Rental homes in Westerwolde

Renting in Westerwolde: the rental market between Groningen countryside and Drenthe border

Westerwolde is a sprawling rural municipality in the east of Groningen, formed from the merger of Bellingwedde and Vlagtwedde. Of the nearly 12,000 homes in the municipality, 32% are rental properties. The largest share (22% of the total) is owned by housing associations, meaning social housing is relatively well represented here. The remaining 10% is rented out by private landlords or investors and largely falls into the free sector.

In the free sector, the average rent over the past twelve months was €4,028 per month, with a range of €950 to €10,050 per month. That high average price is skewed: with only 10 rented properties in the free sector, this is a very small number of transactions, including some more expensive detached houses or recreational properties that significantly raise the average. The average size was 74 m². For the current daily price and current supply, see the overview at the top of this page. Westerwolde is not a municipality with a tight urban rental market, but the free sector supply is limited. Anyone looking for a rental home would do well to also consider social housing through housing associations. The average WOZ value is €269,000 and the modal income is €31,000, indicating that this is an area where housing is relatively affordable compared to the rest of the Netherlands.

The villages of Westerwolde: where do you want to rent?

Westerwolde does not consist of a single centre, but of a series of villages, each with its own character. The municipality stretches from Bellingwolde in the north to Bourtange in the east and Ter Apel in the south. The choice of village largely determines your daily life, as distances here are considerable. Below are the main residential centres.

Vlagtwedde, the heart of the municipality

Vlagtwedde has traditionally been the administrative centre and scores a 9.0 among residents on Buurtje.nl. The village has a compact centre with shops for daily groceries, a GP practice and primary schools. The atmosphere is quiet and village-like, with many families and elderly people. Those looking for a rental home in Vlagtwedde will mainly find terraced houses and detached homes. Accessibility scores highly (9.0 average in the municipality), although for larger amenities you are dependent on Ter Apel or Stadskanaal.

Ter Apel, the largest centre with the most amenities

Ter Apel is the largest village in Westerwolde and offers the most amenities: supermarkets, secondary school (Dollard College), sports facilities and the famous Klooster Ter Apel. The neighbourhood score here is lower at 7.2 than in the other villages. This is partly due to the notoriety of the asylum seeker centre, which sometimes causes unrest in the village. One resident indicates that the amenities are good, but that liveability is under pressure. Nevertheless, the rental supply in Ter Apel is the largest within the municipality, precisely because most homes are located here. For starters and singles who depend on nearby amenities, Ter Apel is the most practical choice.

Bourtange and Bellingwolde, peace and space

Bourtange is world-famous for its fortifications and scores an 8.8 among residents. It is a small village where tourism plays a role, but where it is wonderfully quiet outside the season. Residents cite the greenery (9.0) and the beauty of the surroundings as major plus points. Bellingwolde scores an 8.9 and is closer to Winschoten (municipality of Oldambt), which is handy for those who want to combine more urban amenities with rural living. Both villages are mainly suitable for people who consciously choose peace and quiet and are not dependent on public transport.

Blijham scores an 8.5 and is centrally located in the municipality, making it a good middle choice. Smaller centres such as Sellingen and de Maten are even more rural. More about resident experiences per village can be found on the municipality page of Westerwolde, where all reviews and scores are collected.

Who is renting a home in Westerwolde suitable for?

Westerwolde attracts a specific type of tenant. The largest age group is 45-65 years and there are relatively many over-65s (7,221). This is not a municipality for those seeking a bustling city life or wanting to hop on a train quickly. The nearest train station is Winschoten or Emmen, and you are dependent on a car for almost everything. Labour participation is 58%, below the national average, and the proportion of highly educated people is 18%, which is lower than in urban municipalities.

Renting in Westerwolde is interesting for people who consciously choose space, nature and low housing costs. Think of homeworkers, retirees or families who want an affordable rental home with a garden. The community scores a 7.8, which indicates that the social network exists, but that you have to make an effort as a newcomer. Those who prefer to buy a home can look at homes for sale in Westerwolde, because with a WOZ value of €269,000, buying is feasible for many people here. Practical tip: register with housing association Acantus, which is active in this area, as the free sector supply is minimal. Prepare your documents (income statement, employer's statement) in advance so that you can respond quickly when something becomes available. Also check the website of the municipality of Westerwolde for information on housing vision and housing policy.

Searching for a rental home in Westerwolde and surroundings

On this page you will find the current rental supply, including neighbourhood scores and resident reviews, so that you can assess not only the home but also the surroundings. Because the supply in Westerwolde is limited, it is worth also looking in neighbouring municipalities. Pekela and Midden-Groningen are nearby and offer more urban amenities. For a larger supply, you can also search in the province of Groningen as a whole. Buurtje.nl collects all sources in one place, so you get an honest picture of what renting in Westerwolde really entails.