Homes for sale in De Waard, Leiden
Discover the current supply of homes for sale in De Waard and compare prices, neighbourhood scores and resident reviews directly on this page.
House prices and market figures De Waard, Leiden
De Waard is predominantly a rental neighbourhood: 58% of the housing stock consists of rental properties, a large portion of which is owned by housing corporations. This makes the owner-occupied market share of 42% relatively limited, but for those looking for a home to buy in De Waard, there is indeed supply. The average WOZ value is €352,000, which is lower than the average of the surrounding district Binnenstad-Noord (€380,000) and the municipal average of Leiden (€390,000). De Waard is therefore relatively affordable for an inner-city neighbourhood.
Based on the 23 homes sold in the past twelve months, the average purchase price was €476,739, with a range from €350,000 to €725,000. The average living area was 85 m², which works out to a price of around €5,600 per square metre. The supply consists mainly of apartments in older buildings and a limited number of ground-floor homes. Check the current supply and the average asking price at the top of this page for the most recent updates.
Living in De Waard, Leiden
De Waard is nestled between the Oude Rijn and the Mare, on the northwest side of Leiden's city centre. It is a compact, urban neighbourhood with a distinct character: narrow streets, historic canal houses, courtyard homes, and a mix of residents ranging from students and young starters to long-term residents who have lived there for decades. The neighbourhood has no large squares or parks, but the proximity of the Leidse Hout and the Maresingel provides greenery within cycling distance.
The buildings largely date from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, supplemented by twentieth-century infill. Those buying a home here often encounter characteristic features such as high ceilings, wooden floors, and small inner courtyards, but also the associated maintenance issues. Energy labels in this type of home are generally poor: the average gas consumption of 830 m³ per year is relatively low, partly because many homes are small and close together.
In terms of amenities, De Waard is well provided for. Supermarkets such as Albert Heijn on Maredijk and Aldi on Breestraat are within walking distance. Haarlemmerstraat, Leiden's main shopping street, borders the neighbourhood. Primary schools in the immediate vicinity include Haagweg-school and several other schools in adjacent neighbourhoods. For sports, several sports clubs are accessible via the Leidse Hout, about ten minutes by bike.
Accessibility is one of De Waard's strongest points. Leiden Central is about ten minutes away by bike, providing quick connections to Amsterdam, The Hague, and Rotterdam. Several bus lines also depart from the neighbourhood towards the centre and surrounding districts. By car, the A4 is reachable via Schipholweg in about five minutes, although parking in the neighbourhood is limited and paid.
Residents particularly appreciate the central location and lively atmosphere. On the neighbourhood page of De Waard you can read what residents specifically say about their neighbourhood, including scores per category such as safety, greenery, and amenities. One resident writes: "You live here right in the city, everything is close by, but it is surprisingly quiet once you are inside." Criticism focuses mainly on parking pressure and limited play space for children.
Compared to neighbouring areas such as Marewijk and Pancras-West, De Waard is slightly more compact and less green, but its historic appearance and central location make it distinctive. Those seeking more space can also look at D'Oude Morsch or Noordvest, neighbourhoods in the same district with a slightly different character. The municipality of Leiden also provides information on leiden.nl about the living environment, permits, and district plans that may be relevant for buyers.
For whom is a home to buy in De Waard a good choice?
De Waard particularly attracts young dual-income couples and starters who consciously choose urban living without a car. With an average purchase price of nearly €477,000, the neighbourhood is not cheap, and for popular homes you should expect to overbid. The limited supply of only 23 transactions in the past year means you need to act quickly. Families with young children may find the limited outdoor space a drawback. Those unsure whether buying is the right step now can also look at rental properties in De Waard as an alternative.
What residents say about De Waard
Residents generally give De Waard a positive rating. High scores are awarded for location, accessibility, and the neighbourhood's atmosphere. Lower scores come for parking and play facilities for children. One resident sums it up as: "De Waard is a neighbourhood you have to get to know. At first glance small and busy, but once you live there, you never want to leave." Read all reviews and the full neighbourhood data on the overview page of De Waard.
Compare homes for sale in and around De Waard
Buurtje.nl bundles property listings from more than 1,500 sources and links them to resident reviews and district data, so you not only find a home but also know whether the neighbourhood suits you. Besides De Waard, also check the supply in the wider district via homes for sale in Binnenstad-Noord, or compare with other Leiden districts such as Stationsdistrict and Roodenburgerdistrict. For a complete picture of the Leiden owner-occupied market, see the overview of all homes for sale in Leiden.
Frequently asked questions
What does a home cost in De Waard, Leiden?
The average purchase price in De Waard over the past year was €476,739, based on 23 sold homes. Prices ranged from €350,000 to €725,000. With an average living area of 85 m², the price per square metre comes to approximately €5,600. For sought-after homes, you should expect to bid above the asking price.
What is the WOZ value in De Waard?
The average WOZ value in De Waard is €352,000. That is lower than the average for the Binnenstad-Noord district (€380,000) and the Leiden municipal average of €390,000. De Waard is therefore relatively affordable for a neighbourhood so close to the historic centre of Leiden.
What is it like to live in De Waard?
De Waard is a compact, historic neighbourhood on the northwest side of Leiden's city centre, nestled between the Oude Rijn and the Mare. The atmosphere is urban and lively, with a mix of students, young professionals, and long-term residents. Residents appreciate the central location and historic character, but mention parking and limited outdoor space as points of attention.
Is De Waard suitable for first-time buyers or families?
The neighbourhood mainly attracts young first-time buyers and dual-income couples who consciously choose urban living. The largest age group is 25 to 45 years, and single-person households are most common. Families with young children may find the limited play space and parking pressure a drawback. For families seeking more space, surrounding neighbourhoods such as D'Oude Morsch or districts like Roodenburgerdistrict may be a better fit.
How accessible is De Waard?
De Waard scores well on accessibility. Leiden Central is about a ten-minute bike ride away, with direct train connections to Amsterdam, The Hague, and Rotterdam. Several bus lines connect the neighbourhood to the centre and other districts. By car, the A4 is reachable in about five minutes via the Schipholweg. Parking in the neighbourhood itself is limited and paid, so owning a car is less practical here.
What type of homes are for sale in De Waard?
The supply consists mainly of apartments in historic canal houses and courtyard homes, with an average area of 85 m². A limited part of the supply consists of ground-level homes. The buildings largely date from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, supplemented by twentieth-century infill construction. Energy labels in this type of home are often poor, which deserves attention when purchasing.
Is there enough green space and are there good schools near De Waard?
De Waard itself has little green space within the neighbourhood boundaries, but the Leidse Hout and the Maresingel are within a short bike ride. For primary education, there are several schools in the immediate vicinity, including schools in the adjacent neighbourhoods Marewijk and Pancras-West. Shops and daily amenities, such as supermarkets and the Haarlemmerstraat, are within walking distance.
