Homes for sale in Burgwal, Haarlem
Discover the current supply of homes for sale in Burgwal and immediately view neighbourhood data, resident scores and market figures to determine if this historic Haarlem neighbourhood suits you.
House prices and market figures Burgwal, Haarlem
The owner-occupied market in Burgwal is compact but active. Of the 1,442 homes in the neighbourhood, 43% are owner-occupied, the rest are rented, partly by housing associations (22%) and partly by other landlords (34%). This makes the supply of owner-occupied homes in Burgwal limited, but demand is certainly there. Over the past twelve months, 28 homes were sold, with an average sale price of €506,607. The range runs from €285,000 to €1,250,000, showing that both entry-level homes and larger properties can be found in the neighbourhood. With an average sold area of 70 m², this works out to a price of around €7,237 per square metre. That is a serious amount, but the WOZ value of €468,000 is still slightly below the Haarlem average of €480,000 and clearly below the district average of the Oude Stad (€510,000). Burgwal is thus relatively more accessible than the rest of the historic city centre. The supply mainly consists of apartments in older buildings, supplemented by a limited number of larger canal houses. For current asking prices and availability, see the overview at the top of this page.
Living in Burgwal, Haarlem
Burgwal is one of the oldest parts of Haarlem. The neighbourhood is nestled in the historic city centre and carries that character on every street corner: narrow canals, 17th- and 18th-century facades, cobbled streets, and dense development that leaves no room for new construction. Anyone looking for a home to buy here is not just buying square metres but also a piece of urban history.
The neighbourhood has over 2,365 residents, the largest group of whom are between 25 and 45 years old. Single-person households dominate (815 of the households), which defines the profile of the neighbourhood: young city dwellers, working people without children, and a group of long-term residents who have lived here for decades. That latter group makes itself heard in the reviews. Resident Pia, who has lived there since 1992, describes it as still a beautiful neighbourhood, but notes that social contacts have diminished in recent years. Another long-term resident writes: "I've lived here for 33 years and I still walk around proudly at how beautiful the neighbourhood is, but connection and social contacts have deteriorated in recent years, partly due to inbreeding and greater differences between rich and poor." That is an honest observation that fits a neighbourhood that has simultaneously gentrified and aged.
For daily shopping, you hardly need to leave Burgwal. The Grote Markt with its shops and restaurants is within walking distance, as is the Gedempte Oude Gracht with supermarkets and specialist shops. For larger shopping trips, the Grote Houtstraat and the centre of Haarlem are easily accessible. Primary schools are available in the immediate vicinity, although the neighbourhood is not primarily geared towards families with children given its demographics. Green space is scarce: the neighbourhood scores a 6.5 for green space in resident reviews, and that is accurate. There are few parks or gardens directly in the neighbourhood. The Kenaupark and the area around the Spaarne do offer some relief, but if you want to walk in greenery daily, you will have to cycle a bit.
Accessibility is good, with a score of 8.0 from residents. Haarlem Centraal is a short bike ride away, with direct connections to Amsterdam, Leiden and The Hague. Several bus routes run through or past the neighbourhood. The car is less practical in Burgwal: parking is expensive and limited, and the narrow streets are not designed for car traffic. That fits the neighbourhood: here you live by bike or on foot.
Compared to sister neighbourhoods such as Vijfhoek or Heiliglanden, Burgwal has a slightly more compact, denser atmosphere. The Binnenstad borders it directly and offers similar housing types but sometimes higher prices. More neighbourhood data and all resident reviews can be found on the Burgwal neighbourhood page.
Who is buying in Burgwal interesting for?
Burgwal best suits people who consciously choose urban living in a historic environment: young professionals, dual-income couples without children, and people who appreciate the hustle and bustle of the city over peace and space. First-time buyers can enter here via smaller apartments from around €285,000, although competition in that segment is fierce. Those moving up who want more space quickly pay towards half a million or more. Families with young children will find more space for less money elsewhere in Haarlem, such as the Haarlemmerhoutkwartier or Zijlwegkwartier. Be prepared for high service costs for VvE apartments in older buildings, and for limited parking options. If you want to stay flexible, you can also look at rental homes in Burgwal as an alternative.
What residents say about Burgwal
Burgwal receives an average resident score of 7.7 out of 10, based on five reviews. The highest score goes to safety (8.8), followed by accessibility and sense of community (both 8.0). Green space (6.5) and cleanliness (6.8) score lower, which residents also specifically mention. One of them writes: "Lovely neighbourhood to live in, old part of the city. Cleaning and green space leave something to be desired." That picture comes back in several reviews. If you want to read the full reviews, you can find them on the neighbourhood overview page.
Compare homes for sale in and around Burgwal
Buurtje.nl brings together the housing supply from more than 1,500 sources in one place, supplemented by resident reviews and neighbourhood data that you won't find anywhere else on a purchase page. This way you can compare not only homes but also neighbourhoods. View the homes for sale in Oude Stad for a broader picture of the district, or explore adjacent neighbourhoods such as Bakenes and Stationsbuurt. For the full supply in the city, see all homes for sale in Haarlem. More information about living and housing in the municipality can also be found on the website of the municipality of Haarlem.
Frequently asked questions
What does a home in Burgwal cost?
Over the past twelve months, 28 homes were sold in Burgwal, with an average purchase price of €506,607. The range runs from €285,000 to €1,250,000. With an average sold area of 70 m², this works out to a price of approximately €7,237 per square metre. Entry-level homes are available, but competition in the lower segment is fierce.
What is the WOZ value in Burgwal?
The average WOZ value in Burgwal is €468,000. That is lower than the Haarlem average of €480,000 and clearly below the district average of the Oude Stad (€510,000). Burgwal is therefore relatively more affordable than the rest of the historic city centre, although selling prices have recently been higher than the WOZ value suggests.
What is it like to live in Burgwal?
Burgwal is a densely built, historic district with narrow canals and 17th- and 18th-century buildings. The neighbourhood has an urban character and mainly attracts young professionals and long-term residents. The resident rating is 7.7 out of 10. Residents appreciate the atmosphere and location, but also mention that greenery and cleanliness leave something to be desired and that social connection has declined in recent years.
Is Burgwal suitable for starters or families?
Starters can enter Burgwal via smaller apartments, but must take into account high prices per square metre and limited supply. Families with children will find less space here than in other Haarlem districts: the neighbourhood mainly consists of single-person households (815) and has little greenery. The neighbourhood is best suited for people who consciously choose urban living in a historic environment.
How accessible is Burgwal?
Residents give accessibility a score of 8.0 out of 10. Haarlem Centraal is a short bike ride away, with direct train connections to Amsterdam, Leiden and The Hague. Several bus lines are in the immediate vicinity. The car is less practical: parking is limited and expensive in the historic city centre. The neighbourhood is excellent for cyclists and pedestrians.
What type of homes can you buy in Burgwal?
The supply mainly consists of apartments in historic buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries, supplemented by a limited number of larger canal houses. The average sold area is 70 m². When buying an apartment in Burgwal, you must take into account HOA costs and the restrictions that monumental buildings entail, such as restrictions on renovations.
How safe is Burgwal and how clean is the neighbourhood?
Safety is the best-rated category in resident reviews, with a score of 8.8 out of 10. Cleanliness scores lower, at 6.8. Several residents mention in their reviews that emptying containers and overall cleaning could be better. This is a recurring point of criticism, even from people who have enjoyed living in the neighbourhood for decades.
Have lived here since 1992, still think it's a beautiful neighbourhood, but social contacts are decreasing.
Auto-translated to English by AILovely neighbourhood to live in, old part of the city. Cleaning and greenery leave something to be desired.
Auto-translated to English by AII've lived here for 33 years and I still walk around proudly at how beautiful the neighbourhood is, but connections and social contacts have deteriorated in the last few years, partly due to the "inbreeding" and greater differences between rich and poor.
Auto-translated to English by AIHave lived here for 32 years, nice neighbourhood.
Auto-translated to English by AIHave lived here for 32 years. Pleasant neighbourhood in itself. Could do with a bit more attention now and then, e.g. emptying containers.
Auto-translated to English by AI
