Homes for sale in De Bouwen west, Smallingerland
Check the current supply of homes for sale in De Bouwen west and discover through neighbourhood data and resident reviews whether this quiet Drachten neighbourhood suits you.
House prices and market figures De Bouwen west, Smallingerland
The owner-occupied market in De Bouwen west is relatively small: only 28% of the 468 homes are owner-occupied, the remaining 72% are rental properties, a large part of which are owned by housing associations. This limited owner-occupied share means that there is not constantly a lot of supply, but when a home does become available, it usually sells for a considerable amount. Over the past twelve months, 11 homes were sold, with an average purchase price of €363,364 and a range of €300,000 to €449,000. With an average living area of 124 m², this amounts to approximately €2,930 per square metre.
The WOZ value in De Bouwen west is €181,000, which is notably lower than the average of the broader district De Bouwen (€256,000) and significantly lower than the municipal average of Smallingerland (€276,000). This difference between WOZ and realised selling prices shows that the homes that are sold are often the better quality or more spacious ones. The current supply and average asking price can be found at the top of this page.
Living in De Bouwen west, Smallingerland
De Bouwen west is a quiet, predominantly post-war residential neighbourhood on the west side of Drachten, part of the municipality of Smallingerland. The buildings mainly consist of terraced houses and semi-detached houses from the 1960s and 1970s, with a few porch flats here and there. The streets are green, the pavements wide and traffic limited. It is not a neighbourhood that stands out or tries to impress, but simply functions as a place where people have been living comfortably for decades.
This is also reflected in the population composition: of the 720 residents, the largest group is those aged 65 and over (435 people), and single-person households form the majority. The neighbourhood has a quiet, subdued character that suits people who are not looking for hustle and bustle or dynamism. Families with young children are in the minority, although primary schools are accessible in the immediate vicinity, such as in neighbouring areas of Drachten.
For daily shopping, you hardly need to leave De Bouwen west. The De Lawei shopping centre and the wider shopping facilities on Noorderhogeweg and the centre of Drachten are within a few minutes by bike. Drachten has a full range of shops with supermarkets such as Albert Heijn and Jumbo, a weekly market and various specialist shops. For sports, there are opportunities at nearby sports clubs for football, tennis and swimming, and the Drachtstercomplex offers indoor sports facilities within a short distance.
In terms of accessibility, the neighbourhood scores reasonably. Drachten does not have a train station, but bus connections via Arriva connect the neighbourhood with the centre of Drachten and surrounding places. For train travellers, Heerenveen or Groningen station is the nearest option, accessible via the A7 which is a short drive away. By car, via the A7 you can reach Groningen in about 45 minutes and Leeuwarden in 30 minutes. The bicycle is the daily mode of transport for many residents, which suits the scale of Drachten.
Residents appreciate the peace and green surroundings. On the neighbourhood main page of De Bouwen west you can read what residents themselves say about living here. One resident writes: "It is quiet here and the neighbours still know each other. Not exciting, but nice." Criticism sometimes focuses on the outdated appearance of parts of the neighbourhood and the limited parking options at busy times.
Compared to sister neighbourhoods, De Bouwen west has a slightly different dynamic. De Bouwen noord and De Bouwen oost have a similar layout but sometimes a different type of housing or a younger population structure. If you want a broader picture of the owner-occupied landscape in the entire district, you can find it at owner-occupied homes in De Bouwen.
Who is a home in De Bouwen west interesting for?
De Bouwen west is most attractive for over-55s and pensioners looking for a quiet, orderly living environment with good daily amenities within cycling distance. First-time buyers looking for an affordable entry into a stable neighbourhood can also find their way here, although supply is limited and realised prices range between €300,000 and €449,000. Families with young children may find the neighbourhood a bit quiet. If you are unsure between buying and renting, you can also look at the rental homes in De Bouwen west, because the vast majority of the housing stock is rented out. Keep in mind that the sales volume is low: on average, only a handful of homes come onto the market each year.
What residents say about De Bouwen west
Residents describe De Bouwen west as a quiet, safe neighbourhood where people know each other. Scores for peace and safety are generally above average, while the appearance and range of amenities directly in the neighbourhood score somewhat lower. One resident puts it this way: "You just live well here. It is not hip, but it is nice and affordable compared to other places in Drachten." All reviews and detailed sub-scores per category can be found on the page of De Bouwen west.
Compare owner-occupied homes in and around De Bouwen west
Buurtje.nl combines housing supply from more than 1,500 sources with resident reviews and current neighbourhood data, so you not only search for a home but also understand whether the neighbourhood suits you. In addition to De Bouwen west, you can also look at De Bouwen zuid, or explore what is for sale in districts such as De Singels and De Drait. For a complete picture of the Drachten owner-occupied market, see all owner-occupied homes in Smallingerland. More about the municipality can also be found on the website of municipality Smallingerland.
Frequently asked questions
What does a home cost in De Bouwen west?
Over the past twelve months, 11 homes were sold in De Bouwen west, with an average purchase price of €363,364. The range was from €300,000 to €449,000. With an average living area of 124 m², the price per square metre comes to approximately €2,930. Supply is limited, so anyone looking to buy a home in De Bouwen west would do well to keep an eye on the current listings at the top of this page.
What is the WOZ value in De Bouwen west?
The average WOZ value in De Bouwen west is €181,000. That is significantly lower than the average for the broader district De Bouwen (€256,000) and also lower than the municipal average of Smallingerland (€276,000). This difference is partly due to the high concentration of rental properties and housing association stock in the neighbourhood, meaning the owner-occupied housing stock represents a specific, often higher-quality segment.
What is it like living in De Bouwen west?
Living in De Bouwen west is quiet and orderly. The neighbourhood largely consists of post-war terraced houses and semi-detached houses, with green streets and little traffic. The population is relatively old, with a large group of over-65s and many single-person households. Residents appreciate the peace and social cohesion, although parts of the neighbourhood have a somewhat dated appearance.
Is De Bouwen west suitable for seniors looking for a home to buy?
Yes, De Bouwen west is particularly suitable for seniors and those aged 55 and over. The neighbourhood is quiet, the scale is manageable, and daily amenities are within cycling distance. The vast majority of residents are over 65, giving the neighbourhood a familiar, stable atmosphere. Families with young children may find the neighbourhood less dynamic than other Drachten districts.
How accessible is De Bouwen west?
De Bouwen west is located on the west side of Drachten and is easily accessible by car via the A7, which is a short distance away. Groningen can be reached via the motorway in about 45 minutes, Leeuwarden in about 30 minutes. Drachten does not have a train station; the nearest stations are Heerenveen or Groningen. Within Drachten, bus connections are available via Arriva, but the bicycle is the most practical means of transport for most daily journeys.
What type of homes are for sale in De Bouwen west?
The owner-occupied housing supply in De Bouwen west mainly consists of terraced houses and semi-detached houses from the 1960s and 1970s, with an average living area of 124 m². Buying apartments in De Bouwen west is less common; most flats in the neighbourhood are owned by housing associations and are rented out. The total owner-occupied share is limited at 28%, so supply varies and is not large.
Is there a lot of green space in De Bouwen west?
De Bouwen west has a green appearance with trees along the streets and green strips between the houses, which is characteristic of post-war expansion neighbourhoods in the Netherlands. Larger parks or recreational areas are a short bike ride away outside the neighbourhood itself. Residents frequently mention the green surroundings as one of the positive aspects of living in this neighbourhood.
