grow. So if you are looking for a down-to-earth neighbourhood where everyone pops in for coffee, Oosterheem may be less suitable. But if you seek peace, privacy and a safe environment, you are in the right place. Safety is rated highly at 7.8, although one review ("Drogga") does mention nuisance from drug use, indicating that this district also has urban traits.
In terms of facilities, most things are available. Saskia Horjus sums it up well in her review "Pleasant living": "Everything is easily accessible. Schools, shops, doctors." The district shopping centre offers daily necessities, although resident Dee misses some variety: "I would like an Action or Kruidvat in Oosterheem!!" For those who want to know more about specific experiences, it is wise to read the full reviews on the main page of Oosterheem. The district is large, so it may be worthwhile to also look specifically at supply in sub-areas, such as Oosterheem-Noord-Oost or the other side of the district in Oosterheem-Zuid-West. The connection with the rest of the municipality of Zoetermeer is excellent via the RandstadRail, so you can be in the city centre in no time.
Does the tranquillity of Oosterheem suit your living wishes?
Oosterheem is particularly suitable for families and seniors seeking peace and space. With 4,505 households with children, it is a very child-rich neighbourhood. The many schools and playgrounds make it ideal for young parents looking to rent a home. The 45-65 age group is also strongly represented. If you are a starter or single and looking for vibrant cosiness and nightlife around the corner, you will probably find Oosterheem too quiet and too far from the centre. Additionally, budget is an important factor; due to high rents in the private sector, the district is less accessible for lower incomes who do not qualify for housing association properties. In that case, it may be more interesting to look at homes for sale in Oosterheem or broaden your search area.
Smart searching for a rental home in this popular district
Because the supply of rental homes in Oosterheem in the private sector is scarce, Buurtje.nl helps you by bringing together current supply from various sources. Use the filters at the top to see directly if something is available within your budget. If nothing is currently available, take a look at the possibilities in the nearby district Noordhove, consider the centrally located Centrum, or see what is for rent in Seghwaert. For a green alternative, Buytenwegh de Leyens is also worth a look, or check the supply in Meerzicht. For more information on regulations, you can visit the website of the municipality of Zoetermeer. Good luck with your search for an apartment to rent in Oosterheem!
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Oosterheem?
The average rent for a property in the private sector in Oosterheem over the past 12 months was around €1,610 per month. Prices vary widely, from about €350 (often shared or social sector) to €3,500 for large single-family homes.
Is there a lot of rental supply in Oosterheem?
Supply in the private sector is limited. Only 4% of homes are rented out by private investors or commercial parties. Most rental properties (32%) are owned by housing associations and offered through social rent.
How child-friendly is the Oosterheem neighbourhood?
Oosterheem is very child-friendly and popular with families; there are over 4,500 households with children. The neighbourhood scores high on education (8.5) and safety (7.8), and there are many playgrounds and schools.
Do I need a parking permit if I rent a house in Oosterheem?
In most parts of Oosterheem, parking is free and you do not need a permit. The neighbourhood is spacious with plenty of parking bays. However, always check specifically for the property, especially around the neighbourhood shopping centre where a blue zone may apply.
How is the accessibility of Oosterheem by public transport?
Accessibility is excellent, scoring 8.6 in resident reviews. The RandstadRail runs through the neighbourhood with several stops (such as Oosterheem, Willem Dreeslaan and Javalaan), allowing quick access to the centre of Zoetermeer or The Hague.
We live in a beautiful apartment on the Bentwoud and enjoy it every day in every season! The Bentwoud in particular is excellently maintained!!! The synergy and looking out for each other in the apartment complex disappoints us! That could be better! Otherwise, we live here just fine, and we also feel safe here!
Auto-translated to English by AIWe live on the Bentwoud, and you can see, smell and feel it! I always have the feeling that we live in a healthy environment! We also feel safe in the beautiful apartment building. The only thing that disappoints us is the sense of community in our complex Panoramique Bentwoud. Neighbours hardly know each other and have little interest in others. We often organise something but there is little to no interest, a shame especially because there are many elderly people living there who could use some help and/or attention!
Auto-translated to English by AIEverything is easily accessible. Schools, shops, doctors. Beautiful walking/cycling routes. Quite a quiet residential area.
Auto-translated to English by AIIt's a nice neighbourhood, close to everything
Auto-translated to English by AINice neighbourhood, hardly any problems to be found in the neighbourhood, nice neighbours and a pleasant street where I live. I would like an Action or Kruidvat in Oosterheem!!
Auto-translated to English by AII notice that drugs are being dealt next to me
Auto-translated to English by AIIt's a really nice neighbourhood but it could be better, there's a small playground for the children and everyone lives in a terraced house which is handy because you can just walk over to reach everyone, of course very handy but some changes could be made, it's not a very hygienic environment. I've often cleaned up the area but the next day it's messy again. And the safety in this neighbourhood is just about sufficient, this is because there are often loitering youths at the playground during the day and in the evening, most children are afraid of them, I hope something can be done about this. With this I hope to win the €100 gift voucher. Greetings from the whole neighbourhood.
Auto-translated to English by AII've lived here for 14 years and I'm happy to live here!
Auto-translated to English by AI







