Homes for sale in De Wolden
View the current supply of homes for sale in De Wolden, with neighbourhood scores and resident reviews for each property. Compare districts and find your home.
Buying a house in De Wolden: the housing market in 2026
De Wolden is a vast rural municipality in the heart of Drenthe, made up of over fifteen villages, each with its own character. From lively Zuidwolde to peaceful Echten, from the historic ribbon development in Ruinerwold to the wooded surroundings of Ruinen: anyone buying a home here chooses space, greenery and village tranquillity. The municipality has around 24,580 residents and is popular with families and home-movers leaving the city bustle behind but wanting to be within half an hour of Hoogeveen, Meppel or Assen. The housing stock consists of 10,555 homes, 75% of which are owner-occupied. The average WOZ value is €378,000, but actual transaction prices tell a different story: in the past twelve months, 147 homes were sold at an average purchase price of €549,240. The range is remarkably wide, from €149,000 for a modest terraced house to €3,500,000 for an estate or farmhouse with land. The market in De Wolden is relatively tight: supply is limited and homes change hands quickly, especially in the popular villages. At the top of this page you can see the current listings and selling times. Buurtje.nl combines homes from more than 1,500 sources with neighbourhood scores and resident reviews, so you not only find a house but also the right neighbourhood.
The best neighbourhoods to buy a house in De Wolden
De Wolden has fourteen official residential centres, ranging from larger villages with a full range of amenities to small hamlets where your neighbour is a dairy farmer. Below are the main neighbourhoods for home seekers, with their character and neighbourhood score.
Zuidwolde, the beating heart of the municipality
Zuidwolde is the largest village in De Wolden and functions as a central hub. You will find supermarkets, primary schools, GPs, sports clubs and a cosy village centre. The village mainly attracts families and over-45s who want to live in a village but not compromise on amenities. Residents give Zuidwolde a remarkably high score of 9.7 based on five reviews. One resident writes: "The combination of peace, space and yet everything nearby makes Zuidwolde the perfect place for us." Prices here are around or slightly above the municipal average, partly due to the better amenities. See the current listings in Zuidwolde for the latest situation.
Ruinen, living between forest and heathland
Ruinen lies on the edge of the Drents-Friese Wold National Park and is therefore the greenest village in the municipality. The village has its own supermarket, primary school and an active club life around the Brink. Ruinen is popular with nature lovers, retirees and people who work from home. Homes are generally more spacious than in Zuidwolde, with many detached houses and former farmhouses. Prices vary widely: a terraced house is relatively affordable, but for a renovated farmhouse you quickly pay over €600,000. See what is currently for sale in Ruinen.
Ruinerwold, village character with historic charm
Ruinerwold is a long ribbon village with a protected village view, old farmhouses and a striking church tower. The village has its own primary school and small shopping facilities, but for larger groceries you drive to Meppel or Zuidwolde. Ruinerwold suits buyers who love authenticity and peace. The housing market here is limited: few homes come on the market, and when they do, they sell quickly. Discover the available homes in Ruinerwold.
De Wijk, quiet village with strong community spirit
De Wijk lies in the western part of the municipality, close to castle and estate De Havixhorst. It is a compact village with an active village association, a primary school and a sports hall. De Wijk is popular with young families because of the affordable entry-level prices compared to Zuidwolde. Here you really live in a close-knit community where neighbours know each other. See the housing supply in De Wijk.
Echten, small but beloved
Echten is a compact village on the Drentse Hoofdvaart with its own campsite, village hall and a strong bond between residents. The village scores an 8.9 from residents on Buurtje.nl. Echten is especially suitable for buyers who consciously choose small-scale living and are willing to drive to Zuidwolde or Hoogeveen for daily amenities. House prices here are generally below the municipal average. See the current homes in Echten.
In addition to these villages, there are smaller centres worth exploring. Koekange (neighbourhood score 5.5) offers affordable entry-level homes but scores lower on amenities. Kerkenveld and Veeningen are quiet residential hamlets for those truly seeking the countryside. On the municipal page of De Wolden you will find all ratings and reviews per neighbourhood.
What to look out for when buying a home in De Wolden?
Finding a home to buy in De Wolden requires a different approach than in the city. Firstly: choose your village consciously. The amenities vary enormously. In Zuidwolde you have everything within walking distance, while in Ansen or Linde you take the car for every errand. That is fine if you are looking for peace, but less convenient with young children or without a driving licence. Secondly: take the limited market into account. Around 147 homes are sold annually in the entire municipality, so the supply per village is small. Be quick and have your financing in order. Thirdly: pay attention to the condition of the home. Many houses in De Wolden are older and sometimes have high gas consumption. Always ask for the energy label and calculate what sustainability improvements cost. The average gas consumption in the municipality is 1,420 m³, which indicates many older, less well-insulated homes. Finally: compare neighbourhoods not only on price but also on liveability. On Buurtje.nl you can compare neighbourhood scores and reviews per neighbourhood, so you know what residents really think of their environment. Are you considering renting instead? Then also check the rental homes in De Wolden.
What residents say about living in De Wolden
De Wolden receives an average score of 9.0 out of 10 from residents, based on 7 reviews. The municipality scores exceptionally high especially on safety (9.6) and green spaces (9.4). Residents also appreciate the quality of housing (9.1) and accessibility (9.0). Amenities score the lowest at 8.4, which is logical for a rural municipality. Zuidwolde is the best-rated neighbourhood with a 9.7. A resident of Zuidwolde sums it up: "Safe, green and a lovely community. You have to love the countryside, but then you get so much in return." Read all resident reviews about De Wolden to get a complete picture.
Homes for sale near De Wolden
Are you looking more broadly than just De Wolden? The surrounding municipalities each have their own housing market. Directly to the north you will find homes for sale in Assen, the provincial capital with more urban amenities. To the south lies Hoogeveen, a larger centre with more supply for starters. Towards the east you can look at homes for sale in Coevorden or the supply in Emmen. For those seeking even more peace, Aa en Hunze is an interesting alternative with a similar rural character.
View the current homes for sale in De Wolden
At the top of this page you will find all homes for sale in De Wolden currently available, compiled from more than 1,500 sources. Filter by price, size or energy label to quickly find what suits you. With each home you see the neighbourhood score and reviews of the area, so you immediately know what kind of neighbourhood you are moving into. Whether you want to buy an apartment in Zuidwolde or a detached home near Ruinen, the overview is updated daily.
Frequently asked questions
How many owner-occupied homes are for sale in De Wolden?
The current number of owner-occupied homes in De Wolden changes daily. At the top of this page you can see the current supply, compiled from more than 1,500 sources. In the past twelve months, 147 homes were sold in the municipality, indicating that supply is relatively limited.
What does an owner-occupied home cost in De Wolden?
The average purchase price in De Wolden is €549,240 over the past twelve months. The range is wide: from €149,000 for a modest home to €3,500,000 for a large estate. In Zuidwolde, prices are around the average, while smaller villages like Koekange and Echten are generally cheaper.
What is the average price per square metre in De Wolden?
Based on an average purchase price of €549,240 and an average floor area of 146 m², the price per square metre is approximately €3,762. This varies per village and type of home: detached farmhouses have a lower price per m² than new-build homes in Zuidwolde.
How long is a home on the market on average in De Wolden?
The current average selling time can be found at the top of this page. The market in De Wolden is relatively tight due to limited supply combined with stable demand. Especially in popular villages like Zuidwolde and Ruinen, homes sell quickly.
Which neighbourhoods in De Wolden are the most popular to buy a home?
Zuidwolde is the most popular with a neighbourhood score of 9.7 out of 10 and the most amenities. Echten scores 8.9 and attracts buyers who appreciate small-scale living. Ruinen and De Wijk are popular with families and nature lovers. Koekange (5.5) is cheaper but scores lower on liveability.
Is De Wolden a good place to buy a home?
De Wolden scores 9.0 among residents, with 9.6 for safety and 9.4 for green space. The municipality has 24,580 inhabitants, a labour participation rate of 68% and an average income of €35,900. The WOZ value of €378,000 is stable. It is a strong choice if you are looking for space, safety and nature, but keep in mind limited amenities in the smaller villages.
What are the additional costs when buying a home in De Wolden?
Expect 4 to 6% in additional costs on top of the purchase price. This includes 2% transfer tax (first-time buyers under 35 and a home under €510,000 are exempt), notary fees, valuation costs and possibly estate agent fees. With an average purchase price of €549,240, this amounts to approximately €22,000 to €33,000.
What about accessibility in De Wolden?
De Wolden is centrally located in Drenthe. Via the N48 and A28 you can reach Hoogeveen or Meppel within 20 minutes and Assen or Zwolle within half an hour. There is no train station in the municipality; you rely on bus connections or your own transport. Residents give accessibility a 9.0 out of 10, partly because the roads are quiet and you never get stuck in traffic.
Can I search for owner-occupied homes per neighbourhood in De Wolden?
Yes, on Buurtje.nl you can view the housing supply per neighbourhood. De Wolden has fourteen residential cores, including Zuidwolde, Ruinen, Ruinerwold, De Wijk and Echten. Per neighbourhood you can see the available homes, neighbourhood scores and resident reviews, so you can easily compare neighbourhoods.
How many homes are there in total in De Wolden?
De Wolden has a housing stock of 10,555 homes. Of these, 75% are owner-occupied and 25% are rental homes. Of the rental homes, 17% are owned by housing associations. The majority of owner-occupied homes are single-family homes; apartments are scarce in this municipality.
Many farmers who can't handle it when you form your own opinion. Refugees in our village are simply called names like black dogs by children. This is not new! This is a village that accepts nothing from outside and is extremely racist. I also smoke a joint for pain, but I'm treated like a junkie and immediately assumed to be a dealer? Bad experiences with people from the neighbourhood because they only accept their own. Hardly anything to do for young people, especially if you're 18+. I attended both primary schools; I was bullied at the OBS, and the CBS was also a bad environment for a child.
Auto-translated to English by AIcosy, one chats with the neighbours
Auto-translated to English by AIThe neighbours are friendly
Auto-translated to English by AIPleasant, good contact with the neighbours
Auto-translated to English by AIAlert
Auto-translated to English by AIIf you think of rural living, this is where you end up. There's a school for the youngest villagers. Otherwise wonderfully quiet, and having to go to another place for groceries is just the way it is! Here you can still put things outside and enjoy the sheep in the meadow.
Auto-translated to English by AIFine, no problem with the neighbours
Auto-translated to English by AI
