Rental homes in Waardeiland, Leiden
Looking for a rental property in Waardeiland? Check the current listings on this page and discover what it costs to live in this quiet waterside neighbourhood.
Rental prices and market figures Waardeiland, Leiden
Waardeiland is one of the most pronounced owner-occupied neighbourhoods in Leiden. Of the 465 homes in the neighbourhood, only 3% are for rent, and social housing is virtually non-existent: the social housing stock is 0%. The available rental properties are all in the hands of private or commercial landlords, meaning social housing simply does not exist here. Anyone looking to rent a home in Waardeiland is dealing with the free market sector.
The average rent in the free market sector over the past twelve months was €2,680 per month, with a range of €2,500 to €2,950. The average rented property had a floor area of 89 m², resulting in a rent of approximately €30 per m² per month. These are exclusively free market transactions, excluding social housing. For current rental prices of what is available now, please refer to the overview at the top of this page.
The average WOZ value of homes in Waardeiland is €671,000. By comparison, in the broader district Roodenburgerdistrict it is €434,000, and the Leiden average is €390,000. This makes Waardeiland one of the most expensive neighbourhoods in the municipality, explaining the high rents in the free market sector.
Living in Waardeiland, Leiden
Waardeiland is a quiet, green residential neighbourhood on the southeast side of Leiden, situated like a peninsula in the water. The name says it all: the neighbourhood is bordered by water on several sides, with the Waard and surrounding lakes as direct neighbours. This gives the area a remarkably open and rural character, while you still live within the municipality of Leiden.
The housing stock consists almost exclusively of owner-occupied homes, particularly spacious detached houses, semi-detached houses, and villa-like properties from the 1980s and 1990s. The neighbourhood is relatively recently developed compared to the historic city centre, with a neat and well-maintained appearance. The average income of residents is €62,500 per year, well above the Leiden average of €38,300. The population is relatively older: the largest age group consists of those aged 65 and over (355 out of approximately 1,060 residents), followed by the 45 to 65 age group. Young families and students are clearly in the minority here.
Facilities in and around Waardeiland
Waardeiland does not have its own shopping centre or supermarket within the neighbourhood itself. For daily groceries, residents rely on nearby neighbourhoods, such as the facilities along Churchilllaan or towards Leiderdorp. The distance to Leiden city centre is about four to five kilometres, depending on the route. The same applies to schools: primary and secondary schools are available in the surrounding neighbourhoods, but not directly on the island. Recreationally, the waterside location offers a clear advantage: water sports, walking along the banks, and cycling through the surrounding polder landscape are popular activities among residents.
Accessibility of Waardeiland
Accessibility by car is reasonable. Via Churchilllaan and Plesmanlaan, you can quickly reach the A4 or A44 motorways, benefiting commuters to The Hague or Amsterdam. By public transport, the neighbourhood is less well served: bus routes run in the area, but a direct connection to the city centre or Leiden Central Station requires some detour time. By bicycle, Leiden city centre can be reached in about twenty minutes via Churchilllaan. Parking is not a problem in Waardeiland: most homes have their own parking facilities, and there is no permit zone.
Residents appreciate the peace and space the neighbourhood offers. On the Waardeiland neighbourhood page, you can read residents' experiences, including comments about the green surroundings and quiet atmosphere. One resident writes: "It almost feels like living outside the city here, but you're still in Leiden. Ideal if you're looking for peace and don't rely on public transport." A recurring point of attention is the limited walking distance to facilities and the fact that you are less mobile without a car.
For a more urban alternative within the same district, you can look at Professorenwijk-Oost or the Burgemeesterswijk, neighbourhoods with more facilities within walking distance and a slightly more mixed housing supply. Meerburg is also a nearby neighbourhood with a different character.
Is renting in Waardeiland right for you?
Waardeiland is not a neighbourhood for starters or students. Rents in the free market sector start at €2,500 per month, and there are no social housing properties. The neighbourhood mainly attracts established dual-income couples, expats with a generous budget, and seniors who value space and quiet over urban hustle. If you are looking for a rental home with a garden, parking space, and a quiet living environment, and are willing to pay the price, Waardeiland might suit you. Keep in mind that supply is limited: only a few homes are rented out annually, so respond quickly when something becomes available. Make sure you have your income documents, employer's statement, and ID ready. If you are considering buying instead of renting, you can view the homes for sale in Waardeiland, as 96% of homes are owner-occupied. For a broader search, the overview of rental properties in Leiden offers more choice.
What residents say about Waardeiland
Residents of Waardeiland are generally positive about the peace, space, and green surroundings. The neighbourhood scores well on safety and liveability, fitting the profile of a quiet, affluent residential area. Residents are less enthusiastic about the limited facilities within walking distance and the dependence on the car. One resident puts it this way: "Beautiful living by the water, but without a car you won't get far here." All reviews and sub-scores can be found on the reviews and neighbourhood data for Waardeiland. These kinds of experiences from real residents are unique at the neighbourhood level.
Comparing rental properties in and around Waardeiland
Waardeiland is unique in terms of rental prices and character within the Roodenburgerdistrict. If you are considering renting a home in Waardeiland but also want to compare other options, you can look at the Rijndijkbuurt or the Tuinstadwijk, neighbourhoods with different housing types and possibly a wider supply. For a more urban alternative, Binnenstad-Noord and the Stationsdistrict are interesting options. Buurtje.nl combines current housing supply with neighbourhood data, rental market figures, and resident reviews, so you not only find a home but also understand whether the neighbourhood suits you. More information about the municipality can be found on the website of the municipality of Leiden.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Waardeiland, Leiden?
In the free sector, a home in Waardeiland was rented out over the past twelve months for an average of €2,680 per month, with a range of €2,500 to €2,950. The average size was 89 m², which works out to about €30 per m² per month. There are no social housing units in Waardeiland, as the housing association ownership is 0%. The rents are therefore significantly above the average for the municipality of Leiden.
Are there social housing units in Waardeiland?
No, there are no social housing units in Waardeiland. The housing association ownership in the neighbourhood is 0% and the rental homes that exist are entirely in the free sector. Those who still want to qualify for social housing in the Leiden region can register with housing associations such as Portaal or Ons Doel via the regional housing allocation system, but must take into account long waiting lists and a different location than Waardeiland.
What is it like to live in Waardeiland?
Waardeiland is a quiet, green neighbourhood on the water on the southeast side of Leiden, with almost exclusively spacious owner-occupied homes and an older population. Residents appreciate the peace, space and safe environment. A frequently heard criticism is the limited walking distance to amenities and the dependence on the car for daily shopping. The atmosphere is similar to a villa neighbourhood outside the city, but you formally live in Leiden.
Is Waardeiland suitable for seniors or pensioners?
Waardeiland is particularly popular among the elderly: the largest age group consists of those aged 65 and over, who make up more than a third of the population. The quiet surroundings, spacious homes and green character make the neighbourhood attractive for people seeking peace and space. However, a car is almost indispensable because amenities are not within walking distance. For seniors who depend on public transport or care facilities nearby, the neighbourhood is less suitable.
How accessible is Waardeiland?
By car, Waardeiland is easily accessible via the Churchilllaan and Plesmanlaan, with quick connections to the A4 and A44 towards The Hague and Amsterdam. By bike, the centre of Leiden can be reached in about twenty minutes. Public transport is less strong: there are bus routes in the area, but a direct fast connection to Leiden Central Station is lacking. Parking is not a problem; most homes have their own parking space.
What amenities are there in Waardeiland?
Waardeiland itself has no supermarket or shopping centre. For daily shopping, residents rely on nearby neighbourhoods, such as the shops along the Churchilllaan or in Leiderdorp. Schools are present in the surrounding districts. Recreationally, the location on the water offers many opportunities: walking, cycling and water sports are popular. For a wider range of shops, restaurants and care facilities, you need to go to the centre of Leiden.
How quickly are rental homes rented out in Waardeiland?
The supply of rental homes in Waardeiland is very limited: in the past twelve months, only five free-sector homes were rented out. That small number means that there is almost always a lot of interest per home as soon as something becomes available. Anyone seriously looking for an apartment or house to rent in Waardeiland would be wise to respond quickly and have all necessary documents such as proof of income and an employer's statement ready immediately.




