Rental homes in Soest
View the current supply of rental properties in Soest, including neighbourhood scores and resident reviews per district.
Renting in Soest: from forest edge to village centre
Soest is a municipality with around 47,700 residents on the border of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug and the Eemland. Of the more than 21,000 homes, 36% are rental properties, the majority of which (22% of the total) are owned by housing associations. The remaining 14% are private landlords and the free sector. In practice, this means: if you don't qualify for social housing, you're fishing in a relatively small pond. In the free sector, 84 homes were rented out in the past twelve months, at an average rent of €1,825 per month. The range varies from €450 to €5,225, with an average floor area of 148 m². That's substantial, but you usually get spacious family homes in return rather than cramped apartments. Check the top of this page for current daily prices and available listings.
In terms of accessibility, Soest scores well: Soest station and Soestdijk station are on the Amersfoort-Baarn-Hilversum line, and by car you can quickly reach Amersfoort or head towards Utrecht via the A28. This makes the municipality attractive for people who work in the Randstad but prefer to live with space and greenery around them. Residents give Soest an 8.5 for accessibility and an 8.3 for the green environment, and these are not empty figures when you consider that the Soesterduinen, the forests of the Heuvelrug and the Eemvallei are literally just around the corner.
Neighbourhoods in Soest: where do you want to live?
Soest is not a one-size-fits-all. The atmosphere varies considerably per neighbourhood, and this is reflected in the neighbourhood scores that residents leave on Buurtje.nl. Below is an honest overview of the main neighbourhoods.
Soest-Zuid: spacious, green and popular
With a neighbourhood score of 9.4 out of 10, Soest-Zuid is the highest-rated neighbourhood in the municipality. This is the part of Soest that borders the forests towards Baarn, with spacious plots, many detached homes and a predominantly quiet atmosphere. Families and older couples who consciously choose space mainly live here. Finding a rental home in Soest-Zuid is not easy: supply is scarce and prices are at the high end. But those who end up here usually stay for a long time.
't Hart-Soestdijk: the beating heart
't Hart-Soestdijk scores an 8.5 among residents and is the liveliest part of Soest. Around the Soesterbergsestraat and the 't Hart shopping centre you'll find daily amenities, from supermarkets to GPs. The neighbourhood has a mix of owner-occupied homes and rental apartments, and attracts both young families and seniors. Residents cite good accessibility and the village character as plus points. One reviewer writes: "You have everything within reach, but it doesn't feel busy." That sums up the atmosphere well.
Klaarwater: affordable and practical
The neighbourhood Klaarwater scores an 8.2 and is one of the neighbourhoods where you have the best chance of finding a home as a renter. There are relatively many rental properties, both from housing associations and private landlords. The neighbourhood is less characteristic than Soest-Zuid, but practically laid out with schools, playgrounds and good bus connections. For starters and young families considering renting a home in Soest, Klaarwater is a logical place to start.
In addition, Overhees (7.5) is a mixed neighbourhood with both older and newer buildings, close to the centre of Soest. The community score here is somewhat lower, which fits the picture of a neighbourhood that feels more anonymous. Smitsveen (6.9) is the neighbourhood with the lowest neighbourhood score. It is a post-war neighbourhood with a lot of social housing, where the municipality has been investing in renewal in recent years. To be honest: it's not the prettiest neighbourhood, but it is one of the few places where rents are still somewhat affordable.
Finally, there is Soesterberg (7.2), the former airbase village that has its own identity, separate from the rest of Soest. Soesterberg is more isolated, but does offer space and relatively low rents. On the municipal page of Soest you can read all resident reviews and compare scores per neighbourhood. Don't forget de Eng and Soest-Midden either: the historic heart around the Oude Kerk, with narrow streets and a village feel.
Who is a rental home in Soest suitable for?
Soest attracts a specific type of renter. With an average income of €41,500 and a high percentage of highly educated people (35%), this is not a municipality for the smallest budget. The free sector asks an average of €1,825 per month, and you need a substantial income for that. Renting an apartment in Soest can be cheaper, but supply is limited compared to, for example, Amersfoort, where the market is larger and more diverse.
Are you a starter with a modal income? Then social housing through housing associations is more realistic, but waiting lists are long. Register with WoningNet regio Utrecht and be patient. For expats and dual-income couples coming from the Randstad, Soest offers an attractive alternative: more space for less money than in Utrecht or Hilversum, with good train connections. Families with school-age children benefit from the high score for education (8.2). On the website of the municipality of Soest you can find information about schools, parking permits and registration. Are you still considering buying? Then take a look at the homes for sale in Soest, because with an average WOZ value of €427,000, buying can be cheaper in the long run than renting in the free sector.
Searching for rental homes around Soest
On Buurtje.nl you combine the current rental supply with neighbourhood scores and honest resident reviews, so you not only find a home but also the right neighbourhood. Can't find what you're looking for directly in Soest? Then also take a look at rental homes in Baarn, De Bilt or Bunschoten. Or explore the broader supply in the province of Utrecht. Rental homes in Soest go quickly, so make sure your documents are ready and respond immediately when something becomes available.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Soest?
In the free sector (excluding social housing), the average rent in Soest is €1,825 per month, based on 84 rented homes in the past year. The range runs from €450 to €5,225, depending on type and location. The average floor area is 148 m².
Which neighbourhoods in Soest are the most popular for renting?
Soest-Zuid scores the highest with residents at 9.4, followed by 't Hart-Soestdijk (8.5) and Klaarwater (8.2). Soest-Zuid is popular for its green, spacious layout. 't Hart-Soestdijk attracts tenants due to its amenities and village character. In Klaarwater, the supply is somewhat larger and the price often slightly lower.
How quickly are rental homes in Soest rented out?
Rental homes in the free sector generally go quickly in Soest, especially homes under €1,500 per month. Supply is limited (84 transactions per year), so it is wise to have documents such as income statements and employer declarations ready and to respond quickly.
What is the difference between social housing and the free sector in Soest?
About 22% of all homes in Soest are owned by housing corporations (social housing), with rents below the liberalisation threshold. For this, you need a household income below the income limit and you register via WoningNet. The free sector (14% of the stock) has no income limit, but rents average €1,825 per month.
Is Soest a safe municipality to rent a home?
Residents rate safety in Soest at 8.1 out of 10. Especially neighbourhoods like Soest-Zuid and 't Hart-Soestdijk score highly. Soest is a relatively quiet municipality without major urban problems, although the feeling of safety varies per neighbourhood.
Can I easily travel from Soest to Utrecht or Amersfoort?
Yes, Soest scores an 8.5 for accessibility. Soest and Soestdijk stations are on the Baarn-Amersfoort railway line, and via the A28 you are in Amersfoort in about 15 minutes and Utrecht in 30 minutes. This makes renting a home in Soest attractive for commuters.
Are there enough schools and amenities in Soest for families?
Soest scores an 8.2 for education and an 8.1 for amenities. There are several primary schools spread across the neighbourhoods, and secondary school students often go to schools in Amersfoort or Baarn. Daily shopping is done in shopping centres around 't Hart and Soestdijk.
Is renting an apartment in Soest cheaper than a single-family home?
Generally, yes. The average rent of €1,825 is strongly influenced by spacious single-family homes. Apartments start from around €450 per month in the free sector, but supply is limited. For more choice in apartments, you could also look in Amersfoort.
Living in this neighbourhood is a wonderful experience. It's clean, safe, and there are many child-friendly parks where you always see happy children playing. What makes it truly special is the strong sense of community. The neighbours are warm and friendly, I know everyone on my street and there's always a smile or a greeting. When I'm working in my front garden, people often stop to say hello and have a chat. It's a place where you truly feel connected and at home.
Auto-translated to English by AINow, heavy tree felling, I was against it! In connection with climate change, to stop tree felling and not to mention clean air in the neighbourhood. Traffic, increased a lot over the years! If a resident was parked in a parking space, please remove the car! There was a move, long-term parking in front of my house (without my permission!) Anonymous notes distributed in the past about dog walking nuisance, cats visiting front gardens, cat poop. Bird poop, don't put food in the birdhouse, you get bird poop! After my husband's death, I received a flower wreath in my bin (unbelievable, right?) So, I could go on for a while!
Auto-translated to English by AIGood and involved
Auto-translated to English by AIamazing
Auto-translated to English by AINeighbourhood is very noisy, often shouting and screaming at the door. The houses are very noisy, especially if you have several children living next to you who are constantly running and flying in and out.
Auto-translated to English by AIPerfect! I've been living here for a long time,
Auto-translated to English by AIIt's really lovely to be able to live here. I feel completely at home here. Nice green outdoors, friendly people, shop and bus stop nearby.
Auto-translated to English by AIGood and quiet
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