Rental homes in Zwarte Water, Assen
Discover available rental properties in Zwarte Water, Assen. View the current supply, rental prices and neighbourhood data directly on this page.
Rental prices and market figures for Zwarte Water, Assen
Zwarte Water is a neighbourhood where renting is the norm: 59% of the approximately 640 homes are rented, compared to 41% owner-occupied. This makes it one of the more rental-oriented neighbourhoods within the district Noorderpark. The average WOZ value is €213,000, which is noticeably lower than the district average of €235,000 and well below the municipal average of €278,000 for Assen. This lower WOZ value is reflected in rental prices: those looking for a rental home in Zwarte Water pay less on average in the free sector than in many other Assen districts. The current average rental price and the most recent rental times can be found at the top of this page, which is updated daily.
An important distinction for tenants: approximately 50% of the housing stock is owned by a housing association, meaning half of all homes are rented out as social housing. Only 8% falls under other (private) landlords, the so-called free sector outside the associations. This high proportion of association-owned properties makes Zwarte Water interesting for those eligible for social housing, but also means that the free sector supply is limited. View the available rental properties and current prices via the overview at the top of this page.
Living in Zwarte Water, Assen
Zwarte Water is a quiet, predominantly post-war residential neighbourhood in the northern part of Assen, part of the Noorderpark district. The neighbourhood has a distinct residential character: no busy shopping streets, little traffic from outside the area, and relatively plenty of green spaces between the homes. The buildings largely consist of porch flats and terraced houses from the 1960s and 1970s, supplemented by a smaller number of newer apartments. The homes are functional and solid, but those looking for large 1930s-style homes or modern luxury apartments should look elsewhere.
Facilities in Zwarte Water
For daily groceries, residents rely on shops in the immediate vicinity of Noorderpark, including a supermarket within cycling distance. The centre of Assen, with a wider range of shops and dining options, is about a ten-minute bike ride away. Primary schools are located within or directly adjacent to the neighbourhood, serving families with young children well. For sports, Zwarte Water benefits from the proximity of Noorderpark itself, with walking and cycling paths. De Zwemlust swimming pool and various sports clubs in the area are within a few kilometres. GP practices and a pharmacy are present in the wider district, making the neighbourhood practical for older residents as well.
Accessibility
By bike, you can reach the centre of Assen in about ten minutes via well-maintained cycle paths. Assen station, with direct connections to Groningen (approximately 20 minutes) and Zwolle, is within cycling distance. Several bus lines connect Zwarte Water to the city centre and other districts. By car, you can quickly access the national motorway network via the N33 and A28; Groningen is about 30 minutes away by car, Zwolle 45 to 50 minutes. Parking in Zwarte Water is generally free and without a permit requirement, which is a practical advantage for many residents compared to neighbourhoods closer to the centre.
Residents appreciate the tranquillity and green surroundings of the neighbourhood. On the Zwarte Water neighbourhood page you can read all reviews and scores per category. One resident writes: "It's nice and quiet here, you know your neighbours and there's enough green space to unwind. Not the trendiest neighbourhood, but pleasant to live in." Recurring criticisms include the limited dining options in the neighbourhood itself and the somewhat dated appearance of some of the housing stock.
Compared to neighbouring areas, Zwarte Water has a more modest character than Componistenbuurt West, but is similar in atmosphere to Oude Molenbuurt. Those looking for a bit more liveliness might also consider Dichtershof, another neighbourhood within Noorderpark with a slightly different housing mix.
Is a rental home in Zwarte Water right for you?
Zwarte Water mainly appeals to single-person households and young families: the largest age group is 25 to 45 years old, and single-person households are the most common. The average income in the neighbourhood (€28,900) is slightly below the Assen average, which matches the relatively affordable rental prices. For starters considering renting in Zwarte Water: respond quickly to available properties in the free sector, as supply is limited. For social housing, register with housing association Actium, which is active in Assen and the surrounding area. Be aware of waiting lists for social housing. If you are considering buying, you can also view the homes for sale in Zwarte Water, where the lower WOZ value offers opportunities.
What residents say about Zwarte Water
Residents describe Zwarte Water as a quiet, family-oriented neighbourhood with a pleasant social cohesion. The green spaces and accessibility to the centre are rated positively. Residents are less enthusiastic about the limited dining options directly in the neighbourhood and the outdated condition of some homes. One resident sums it up: "Zwarte Water is not a neighbourhood to brag about, but it is a neighbourhood where you live well." View all reviews and the full neighbourhood scores on the reviews and neighbourhood data for Zwarte Water.
Compare rental properties in and around Zwarte Water
Are you looking to rent an apartment in Zwarte Water or want to compare? Then it is useful to also look at Veningerland and Componistenbuurt Oost, both part of Noorderpark and with a similar housing mix. For a broader view of the Assen rental market, the page rental properties in Assen shows the total supply. Buurtje.nl combines current property listings with district data, resident reviews and demographic figures, information you won't find at neighbourhood level on any other platform. Want to know more about the municipality? The municipality of Assen publishes up-to-date information on housing, permits and facilities.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Zwarte Water, Assen?
Rents in Zwarte Water in the free sector are on average lower than the Assen average, which is related to the WOZ value of €213,000, well below the municipal average of €278,000. The current average monthly rent is at the top of the page and is updated daily. Social housing, which makes up a large part of the supply, is generally significantly cheaper than free sector homes.
Are there social housing units in Zwarte Water?
Yes, social housing is well represented in Zwarte Water: around 50% of the housing stock is owned by a housing association. The main association active in Assen is Actium, where you can register for a social housing unit. Be aware of waiting lists, which can be long in popular neighbourhoods. You can register via the Actium website or the regional housing distribution system.
What is it like to live in Zwarte Water?
Zwarte Water is a quiet, post-war residential neighbourhood in the north of Assen with plenty of greenery and good social cohesion. Residents appreciate the tranquillity, the accessibility of the city centre by bike, and the green character. Criticisms include the limited dining options in the neighbourhood itself and the dated appearance of some of the homes. The neighbourhood mainly attracts young families and single-person households.
Is Zwarte Water suitable for starters on the rental market?
Zwarte Water is certainly interesting for starters: rents are relatively low compared to the Assen average, and the high proportion of association homes offers opportunities for social housing. The average income in the neighbourhood (€28,900) suits the target group of starters and young families. The free sector supply is limited, so it is important to respond quickly to available rental homes.
How accessible is Zwarte Water?
Zwarte Water is easily accessible by bike: the centre of Assen is about ten minutes away, and Assen station is a similar distance. From Assen station, you can reach Groningen in about 20 minutes. By car, you can quickly connect to the motorway network via the N33 and A28. Parking in the neighbourhood is free and without a permit requirement, and several bus lines connect the neighbourhood to the rest of the city.
What facilities are there in Zwarte Water?
In and directly around Zwarte Water, there are primary schools, and a supermarket is within cycling distance. The wider shopping and dining options are in the centre of Assen, about ten minutes away by bike. For sports, there are walking and cycling paths in the nearby Noorderpark, and swimming pool De Zwemlust and sports clubs are within a few kilometres. GP practices are present in the surrounding district.
How quickly are rental homes let in Zwarte Water?
The average letting time in Zwarte Water is at the top of this page and varies depending on the type of home and the rent. Free sector homes in affordable neighbourhoods like Zwarte Water are generally let quickly due to limited availability. It is wise to have your documents such as payslips, ID, and employer's statement ready so you can respond immediately to a home to rent in Zwarte Water.




