Rental homes in Westerveld
Looking for a rental property in Westerveld? Check the current listings, compare neighbourhoods and read what residents really think of their village.
Renting in Westerveld: a rural municipality with a unique rental market
Westerveld is a sprawling rural municipality in the southwest of Drenthe, with villages such as Havelte, Diever, Dwingeloo and Vledder scattered across forests, heathlands and agricultural landscapes. Of the more than 8,750 homes, only 25% are rental properties. Of these, 17% are owned by housing associations (mainly Actium) and 8% are rented out by private landlords. This ratio makes the rental market small and manageable, but also tight. In the free sector, only 20 homes were rented out in the past year, at an average rent of €3,844 per month. That high average price is skewed: the range runs from €500 to €16,950 per month, and the average floor area of 322 m² shows that it mainly concerns larger (holiday) homes and detached houses. Affordable free-sector rental homes do exist, but you need to be patient. Check the current overview at the top of this page for the daily situation. For social housing, it is best to register via the website of the municipality of Westerveld, where you can also find information about housing urgency and allocation policy.
Villages in Westerveld: where do you want to live?
Westerveld consists of more than twenty villages and hamlets, each with its own character. The differences are large: from lively village centres with amenities to quiet hamlets where your neighbours live hundreds of metres away. On the municipality page of Westerveld you will find all resident reviews and scores. Below are the most notable villages for renters.
Wapse, the best-rated village
With a neighbourhood score of 8.9 out of 10, Wapse tops the list in Westerveld. This small village north of Diever is popular for its tranquillity, greenery and close-knit community. The rental supply is minimal, but anyone who finds a home here ends up in an environment that residents experience as exceptionally green and safe. Wapse is especially suitable for people who consciously choose distance from the city.
Havelte, the village with the most amenities
Havelte has a neighbourhood score of 7.2 and is the village where most residents have given their opinion (6 reviews). It is one of the larger centres in the municipality, with a supermarket, primary schools, sports clubs and hospitality. Residents appreciate the greenery and housing, but the score for community spirit (6.3 average for the whole municipality) shows that the village character is not equally strongly felt everywhere. One resident noted that the amenities are fine for daily use, but for larger shopping trips or specialist shops you have to go to Meppel or Assen. For families looking for a rental home with basic amenities within walking distance, Havelte is the most logical choice.
Frederiksoord and Uffelte, historic and quiet
Frederiksoord scores an 8.1 from residents and is known as the birthplace of the Colonies of Benevolence, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. The village attracts people who value cultural history and landscape. Uffelte scores an 8.4 and is a compact village with a community centre and an active community. Both villages are quiet, with few rental homes, but resident satisfaction is high.
Diever stands out with a lower neighbourhood score of 5.5. This village has a well-known open-air theatre and a cosy village centre, but the one reviewer was clearly less enthusiastic. That may be due to personal experience, but it is good to know. Other villages such as Dwingeloo (known for the Dwingelderveld and the radio telescope) and Vledder also offer rental opportunities, although the supply is limited everywhere. Dwingeloo has the advantage of having slightly more amenities than the smaller villages, with a GP practice, shops and its own swimming pool.
For whom is renting a home in Westerveld realistic?
Westerveld is not a municipality where you can quickly rent an apartment. The supply is small, waiting times for social housing are long, and the free sector mainly consists of larger homes with corresponding prices. The municipality is most suitable for people who consciously choose the Drenthe countryside: pensioners (the 65+ group, with 6,185 people, is the largest age group), homeworkers who do not have a daily commute, and families who prefer space and nature over urban amenities. Accessibility scores a 7.1, which is fair: you need a car. Public transport is limited to bus lines, and the nearest train station is in Meppel or Beilen.
If you want to rent a home quickly and are looking for flexibility, also look at homes for sale in Westerveld, because with 75% owner-occupied homes, buying is the norm here. The average WOZ value of €374,000 is lower than in the Randstad, making buying relatively accessible. Register for social housing with housing association Actium and be prepared for waiting times. For the free sector: set an alert so you can respond immediately when something becomes available. Make sure you have your proof of income, employer's statement and identity document ready.
Searching for rental homes in Westerveld and surrounding area
On Buurtje.nl, you combine the current rental supply with neighbourhood scores and resident reviews, so you not only find a home but also know what it is really like to live there. Because the supply in Westerveld is limited, it is worth also looking in surrounding municipalities. De Wolden borders directly on Westerveld and offers a similar rural character. Assen, as the provincial capital, has more urban supply, and Emmen is also worth considering for those who want more choice. Check the provincial overview page for all Drenthe municipalities.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Westerveld?
In the free sector, the average rent over the past year was €3,844 per month, but that figure is skewed by large detached houses. The range runs from €500 to €16,950 per month. For social housing through housing corporation Actium, lower rents apply, up to the liberalisation threshold.
Which villages in Westerveld are most popular for renting?
Wapse scores highest with 8.9 from residents, followed by Uffelte (8.4) and Frederiksoord (8.1). Havelte is the village with the most amenities and resident reviews (7.2). Diever scores lower with a 5.5. Check the neighbourhood scores per district to compare.
How quickly are rental homes in Westerveld rented out?
Supply is very limited: in the free sector, only 20 homes were rented out in the past year. That means a rental home in Westerveld is snapped up quickly. Set an alert and make sure your documents are ready to respond immediately.
What is the difference between social housing and the free sector in Westerveld?
About 17% of homes in Westerveld are owned by housing corporation Actium (social housing), with rents below the liberalisation threshold and allocation based on waiting time and income. The free sector (8% of the stock) has no income limit but higher rents, averaging €3,844 per month.
Do I need a car if I rent a house in Westerveld?
Yes, a car is almost indispensable. Westerveld is a sprawling rural municipality without a train station. Public transport consists of bus lines, but frequency is limited. Residents rate accessibility 7.1 out of 10. For larger shopping trips or hospital visits, you drive to Meppel or Assen.
Can I rent an apartment in Westerveld?
The supply of apartments is very limited. Westerveld mainly consists of detached houses and semi-detached homes. The average floor area of rented free-sector homes is 322 m², indicating that it mainly concerns larger homes. For more apartment supply, you'd better look in Assen or Meppel.
How do I register for social housing in Westerveld?
You can register with housing corporation Actium, which manages the majority of social housing in Westerveld. Allocation is based on registration period and income. Be prepared for waiting times, as supply is small and demand exceeds the number of available homes.
Is Westerveld suitable for families looking to rent a home?
Westerveld offers plenty of space, nature and a safe environment. Residents rate green spaces 8.9 and education 7.2. There are primary schools in the larger villages such as Havelte and Dwingeloo. The downside is the limited rental supply and dependence on a car for secondary schools and sports clubs.
It is a cozy green neighbourhood around Havelte
Auto-translated to English by AINice neighbourhood with diverse ages. Good atmosphere, quiet, next to nature. Really nice to live
Auto-translated to English by AIIt's fine, but maybe a bit more cosiness
Auto-translated to English by AIA lovely little village to live in, everyone knows everyone culture. School, shops and swimming pool within walking distance.
Auto-translated to English by AILiving is pleasant, because of the space. The only thing I find annoying/negative is how incredibly fast cars drive here. There are also blind corners, it's sometimes scary to walk or cycle here.
Auto-translated to English by AIIt's very cosy here and everyone is welcoming
Auto-translated to English by AISince I live alone, I constantly suffer from burglary and also the pulling up of my garden; there is no herb against it. I have been electrocuted, walked with a large bump for 2 years, and experienced worse things; the police act as if I'm making it up. All my valuables and memories of my family were stolen; I made a donation but have to provide proof. The foundation of my building has been pulled away so it's leaning, etc.; my curtains stolen, everything torn apart, even my clothes are ruined. Eventually the police did something about it and were friendly. After changing my lock 100 times, I discovered that someone climbs through the roof and there is a hatch from a roof point where I live below, where I had made my clothes storage; holes in a dress so I could be spied on. Yes, so sad, and someone who tells things to anyone who wants to hear, which I can't even think about what I do then. Disgusting people; his wife walked with the mail which was read first, and also through burglary my data was all within reach and everything was used; I was hacked and scammed. Eventually you realize that; really sickening, people without any empathy for others, materialistic. So first blacken someone and then no one sees anything, everything is fine. I keep to myself and focus on other things because I can't relate to this; also don't want to become angry, but this naturally costs nerves; still busy finding a solution with my nothing against pulling out windows, etc., opening windows, which was done later since the hatch is closed. Neighbors see nothing; the latest is that a step was made crooked so that when I climbed it, it fell, but I fortunately saved myself by grabbing a rebate. So my chair has a crooked leg, etc.; you can think of things they haven't touched. I had leaks for months and things soaked, and never got anything back from insurance, etc. This through roof climbing. Because of all this, I am in a scheme, and it hasn't become easier; on the contrary.
Auto-translated to English by AIIt's a fine neighbourhood. Safe, but the average age is also very high, which means there are no friends living nearby.
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