Rental homes in Overijssel
Find a rental home in Overijssel and discover what residents think of each municipality. Compare rental prices, neighbourhood scores and district data.
What does renting cost in Overijssel and how does the market work?
Overijssel is a province where you can still rent relatively affordably, especially compared to the Randstad. Of the more than 522,000 homes in the province, about 39% are rental properties. The majority (27%) are owned by housing associations, while 12% are rented out by private landlords and investors. The average rent in the free sector is €1,270 per month, with an average floor area of 133 m². That is considerably more spacious than what you get in Utrecht or Amsterdam for the same price. The range is wide: from small apartments around €325 to spacious villas approaching €9,000.
However, there are significant regional differences. In the provincial capital Zwolle and in Enschede, rents are higher than in smaller municipalities such as Hardenberg or Raalte. Those looking for a rental home in one of the larger cities will notice increasing competition, while in the rural areas of Salland and Northwest Overijssel, supply is more limited but prices are lower. Residents of Overijssel give the province an average score of 7.8 out of 10, indicating that most people enjoy living here.
From Enschede to Kampen: renting per municipality in Overijssel
Enschede, the largest city with a student heart
With over 161,000 inhabitants, Enschede is the largest municipality in Overijssel. The city has a lively city centre, the University of Twente attracts many students and knowledge workers, and its location near the German border offers extra opportunities for shopping and day trips. Residents give Enschede a 7.5 based on 58 reviews. The supply ranges from affordable apartments in neighbourhoods like Deppenbroek to more expensive rental homes around the Roombeek area. A frequently mentioned point in reviews is the good price-quality ratio: you get more square metres for your money here than in many western cities. However, residents note that some neighbourhoods on the south side are less popular.
Zwolle, the easily accessible provincial capital
Zwolle (133,000 inhabitants) also scores a 7.5 from residents, based on 73 reviews. The city is an important hub: the train station connects you directly to Amsterdam, Amersfoort and the north. This makes Zwolle popular with commuters. The historic city centre, the cultural offerings around the Fundatie museum and the green surroundings of the Zwarte Water make it a pleasant city to live in. Renting an apartment in Zwolle is more expensive than in most other Overijssel municipalities. In their reviews, residents regularly mention the fine balance between urban amenities and proximity to nature, but also point to the increasing pressure on the housing market.
Deventer, character and culture on the IJssel
Deventer is the third city of the province with over 103,000 inhabitants and scores a 7.7 from residents. The city is known for the Dickens Festival, the Brink and a growing creative sector. Renting in Deventer is slightly cheaper than in Zwolle, and the atmosphere in the city centre is often described by residents as 'cosy and quirky'. The train connection to the Randstad is good, making Deventer attractive for people who work in the west but prefer to live outside the Randstad.
Hengelo, industrial past with a new impetus
In Hengelo (83,000 inhabitants, score 7.7), the influence of the industrial past is still visible, but the city is undergoing major development. The Hart van Zuid project is transforming the former Stork site into a modern residential and business district. This makes Hengelo interesting for tenants looking for new-build homes at relatively reasonable prices. The proximity of Enschede and the good train connection make it a practical base in Twente.
In addition to these four major cities, Overijssel has a number of smaller municipalities that score remarkably well with residents. Almelo (74,000 inhabitants) receives an 8.1 and is valued for its affordability and compact city centre. The historic Hanseatic city of Kampen even scores an 8.2 from 22 reviews. Residents praise its monumental character and tranquillity, although the shopping options are more limited than in Zwolle. Rijssen-Holten is the best-rated municipality in our data with an 8.5. It is a close-knit community with plenty of greenery, although you have to appreciate that social life is strongly influenced by local culture.
In the north of the province, Steenwijkerland (score 8.0) offers a quieter alternative with the Weerribben-Wieden as its backyard. Ideal if you love nature, less suitable if you rely on public transport. Hellendoorn and Hof van Twente are typical rural municipalities where living is peaceful, but the rental supply in the free sector is limited. Those considering renting a home in Overijssel outside the major cities should expect longer travel times and fewer amenities within walking distance.
Who is a rental property in Overijssel suitable for?
Renting in Overijssel is attractive for various groups. Starters fleeing the Randstad find more space for less money here. Families benefit from the green environment, good schools and relatively low cost of living. Students are mainly concentrated in Enschede (University of Twente) and to a lesser extent Zwolle (Windesheim, Viaa University of Applied Sciences). Expats working at tech companies on the High Tech Campus Twente or at Thales in Hengelo often choose the Twente cities.
To be fair: Overijssel is not a province for those who need to be in Amsterdam or The Hague daily. The train journey from Zwolle to Amsterdam takes over an hour, from Enschede almost two hours. If you accept that, you get a lot of living quality in return. Still considering buying? Then check out the supply of homes for sale in Overijssel, because with an average WOZ value of €325,890, buying here is more achievable for many households than in the west. More information about the province can also be found on the website of the province of Overijssel.
View the current rental supply in Overijssel
On Buurtje.nl you will find the current supply of rental properties in Overijssel, from detached houses in the Vechtdal to apartments in the centre of Zwolle. Filter by price, floor area or municipality and view the neighbourhood scores and resident reviews for each property. This way you not only know what a house costs, but also what it is really like to live there. Use the municipality overviews on this page to search specifically in the region that suits you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent for a house in Overijssel?
The average rent in the free sector in Overijssel is €1,270 per month for a home averaging 133 m². Prices vary widely: from around €325 for small apartments to over €3,000 for large detached houses. In Zwolle and Enschede, prices are higher than in smaller municipalities like Hardenberg or Almelo.
In which municipality of Overijssel do residents feel most comfortable?
Rijssen-Holten scores the highest with an 8.5 in resident reviews, followed by Kampen (8.2) and Almelo and Hardenberg (both 8.1). The larger cities of Zwolle and Enschede score 7.5. On average, the province is given a 7.8 out of 10.
Where can I find the cheapest rental home in Overijssel?
The most affordable rental homes are generally found in smaller municipalities such as Almelo, Hardenberg, and Hellendoorn. In the larger cities of Zwolle and Enschede, rents are higher due to greater demand. Those willing to live a bit further from the city can save significantly on monthly costs.
Is it easy to rent an apartment in Overijssel?
In the free sector, there is regular supply, especially in Enschede, Zwolle, and Deventer. For social housing through housing associations, waiting lists can run up to several years. In the free sector, it goes faster, but popular homes in desirable neighbourhoods are often quickly taken. Therefore, quick response is important.
How is the accessibility when renting a home in Overijssel?
Zwolle is an important railway hub with direct trains to Amsterdam (just over an hour), Amersfoort, and Groningen. Enschede is further from the Randstad (nearly two hours by train to Amsterdam). By car, you are well connected via the A28 and A1. Within the province, smaller municipalities are often better accessible by car than by public transport.
What are the differences between renting in Twente and renting in Salland or the Kop van Overijssel?
Twente (Enschede, Hengelo, Almelo) is the most urban, with more supply and higher rents. Salland (Deventer, Raalte, Hellendoorn) is more rural and quieter, with less supply but lower prices. The Kop van Overijssel (Steenwijkerland, Kampen) offers plenty of nature and space, but public transport is more limited there.
What percentage of homes in Overijssel are rental properties?
Approximately 39% of the over 522,000 homes in Overijssel are rental properties. Of these, 27% are owned by housing associations and 12% by private landlords. The remaining 61% are owner-occupied homes. In larger cities, the percentage of rental homes is generally higher than in smaller villages.
Is renting a home in Overijssel suitable for families?
Overijssel is very suitable for families. The province offers plenty of green space, good schools, and relatively low housing costs. Municipalities such as Kampen (score 8.2), Rijssen-Holten (8.5), and Hardenberg (8.1) are praised by residents for their safety and sense of community. Rents are lower than in the Randstad, leaving more budget for other expenses.
Very friendly neighborhood. The people are nice and friendly
Auto-translated to English by AIIt is visibly unsafe in the neighbourhood. Drugs are used, there are many loitering youths and graffiti. The public space is cheaply furnished. Houses are from the 1960s and in a state of disrepair. There is a lot of litter on the streets and sometimes problems with mice and other vermin. There is no neighbourhood supermarket, unless you count the petrol station. The square with amenities looks neglected.
Auto-translated to English by AIeverything is top in the neighbourhood
Auto-translated to English by AILive there pleasantly. People are kind.
Auto-translated to English by AIQuiet, fine, village-like, lots of nature/gardens, forest. Beautiful cycling routes…. Safe.
Auto-translated to English by AIGood, nothing more, safe house
Auto-translated to English by AINice, neat and quiet neighbourhood. Lots of greenery, few high-rise buildings, which I really like. We ourselves live in an apartment where we feel at home. The neighbours in our apartment are all older Enschede residents and Glanerbrug residents. Nice complex to live in. The view from our apartment is beautiful, lots of greenery, and you can easily walk into the countryside. However, the shops, apart from a few, are further away. I personally find that a disadvantage. You really need transport if you want to go somewhere. Not everyone can cycle or has a car. I feel safe here; in the 6 years I've lived here, I personally haven't experienced anything that could give an unsafe feeling. You also don't see groups of young people hanging around here.
Auto-translated to English by AI- easily accessible, but still close to city centre - lot of green space - faces challenges concerning littering
Auto-translated to English by AI
