Rental homes in Ooststellingwerf
Looking for a rental property in Ooststellingwerf? Check the current listings, compare villages by neighbourhood scores, and read what residents think of their living environment.
Renting in Ooststellingwerf: between forest, heath and a tight market
Ooststellingwerf is a sprawling rural municipality in the southeast of Friesland, with around 25,800 residents spread across villages such as Oosterwolde, Appelscha and Haulerwijk. Of the more than 11,400 homes, about 33% are rental properties. The majority of these, around 27% of the total stock, belong to housing associations like Actium. Only 6% are offered by other landlords, making the private sector here quite small. You can see this in the figures: in the past twelve months, only 15 homes were rented out in the private sector, at an average rent of €1,836 per month. The range runs from €950 to €9,750, but that top end concerns exceptional properties such as detached houses with plenty of land. The average floor area of 194 m² shows that these are mainly spacious family homes and detached houses, not apartments. Anyone considering renting an apartment in Ooststellingwerf will find that the supply is limited. At the top of this page you will always find the current rental supply and daily prices. On the website of the municipality of Ooststellingwerf you can read more about housing policy and housing regulations.
The villages of Ooststellingwerf: where do you want to live?
Ooststellingwerf is not a city with neighbourhoods, but a collection of villages, each with its own character. This makes the choice of a rental home here different from that in an urban municipality. Below are the main villages listed.
Appelscha, nature as your backyard
Appelscha is the tourist heart of the municipality, located on the edge of the Drents-Friese Wold and National Park. Residents give this village a remarkably high score of 9.6 out of 10 on Buurtje.nl. It is quiet, green and spacious here. Appelscha mainly attracts people who consciously choose nature and space, think of homeworkers, retirees and families leaving the hustle and bustle of the Randstad behind. View the current supply in Appelscha. Due to tourism, there are also holiday homes in circulation, so make sure you get a regular rental contract.
Haulerwijk, village-like and involved
With a neighbourhood score of 8.6, Haulerwijk is one of the higher-rated villages. It is a ribbon village with an active club life and primary schools. Residents mention accessibility as a strong point; the N381 towards Drachten and Emmen is nearby. For families with children, Haulerwijk is a logical choice: affordable, safe and with enough facilities for daily shopping.
Oosterwolde, the centre of the municipality
Oosterwolde is the largest village and the administrative centre of the municipality. Here you will find most shops, the town hall, secondary schools and a train station with a direct connection to Leeuwarden (via Heerenveen). Residents rate the village an 8.2. One resident wrote: "Everything is close by, but you still feel like you live in the countryside." Anyone who wants to rent a home in Ooststellingwerf and cannot do without facilities will be best off here.
In addition, there are smaller villages worth considering. Donkerbroek scores an 8.3 from residents and is a quiet ribbon village along the Opsterlandse Compagnonsvaart. Ravenswoud and Fochteloo are even smaller and really for those seeking maximum peace. Waskemeer scores the lowest at 5.6, although that is based on just one review. The village has fewer facilities than Oosterwolde or Haulerwijk, which can be a disadvantage for some tenants. On the municipal page of Ooststellingwerf you will find all resident reviews and can compare scores per village.
Who is a rental home in Ooststellingwerf suitable for?
Renting in Ooststellingwerf best suits people who consciously choose space, peace and a rural environment. The largest age group here is 45 to 65 years, and with 6,738 over-65s, the ageing population is visible. This also means that the local labour market is limited. The labour participation rate is 63% and the average income is €32,100. Major employers are more likely to be in Heerenveen, Drachten or Emmen. If you have a job in the Randstad and work mostly from home, Ooststellingwerf can work very well. But if you have to commute daily to a large city, the travel time is a real disadvantage.
For starters and singles, it is difficult: the private sector is expensive and small, and for social housing through Actium, waiting lists are long. So register as early as possible. Those who prefer to buy, and with an average WOZ value of €303,000 that is still relatively affordable here, can look at homes for sale in Ooststellingwerf. If you have a family and are looking for a house to rent in Ooststellingwerf with a garden and space, the private sector here offers homes that you won't find in the city for the same price. Prepare your documents well, because with only 15 transactions per year in the private sector, the scarce supply goes quickly.
Viewing the rental supply in Ooststellingwerf and surroundings
On Buurtje.nl you combine the current housing supply with neighbourhood scores and real resident reviews, so you not only find a home but also know what to expect from the neighbourhood. Because the supply in Ooststellingwerf is limited, it pays to also look in the region. For example, view rental homes in Heerenveen, the supply in De Fryske Marren or the possibilities in Achtkarspelen. More about the region can be found on the page of the province of Fryslân.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Ooststellingwerf?
In the private sector, the average rent over the past 12 months was €1,836 per month, with a range from €950 to €9,750. The average floor area was 194 m², indicating that these are mainly spacious homes. Social housing through housing association Actium is significantly cheaper, but has long waiting lists.
Which villages in Ooststellingwerf are most popular for renting?
Appelscha scores highest with a 9.6 from residents, followed by Haulerwijk (8.6) and Donkerbroek (8.3). Oosterwolde scores an 8.2 and offers the most amenities. Waskemeer scores lower with a 5.6, but that is based on only one review.
How quickly are rental homes in Ooststellingwerf rented out?
The supply in the private sector is very limited: only 15 homes were rented out in an entire year. That means a rental home here is snapped up quickly. Prepare your proof of income and references in advance so you can respond immediately.
What is the difference between social housing and the private sector in Ooststellingwerf?
About 27% of all homes in Ooststellingwerf are owned by housing associations (social housing via Actium), with rents below the liberalisation threshold. The private sector accounts for about 6% and is significantly more expensive, averaging €1,836 per month. For social housing, you need to register and income limits apply.
Is Ooststellingwerf suitable for renting a home with a family?
Yes, for families who value space and nature, Ooststellingwerf is a good option. Villages like Haulerwijk and Oosterwolde have primary schools, sports clubs and a safe environment. The safety score is 8.1 and green space scores 8.7. Keep in mind that secondary schools are only in Oosterwolde.
How is the accessibility of Ooststellingwerf?
Residents rate accessibility at 9.0 out of 10. Oosterwolde has a train station with connections to Heerenveen and Leeuwarden. The N381 provides quick access to Drachten and Emmen. However, without a car it is difficult in the smaller villages, as public transport there is limited.
Can I also rent an apartment in Ooststellingwerf?
The supply of apartments is limited. Most rental homes in the private sector are spacious single-family homes or detached houses. Oosterwolde has the most apartments, but don't expect a city-like supply. Also look in Heerenveen if you specifically want an apartment.
Are there many rental homes available in Ooststellingwerf?
No, the private sector supply is small. In the past year, only 15 homes were rented out outside the social sector. It pays to also register with housing association Actium for social housing and to regularly check the current supply, because renting a home in Ooststellingwerf requires patience.
Yes, quite a cosy little neighbourhood
Auto-translated to English by AIThey're always up for a chat and a helping hand when needed.
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Auto-translated to English by AIIt's a neighbourhood you really have to get used to. Little contact with neighbours. Green neighbourhood. On the edge of the village. The nature is beautiful. Supermarket is within walking distance. The village could be a bit cosier.
Auto-translated to English by AIAbsolutely great
Auto-translated to English by AIDuring the day, many people are at work. School and shops nearby. Nice neighbourhood association on our street. Friendly people.
Auto-translated to English by AIThe courtyard where I live is a fine courtyard. The row where I live is cosy; in summer we sit with the neighbours I have contact with in the front garden at the other neighbour's house. My children also like it here.
Auto-translated to English by AIThe village is very dead, there are no shops and there is one secondary school that has no exam classes and at the primary school you have 3 different classes in one room. You really see no one outside and it is abnormally boring.
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