4,257 rental homes in Zuid-Holland
View the rental property supply in Zuid-Holland, from affordable options in Dordrecht to urban living in Rotterdam and Den Haag. Compare neighbourhoods by price and resident scores.
Maria Stuartplein 511
Maria Stuartplein 237
Frederikstraat 955A
Westvest 112
Maria Stuartplein 668
Stadhoudersplantsoen 238H
Bottelroos 81
What does renting cost in South Holland and how does the market work?
South Holland is the most densely populated province in the Netherlands, with nearly 3.9 million residents spread across cities like Rotterdam, The Hague and Leiden, but also quieter areas such as Hoeksche Waard and Westland. The rental market here is substantial: 48% of all homes are rental properties, amounting to over 835,000 rental houses. Of these, 32% are owned by housing associations and 16% by other landlords. This ratio makes South Holland a province where tenants have relatively plenty of choice, although competition in the big cities is fierce.
In the free sector, the average rent over the past year was €1,918 per month, with an average floor area of 111 m². The range is enormous: from compact studios around €300 to luxury apartments and villas heading towards €12,500 per month. Renting in South Holland is therefore more expensive than the national average, especially in the Randstad urban cores. But those willing to look a bit further from the main stations can still find affordable options. The average income in the province is around €38,400, meaning a free-sector home takes a significant bite out of many households' budgets.
From Rotterdam energy to Dordrecht tranquillity: renting by municipality
South Holland has a striking diversity of municipalities. The big cities offer employment, nightlife and public transport links, while the smaller municipalities provide more space and greenery. Residents give the province an average score of 7.5 based on 1,220 reviews. Below is an overview of the main municipalities for tenants.
Rotterdam: gritty, diverse and constantly developing
Rental properties in Rotterdam are popular with starters, expats and young professionals. With 670,610 residents, it is the largest city in the province. Residents give Rotterdam a 7.2 based on 264 reviews. The city scores well on accessibility and amenities, but some neighbourhoods are perceived as less safe. One resident writes: "Rotterdam is a city where there is always something to do, but you need to look carefully at which neighbourhood you end up in." Rents vary greatly by neighbourhood: Rotterdam-Zuid is more affordable than the centre or Kralingen.
The Hague: court city with international allure
With 566,221 residents and a score of 7.4 (205 reviews), The Hague is a popular choice for those working for international organisations, the government or in the diplomatic sector. The city has a varied offering, from stately apartments in Statenkwartier to affordable flats in Laak or Moerwijk. Residents appreciate Scheveningen beach and the cultural amenities, but also mention parking pressure and crowds in popular neighbourhoods as drawbacks.
Leiden: student city with historic character
Renting an apartment in Leiden is attractive for students and knowledge workers. The city has 130,108 residents and receives a 7.5 from residents (38 reviews). The centre with its canals and the proximity of the university give Leiden a lively but compact character. The downside: supply is tight and prices are relatively high for the floor area you get.
Dordrecht: highly rated and more affordable
Strikingly, Dordrecht scores 7.9 (44 reviews), making it the highest-rated large municipality in South Holland. The oldest city in Holland offers a historic city centre, good train connections to Rotterdam and Breda, and rents that are noticeably lower than in the Randstad core. For families and those seeking peace who still want urban amenities, Dordrecht is a serious option.
In addition to these four large municipalities, there are more interesting choices. Zoetermeer (7.4 from 37 reviews) is a typical growth centre with many new-build homes and good accessibility to The Hague. Those considering renting a house in South Holland in a greener environment can look at Alphen aan den Rijn (7.7 from 15 reviews), located between Leiden and Gouda. The rental market in Delft (7.3 from 42 reviews) is popular with TU students and staff, but also with people who prefer the atmosphere of a smaller city over Rotterdam or The Hague.
In the south of the province, the Hoeksche Waard (7.8 from 32 reviews) offers a rural alternative with villages like Oud-Beijerland and 's-Gravendeel. Westland (7.8 from 24 reviews) is known for greenhouse horticulture and attracts many migrant workers, but also families who appreciate the proximity of the beach and The Hague. Nissewaard, with Spijkenisse as its core, scores 7.4 and is one of the more affordable options in the Rotterdam region. Finally, Schiedam and Leidschendam-Voorburg are interesting for those who want to live close to Rotterdam and The Hague respectively, but seek a bit more peace.
Who is renting a home in South Holland suitable for?
South Holland is par excellence a province for people who value employment and accessibility. The presence of the port of Rotterdam, the government apparatus in The Hague, universities in Leiden and Delft, and international companies throughout the region make it a logical choice for professionals, students and expats. Families looking for space but not too far from the city find a good compromise in municipalities like Dordrecht, Alphen aan den Rijn or the Hoeksche Waard.
To be fair: the rental market in South Holland is competitive. Especially in Rotterdam, The Hague and Leiden, supply is tight and dozens of people respond to the same property. Be prepared, make sure your documents are in order and be flexible on location. Those who prefer to buy can also look at homes for sale in South Holland, where the average WOZ value is €359,204. The province of South Holland's website also provides information on regional housing visions and housing regulations that may differ per municipality.
Search the current rental offering in South Holland
On Buurtje.nl you will find the current offering of rental properties in South Holland, including resident reviews and neighbourhood data per district. Filter by price, floor area or municipality to quickly see what is available. By viewing neighbourhood scores and experiences of current residents, you get an honest picture of the neighbourhood before planning a viewing. This way you avoid surprises and choose a neighbourhood that truly suits you.
What is the average rent for a rental property in South Holland?
In the free sector, the average rent over the past year was €1,918 per month, with an average floor area of 111 m². Prices vary widely: from around €300 for small studios to €12,500 for luxury homes. In cities like Rotterdam and The Hague, you typically pay more than in municipalities such as Dordrecht or Nissewaard.
In which municipality in South Holland is it best to rent a house?
That depends on your priorities. Dordrecht scores highest among residents with a 7.9 and is more affordable than Rotterdam or The Hague. Leiden (7.5) is ideal for students, while Westland (7.8) and Hoeksche Waard (7.8) offer more space and greenery. Compare neighbourhood scores to see what suits you.
Is it difficult to find a rental home in Rotterdam or The Hague?
Yes, competition is fierce in both cities. Popular properties often attract dozens of applicants. Make sure you have income statements and references ready. Also consider surrounding municipalities like Schiedam, Leidschendam-Voorburg or Zoetermeer for a better chance.
What percentage of homes in South Holland are rental properties?
48% of the housing stock in South Holland consists of rental properties. Of these, 32% are owned by housing associations and 16% by other landlords. This makes South Holland one of the provinces with the highest share of rental homes in the Netherlands.
Where can I rent an affordable apartment in South Holland?
The most affordable options are found outside the major cities. Municipalities like Dordrecht, Nissewaard (Spijkenisse) and Alphen aan den Rijn offer lower rents than Rotterdam, The Hague or Leiden. In Schiedam and Zoetermeer, prices are also generally lower than in the central cities.
How do I compare neighbourhoods when looking to rent a home in South Holland?
Look at neighbourhood scores and resident reviews per municipality. Dordrecht, for example, scores a 7.9 while Rotterdam stands at 7.2. Additionally, the atmosphere varies greatly by district. Read experiences from current residents and pay attention to factors such as safety, amenities and accessibility.
Is renting in South Holland suitable for expats?
Absolutely, especially The Hague and Leiden have a large international community due to the presence of international organisations and universities. Rotterdam attracts many expats because of its port and business sector. Keep in mind that landlords in the free sector often require an income of at least three times the rent.
What are the pros and cons of renting in South Holland compared to buying?
Renting offers flexibility and you don't need to put up any equity. The average WOZ value in South Holland is €359,204, making buying difficult for first-time buyers. The downside of renting is that you don't build up equity and that free sector rents can be substantial, averaging €1,918 per month. Weigh both options based on your personal situation.
Resident scores from reviews on Buurtje.nl. Click for statistics, amenities and experiences per neighbourhood.
Mooie maar extreem dure huizen. Mensen zullen je niet snel gedag zeggen. En zijn erg op zichzelf. Geluidsoverlast van de snelweg is behoorlijk in de appartementen. Hoewel de wijk mooi is opgezet en er prachtige huizen staan. is de sfeer koud en kil. Dit gaat over nieuw-rhijngeest. De indische buurt is wel veel sfeer en goede contacten mogelijk.
Auto-translated to English by AIHeel veel drugsgebruikers in deze wijk met veel overlast van vervelende hangjongeren. Handhaving doet te weinig om wijk beter te maken. Wijk is een bouwput weinig groen, scholen doen maar wat. In de wijk vind je her en daar wietzakjes, hondenpoep op stoepen, hele vieze huizen vanaf buitenkant te zien, scholen staan niet open voor verbeteringen of suggesties. Voorzieningen is weinig keus en veel leegstand, ov rijdt maar twee keer per uur in de wijk, momenteel vrijwel onmogelijk om naar dordrecht te gaan
Auto-translated to English by AIOver het algemeen is alles goed bereikbaar. Ik woon hier al jaren en het is uiteraard een mening.
Auto-translated to English by AIWeinig tot geen contact met mensen die in je straat wonen. Passanten zeggen geen gedag of het lijkt alsof je ze om hun bankrekening vraagt. Vooropstellend ,veel van deze zijn Nederlanders! Helaas veel afval naast de containers. Sluikstorters...dumpen en wegrijden. JE kan sticker op die afval containers zetten maar het gros wat hier inmiddels woont en daar gebruik van maakt kan geen woord Nederlands of Engels. Er wordt hier 's nachts snoeihard gereden door de straat : vnl auto's met Duits kenteken in het weekend......en de usual suspects die hier altijd rond de avondwinkel rondhangen. In 9 jaar tijd de buurt aardig achteruit zien gaan. Kortom steek je hoofd buiten en maak het niet mooier dan het is door te zeggen dat het hier prettig wonen is. Geregeld een explosie hier en daar moet ook maar gewoon gevonden worden inmiddels???
Auto-translated to English by AIDe buurt gaat wel achteruit. Vaak afval bij ondergrondse containers. Veel fout parkeerders. Het is een rustige buurt met al de voorzieningen op loop afstand.
Auto-translated to English by AIIk woon in een fijne en rustige buurt waar ik mij veilig voel. De buurt is schoon en de mensen zijn over het algemeen vriendelijk en behulpzaam. Er zijn voldoende voorzieningen in de omgeving en ik vind het prettig dat alles goed bereikbaar is. Ook vind ik het fijn dat er genoeg groen en rustige plekken zijn. Over het algemeen ben ik tevreden met mijn buurt en voel ik mij hier thuis.
Auto-translated to English by AIOf ik ergens prettig woon, is voor mij afhankelijk van de omgeving en de buren. Voor mij betekent dit dat er de mogelijkheid is om een wederkerige connectie op te bouwen, die zorgt voor gezelschap en tegelijkertijd bijdraagt aan vertrouwen en een gevoel van veiligheid. Voor de mensen die daar behoefte aan hebben, moet dit in de wijk of straat mogelijk zijn.
Auto-translated to English by AIHet is net een klein dorpje, je kunt overal fijn heen fietsen of lopen. Er is ook openbaar vervoer wat het nog makkelijker maakt om ergens heen te gaan. Niet al te ver van het centrum af.
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