Rental homes in Opmeer
Looking for a rental property in Opmeer? Check the current listings, compare neighbourhoods and read what residents think of this West Frisian municipality.
Renting in Opmeer: an honest picture of the local rental market
Opmeer is a compact rural municipality in West-Friesland with around 12,200 residents, spread across the villages of Opmeer, Hoogwoud, Spanbroek, De Weere and Aartswoud. Of the more than 5,000 homes, about 75% are owner-occupied. Only 25% are rental properties, and of those, just 2% are owned by a housing association. This means the social rental market here is extremely tight. Anyone looking for social housing must register via Woonmatch and expect years-long waiting times. The vast majority of rental supply (23% of the total stock) comes from private landlords and the free sector.
In the free sector, only 11 homes have been rented out in the past twelve months, at an average rent of €1,040 per month. The range ran from €760 to €2,150 per month, with an average floor area of 64 m². That's not many square metres for that money, but it reflects the limited supply. Rental properties in Opmeer simply do not become available often. At the top of this page you can see the current supply and the daily price. Anyone looking for a rental home in this municipality must act quickly as soon as something becomes available. On the website of the municipality of Opmeer you can find information about housing policy and registration with local housing associations.
Villages in the municipality: where do you want to rent?
Opmeer does not consist of one core, but of five villages, each with its own character. Residents of this municipality give an average rating of 8.6, with notably high scores for accessibility (9.8) and sense of community (9.0). But there are clear differences per village. Read all ratings and reviews on the municipality page of Opmeer.
De Weere, the best-rated village
With a neighbourhood score of 9.4 out of 10, De Weere tops the list. This is a small, rural village where everyone knows each other. Residents call it a place where you can truly unwind. The rental supply here is minimal, so if something becomes available, it's a matter of responding immediately. De Weere is especially suitable for people who consciously choose peace and space over amenities.
Village of Opmeer, the heart of the municipality
The village of Opmeer scores an 8.9 among residents and is the core where you will find most daily amenities: a supermarket, primary schools and sports clubs. One resident describes it as "a nice village with a strong club life where you are quickly accepted." For families who want to rent a home in Opmeer, this village is the most logical choice due to the combination of amenities and village atmosphere. The largest age group in the municipality is 45 to 65 years old, but there are also many families with children (1,876 households).
Hoogwoud, the village with the most amenities
Hoogwoud is the largest village in the municipality and has the most shops, a GP practice and good bus connections to Hoorn and Alkmaar. The neighbourhood score here is 7.0, lower than the other villages. This may be due to higher expectations because of its more central location, or to specific issues such as parking pressure. Nevertheless, Hoogwoud is often the first place for renters to look, simply because there is the most supply here.
In addition, there are Spanbroek and Aartswoud. Spanbroek is strategically located between Hoogwoud and Opmeer and has its own village hall and primary school. Aartswoud is the smallest village, very rural, with an active village community but virtually no rental properties. In all villages, the green character (score 8.8) and the feeling of safety (8.5) are experienced by residents as major plus points.
Who is a rental property in Opmeer suitable for?
Renting a home in Opmeer best suits people who consciously choose the West-Friesian countryside. Think of families looking for space for their children, home workers who do not need to go to a city daily, or older couples who prefer peace over urban bustle. With an average income of €35,100 and a labour participation rate of 70%, it is a working municipality where many people commute to Hoorn, Alkmaar or further. The accessibility score of 9.8 confirms this: via the N241 and N504 you are quickly on the A7.
Be honest with yourself: if you are looking for a vibrant nightlife, lots of cultural offerings or a large shopping centre, then Opmeer is not your place. The score for amenities (7.8) and education (7.5) shows that there are basic facilities, but for secondary education and specialist shops you will have to rely on Hoorn or Alkmaar. Renting an apartment in Opmeer is difficult due to the limited supply, so also consider buying a home in Opmeer if you have the financial means. With an average WOZ value of €369,000, buying can in the long run be cheaper than renting in the free sector.
Practical tips: register with Woonmatch for social housing as soon as possible, prepare your income documents and employer's statement so you can respond immediately, and keep an eye on the supply on multiple platforms. With only 11 rented homes in a whole year in the free sector, competition is fierce.
Searching for a rental property in the region
On Buurtje.nl you combine the current rental supply with neighbourhood scores and real resident reviews, so you not only find a home but also know what it is really like. Finding little supply in Opmeer? Then also look at rental properties in Alkmaar, the housing market in Bergen or the supply in Amsterdam. Discover more about the region on the page of the province of North Holland.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent for a free-sector home in Opmeer?
The average rent in the free sector in Opmeer is €1,040 per month, based on 11 rented homes in the past twelve months. The range runs from €760 to €2,150 per month. The average surface area is 64 m². Social housing is excluded.
Which villages in Opmeer are the most popular for renting?
De Weere scores highest among residents with a 9.4 out of 10, followed by the village of Opmeer with an 8.9. Hoogwoud scores a 7.0 but has the most amenities and therefore often the most rental supply. Spanbroek and Aartswoud are smaller villages with few rental homes.
How quickly are rental homes in Opmeer rented out?
Very quickly. In the past twelve months, only 11 homes in the free sector have been rented out. Supply is very limited, so finding a rental home in Opmeer requires speed. Make sure your documents are ready and respond immediately when something becomes available.
What is the difference between social housing and the free sector in Opmeer?
Only 2% of homes in Opmeer are owned by housing corporations (social housing). Waiting times are long and registration is done via Woonmatch. The remaining 23% of rental homes are in the free sector through private landlords, with rents starting at €760 per month. There is no income limit, but you pay significantly more.
Is renting a home in Opmeer suitable for families?
Yes, Opmeer is a typical family municipality. The largest group of households consists of families with children. There are primary schools in several villages, sports clubs, and plenty of green space (score 8.8). For secondary education, you need to go to Hoorn or Alkmaar, but accessibility scores a 9.8.
How safe is it to live in Opmeer?
Residents give Opmeer an 8.5 for safety. It is a quiet rural municipality where crime is low. The strong sense of community (score 9.0) contributes to social control and the feeling of safety in all villages.
Can I also rent an apartment in Opmeer?
Supply is very limited. Most homes in Opmeer are single-family homes. The average rented surface area of 64 m² in the free sector points to smaller apartments or studios. If you want more choice in apartments, also look at the supply in Alkmaar or Hoorn.
How is the accessibility of Opmeer by public transport?
Opmeer does not have its own train station, but there are bus connections to Hoorn and Alkmaar. By car, you can quickly reach the A7 via the N241. Residents give accessibility a remarkably high 9.8 out of 10, which mainly refers to car accessibility. For daily public transport commuting to Amsterdam, it is less practical.
The neighbourhood is very cosy, the road is occasionally busy but usually not too crowded. Safe roads and nice people. We have enough amenities, though perhaps a bit more nightlife for young people would be good. Housing could be better, it's increasingly difficult to get a house, but investment is being made in asylum seekers, which is a shame. The houses in our neighbourhood are beautiful and large, each one unique. Building houses is difficult because you don't want to spoil the view. But something definitely needs to be done about housing on the Middelweg.
Auto-translated to English by AII moved here in 2017 and immediately felt at home. Nice neighbours and a lot of community spirit in the neighbourhood. One access road for cars in the area means only destination traffic drives here. Wide streets with pavement. And central playground equipment for the children. Primary school around the corner. Bus station in the street behind. Nice neighbourhood to live in.
Auto-translated to English by AIHave lived here all my life. Nice, friendly people and always something to do. Nice café and fun activities for young people at the weekend.
Auto-translated to English by AIDe Gouwe is cosy, but not too cosy. De Gouwe is beautiful, but not too beautiful. De Gouwe is average in the most beautiful way.
Auto-translated to English by AI
