Rental homes in Sonnenborgh, Leeuwarden
Discover current rental properties in Sonnenborgh, an urban neighbourhood close to the centre of Leeuwarden. View the available supply and the latest rental prices directly on this page.
Rental prices and market figures for Sonnenborgh, Leeuwarden
Sonnenborgh is a neighbourhood with a mixed housing market: 46% of homes are rental properties, 54% are owner-occupied. Of the total housing stock of 956 homes, 22% is owned by a housing association (social housing) and 24% belongs to the private sector with other landlords. For those looking to rent a home in Sonnenborgh outside social housing, rental prices in the private sector over the past year averaged €955 per month, with a range of €650 to €1,600 per month. The average size of rented homes was 41 m², equating to a price of just over €23 per m². These figures cover the past twelve months and exclude social housing and room rentals. The average WOZ value in Sonnenborgh is €209,000, which is lower than the district average of €222,000 for Sonnenborgh and surroundings and also below the municipal average of €234,000 for Leeuwarden. This makes renting in Sonnenborgh relatively affordable compared to the wider municipality. For current available rental properties and the daily average rental price, see the overview at the top of this page.
Living in Sonnenborgh, Leeuwarden
Sonnenborgh is a compact urban neighbourhood in the southwest of Leeuwarden, bordering the city centre. The neighbourhood has a predominantly urban character with a mix of post-war porch flats, single-family homes from the 1960s and 1970s, and a modest number of newer apartments. The streets are narrow, buildings are close together, and green space is limited, which is also reflected in residents' score for green space (6.5 out of 10). Yet for many residents, this is not a dealbreaker, as the location close to the centre compensates for a lot.
Facilities
Sonnenborgh scores well on facilities (7.5). Within walking distance you will find supermarkets on Julianalaan and in the immediate vicinity of Zuiderplein, and the city centre of Leeuwarden with its shops, market and hospitality venues is reachable by bike within five minutes. The neighbourhood has a playground that is actively used by families during the day, although there are complaints about its condition in the evening. The score for education (9.5) is notably high, indicating that primary schools and other educational facilities are easily accessible from the neighbourhood. For sports and recreation, you can use the facilities in the surrounding districts and in the centre of Leeuwarden.
Accessibility
Accessibility scores 7.5. Leeuwarden Station is about a ten-minute bike ride away, from where you have direct connections to Groningen, Zwolle and Sneek. Several bus routes run through or past the neighbourhood towards the centre and other parts of the city. By car, the A32 is the nearest motorway, reachable within a few minutes. Parking in the neighbourhood is partly regulated via a permit system, which can sometimes be difficult for visitors but is generally acceptable for residents with a permit. By bike, you are in the heart of Leeuwarden in less than ten minutes.
Atmosphere and residents
The neighbourhood has a relatively young population: the 25 to 45 age group is the largest (565 out of 1,720 residents), and single-person households form the largest household type (525 units). This gives Sonnenborgh a somewhat urban, dynamic character. Only 24% of residents are married, which fits a neighbourhood with many starters and young singles. Residents give the neighbourhood an overall score of 7.3 out of 10, based on resident experiences via the Sonnenborgh neighbourhood page. The community score is notably high at 8.0, but there are also critical voices. Resident Nayla writes: "Child-friendly during the day, unsafe for everyone in the evening." She describes how the neighbourhood used to feel cosy and safe, but that loitering youths and litter near containers now cause nuisance. The playground turns into a hangout spot in the evening and is left dirty. The safety score (7.0) and beauty score (5.0) reflect this picture.
Compared to neighbouring areas such as Transvaalwijk or Rengerspark, Sonnenborgh has a slightly more compact, more urban appearance with less green space. Those looking for more space and tranquillity might also consider Vogelwijk, which has a greener layout. If you are specifically looking for a rental home close to all urban amenities and are willing to accept less green space and quiet in the evenings, then Sonnenborgh fits that profile well.
Who is a rental home in Sonnenborgh interesting for?
Sonnenborgh mainly attracts young starters, singles and people who want to live close to the centre of Leeuwarden without paying top prices. The average income in the neighbourhood (€31,300) is slightly below the municipal average, indicating that it is an accessible neighbourhood for people with a modal income. Renting an apartment in Sonnenborgh in the private sector starts from €650 per month, but expect an average of €955. If you want to rent a home through social housing, register with a housing association such as WoonFriesland, which is active in Leeuwarden. Waiting lists for social housing can be long. Respond quickly to available rental properties in the private sector: check the current time on market at the top of the page. Prepare your rental documents (payslips, employer's statement). Also consider owner-occupied homes in Sonnenborgh as an alternative, especially given the relatively low WOZ values in this neighbourhood.
What residents say about Sonnenborgh
Residents give Sonnenborgh an average score of 7.3 out of 10. The highest subscores are for education (9.5) and community (8.0), the lowest for beauty (5.0) and green space (6.5). Resident Nayla (7.4) puts it aptly: "Child-friendly during the day, unsafe for everyone in the evening." She points to problems with litter near containers, seagulls and loitering youths that make the neighbourhood less pleasant after dark. View all reviews and the full neighbourhood data on the Sonnenborgh overview page. You won't find honest resident reviews like these anywhere else at neighbourhood level.
Compare rental homes in and around Sonnenborgh
Want to know if Sonnenborgh is the right choice, or would you prefer a neighbourhood further out? Check the supply in surrounding areas such as Bonifatius or Valeriuskwartier for a comparison on price and character. At district level, the page on rental homes in Sonnenborgh and surroundings gives a broader picture. If you are looking further afield, the overview of rental homes in Leeuwarden offers the complete municipal supply. Buurtje.nl combines current housing supply from more than 1,500 sources with neighbourhood scores, resident reviews and district data, so you not only find a home but also know whether the neighbourhood suits you. More information about the municipality can be found on the website of the municipality of Leeuwarden.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Sonnenborgh, Leeuwarden?
In the free sector (excluding social housing), the average rent in Sonnenborgh over the past year was €955 per month, with a range of €650 to €1,600 per month. The average floor area was 41 m², which works out to about €23 per m². Social housing is generally cheaper, but waiting lists and income requirements apply.
Are there social housing properties in Sonnenborgh?
Yes, 22% of the housing stock in Sonnenborgh is owned by a housing association, which corresponds to approximately 210 social housing units. For a social housing property in Leeuwarden, you can register with housing association WoonFriesland. Be prepared for waiting lists; the demand for social housing in Leeuwarden is high.
What is it like to live in Sonnenborgh?
Sonnenborgh is a compact, urban neighbourhood close to the centre of Leeuwarden, with a mix of post-war flats and single-family homes. Residents give the neighbourhood a score of 7.3 out of 10. The community and educational facilities are highly rated, but the beauty of the neighbourhood (5.0) and safety in the evening (7.0) are points of concern. Loitering youths and litter are mentioned by residents as drawbacks.
Is Sonnenborgh suitable for starters and young singles?
Definitely. The neighbourhood has the most residents in the 25 to 45 age group, and single-person households are the largest household type. The proximity to the centre, relatively affordable rents, and good accessibility make living in Sonnenborgh attractive for starters and young professionals. Families with children find the neighbourhood child-friendly during the day, but the evening atmosphere is a point of attention.
How accessible is Sonnenborgh?
Sonnenborgh scores a 7.5 for accessibility. Leeuwarden Station is about a ten-minute bike ride away, with train connections to Groningen, Zwolle and Sneek. Several bus lines connect the neighbourhood to the centre and other parts of the city. By car, the A32 is reachable within a few minutes. Parking is partly managed through a permit system.
What facilities are there in Sonnenborgh?
The neighbourhood scores a 7.5 for facilities. Supermarkets are within walking distance, and the city centre of Leeuwarden with extensive shops, restaurants and the weekly market is within five minutes by bike. The education score is exceptionally high at 9.5, indicating good accessibility to primary schools and other educational facilities. Green space and play areas are limited within the neighbourhood itself.
Is Sonnenborgh a safe neighbourhood to rent in?
Residents give Sonnenborgh a safety score of 7.0 out of 10. During the day, the neighbourhood is perceived as reasonably safe and child-friendly. In the evening, however, there are complaints about loitering youths near the playground and nuisance at waste containers. This is a point of attention for tenants who are often out in the evening. The overall neighbourhood score of 7.3 gives a nuanced but positive picture.
A few years ago, the neighbourhood was a pleasant and safe environment. Now rubbish bags are thrown next to the containers, causing a lot of nuisance from seagulls. There are also loitering youths who cause a lot of trouble in the area. The playground becomes a hangout in the evening and is left dirty, no longer child-friendly for children to play in the next day. Fires are also set near the apartment buildings, and shouting etc. is left behind, but there is no evidence of anything further.
Auto-translated to English by AIA pleasant, quiet neighbourhood. People are considerate of each other.
Auto-translated to English by AI




