Rental homes in Steenwijkerland
View the current supply of rental properties in Steenwijkerland, from Steenwijk to Giethoorn. Compare prices, neighbourhood scores and resident reviews.
Renting in Steenwijkerland: between Weerribben and Woldberg
Steenwijkerland is a municipality where nature and village character take centre stage. Of the more than 20,400 homes, 34% are rental properties, the majority of which (26% of the total stock) are owned by housing associations such as Wetland Wonen. The private sector is relatively small: in the past twelve months, only 28 homes were rented out in the private sector, at an average rent of €1,106 per month. The range varies from €460 to €2,500 per month, which is mainly explained by the difference between a compact apartment in Steenwijk and a spacious detached home near the Weerribben. If you want to see a current daily price, you can consult the overview at the top of this page.
The limited size of the private rental sector makes it important to act quickly when something becomes available. Steenwijk, the largest town, functions as a regional centre with a train station on the Zwolle-Leeuwarden line. This makes the municipality accessible, although it still takes at least 45 minutes to reach larger cities. The labour participation rate is 66% and the average income is €33,900, which fits a municipality where the cost of living is lower than in the Randstad. Social housing through the association is the most realistic option for many residents, especially for starters.
From Giethoorn to Blokzijl: where do you want to live?
Steenwijkerland is not a city with neighbourhoods, but a collection of villages and settlements, each with its own character. The choice of a village largely determines your daily life: how far you drive to the supermarket, whether your neighbours are tourists or farmers, and whether you seek peace or conviviality in the evenings. Residents give the municipality an average score of 8.0 on Buurtje.nl, with notably high scores for green spaces (8.6) and safety (8.4). On the Steenwijkerland page you can read all resident reviews.
Giethoorn, the village everyone knows
Giethoorn has a neighbourhood score of 7.5 based on resident reviews. The village attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists annually, and you notice that. In summer, it is busy on the canals and narrow in the streets. But outside the season, it is remarkably quiet here, with a close-knit village community that is not easily disturbed. Finding a rental home in Giethoorn is difficult: supply is scarce and prices are higher due to the village's popularity. Those who live here particularly appreciate the greenery and water, but must cope with the crowds from April to October.
Blokzijl, a fortified town with character
Blokzijl is a former fortified town on the Vollenhover Kanaal, with a charming harbour and a handful of good restaurants. It is quieter than Giethoorn but livelier than the smaller settlements. There are basic amenities, a supermarket and an active club life. Anyone looking for a rental home in Blokzijl must be patient: supply is limited, but the living quality is high for those who love historical atmosphere.
Steenwijk, the practical centre
Steenwijk itself is the place where you find the most amenities: shops, secondary schools, the hospital and the train station. It is less picturesque than Giethoorn or Blokzijl, but it is the core where you can most easily rent an apartment. The neighbourhoods around the centre, such as Marijenkampen, offer a mix of social housing and private sector. For families with school-age children, Steenwijk is often the most logical choice.
In addition, there are smaller villages each with their own charm. Belt-Schutsloot is hidden in the Weerribben and is something for true nature lovers. Kuinre, on the edge of the Noordoostpolder, has a rugged past as a fishing village. And Kalenberg is so small that you almost drive through it by accident, but it is precisely that peace that attracts a certain type of resident. In their reviews, residents regularly mention the combination of space and peace as the biggest plus, although the range of amenities (score: 7.3) is sometimes experienced as limited.
Who is renting a home in Steenwijkerland suitable for?
Steenwijkerland is mainly suitable for people who consciously choose space, nature and a slower pace of life. Families with young children find affordable homes and good primary schools here (education score: 7.8). Seniors who want to downsize can turn to the housing association in Steenwijk. And homeworkers who do not need to go to the office daily discover a living quality here that is unaffordable in the Randstad.
At the same time: if you are looking for a vibrant nightlife, want to shop daily in large chains or depend on public transport outside the train line, then Steenwijkerland is probably not your place. The amenities are functional but limited, and it is quiet in the evenings. For social housing, registration with Wetland Wonen is essential; waiting times can be long. Prepare your documents (income statement, employer's statement) in advance so that you can respond quickly when renting a house in Steenwijkerland becomes possible. If you prefer to buy, you can look at homes for sale in Steenwijkerland, where the average WOZ value of €309,000 is still relatively affordable. On the website of the municipality of Steenwijkerland you can find information about housing vision and housing regulations.
Searching for rental homes in Steenwijkerland and surroundings
On Buurtje.nl you will find the current supply of rental homes in Steenwijkerland, supplemented with neighbourhood scores and experiences from residents. This way you not only see the home, but also what life in a village is really like. If you cannot find anything in Steenwijkerland, take a look at the supply in Dalfsen, the rental market in Deventer or Enschede. Read more about the region on the Overijssel page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Steenwijkerland?
In the free sector, the average rent over the past twelve months was €1,106 per month. The range runs from €460 to €2,500, depending on size and location. Social housing via housing associations falls outside this and is considerably cheaper.
Which villages in Steenwijkerland are the most popular for renting?
Steenwijk offers the most supply and the best amenities. Giethoorn scores a 7.5 from residents and is popular for its greenery, but has limited supply. Blokzijl attracts people who love a historic atmosphere. The municipality as a whole receives an 8.0 from residents.
How quickly are rental homes in Steenwijkerland rented out?
Due to the limited supply in the free sector (28 rentals in the past year), homes go quickly. Make sure you have documents such as an income statement and employer's declaration ready so you can respond immediately.
What is the difference between social housing and the free sector in Steenwijkerland?
Social housing (26% of the housing stock) is rented out via housing associations such as Wetland Wonen, with income requirements and waiting times. The free sector (9% of the stock) has no income limit but is more expensive, averaging €1,106 per month.
Is Steenwijkerland well accessible by public transport?
Steenwijk has a train station on the Zwolle-Leeuwarden line, which gives accessibility a score of 8.2 from residents. However, smaller villages like Giethoorn and Belt-Schutsloot are mainly accessible by car. Without a car, living outside Steenwijk is difficult.
How safe is it to rent a house in Steenwijkerland?
Residents rate safety in Steenwijkerland an 8.4 out of 10. It is a quiet, rural municipality where crime is low. Especially in the smaller villages, neighbours know each other, which contributes to the feeling of safety.
Can I rent an apartment in Steenwijkerland?
Apartments are mainly available in Steenwijk itself. The supply is limited compared to larger cities. In the villages, it is more often single-family homes or detached houses. Keep a close eye on the current supply, as it changes quickly.
Are there enough amenities in Steenwijkerland?
Residents rate amenities a 7.3 out of 10. In Steenwijk you will find supermarkets, shops, a hospital and secondary schools. In smaller villages, amenities are more limited and you rely on Steenwijk or Meppel for larger shopping trips.
De Woldmeenthe is a nice place to live. It is green, quiet and safe. All amenities are within walking or cycling distance. A very nice area to grow up in, with many playgrounds, cycle paths, greenery and water. There is no problem with litter and the greenery is well maintained. The streets are also wide and very clear.
Auto-translated to English by AICosy neighbourhood and a safe neighbourhood, we really enjoy living here!!
Auto-translated to English by AIMy experience in this neighbourhood is that it is one of the safest neighbourhoods in the Steenwijk area, although there is slight nuisance from drug dealing and junkies who go into, for example, the park at the popular pond.
Auto-translated to English by AINice neighbourhood to live in, people are very much to themselves. Few playgrounds that look decent for small children. Very good schools though. An Albert Heijn and a snack bar and the centre a 20-minute walk away... Bus facilities I personally don't find very convenient.
Auto-translated to English by AITuk is a quiet place. The people are friendly but also keep to themselves. The only downside is the park near the Karre, where many drunk young people hang around. There is also often litter there and there are no bins nearby. But that's really the only major drawback. Tuk has a playground made from natural materials, which is good. Furthermore, it is easily accessible and you can do quite a lot here. You can go bowling, play tennis, go to the gym, a chip shop/bar, and more. It's a nice neighbourhood for families because there is also a primary school nearby and a secondary school is a 15-minute bike ride away.
Auto-translated to English by AIWonderfully quiet living. No buses running at the weekends.
Auto-translated to English by AIBy bike you're straight into De Weerribben or the woods. Giethoorn easily accessible
Auto-translated to English by AIBeautiful neighbourhood, child-friendly. Small village but not far from the towns of Steenwijk and Wolvega: 6 km! Wooded area but also Giethoorn a 20-minute drive away. Cycle to the Weerribben or swim in De Linde near Wolvega! Living in the heart; Willemsoord!
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