Homes for sale in Midden-Drenthe
View all available homes for sale in Midden-Drenthe. Compare the current supply by price, area and neighbourhood score.
Buying a house in Midden-Drenthe: the housing market in 2026
Midden-Drenthe is a sprawling municipality in the heart of Drenthe, with around 34,000 residents spread across villages such as Beilen, Smilde, Westerbork and Bovensmilde. It is a municipality where you buy space: forests, heathlands, stream valleys and a landscape you won't tire of quickly. Beilen serves as the central hub with shops, schools and a train station on the Zwolle-Groningen line, offering good commuting options to Assen (15 minutes) or Zwolle (45 minutes). Employment is partly in the agricultural sector, but also in the Beilen business park and nearby cities.
The housing market in Midden-Drenthe is predominantly an owner-occupied market: 70% of the more than 14,700 homes are owner-occupied, only 30% are rental. The average WOZ value is €299,000. In the past twelve months, 287 homes were sold at an average purchase price of €497,239, with a range from €124,500 to €2,350,000. That upper segment concerns country estates and farmhouses for which Drenthe is known. The average floor area of sold homes is 153 m², showing that you get plenty of square metres for your money here. At the top of this page you will find the current state of affairs: the current supply, the average asking price and the time on market. On Buurtje.nl, we combine that supply from more than 1,500 sources with neighbourhood scores and resident reviews, so you can assess not only the home but also the surroundings well.
The best neighbourhoods to buy a house in Midden-Drenthe
Midden-Drenthe has fifteen neighbourhoods and villages, each with its own character. From the larger villages with amenities to the smallest hamlets where your neighbour is a sheep farmer. The neighbourhood scores based on resident reviews show clear differences. Below are the most important neighbourhoods for home seekers.
Bovensmilde, village tranquillity with the highest neighbourhood score
Bovensmilde scores an 8.2 out of 10, the highest of all assessed neighbourhoods in the municipality. The village lies along the Nordbargerbos and the Oranjekanaal and has a quiet, village character with mainly detached homes and semi-detached houses. There are basic amenities such as a supermarket and primary school, and Assen is a ten-minute drive away. For families seeking space at a price below the municipal average, Bovensmilde is worth discovering. Check the housing supply in Bovensmilde for current opportunities.
Beilen, the amenities centre of the municipality
Beilen is the largest village and the beating heart of Midden-Drenthe. Here you will find the shopping centre, the train station, secondary schools (including Hondsrug College), sports facilities and GPs. The neighbourhood score is 7.4, with residents appreciating the accessibility and education. One resident wrote: "Beilen has everything you need nearby, without the hustle and bustle of a city." House prices here are slightly higher than in the smaller villages, but you get the amenities in return. If you are looking for a home with schools within walking distance and a train station around the corner, you will find the most options in Beilen.
Hooghalen, green and well-rated
Hooghalen lies on the edge of the Drentsche Aa National Park and scores an 8.0 from residents. It is a small village with a strong sense of community, a village hall and a location on the A28. The municipality's green score (8.4) comes fully into its own here: you literally step into the forest. The supply is limited and homes sell quickly, but when something becomes available it is worth it. Keep an eye on the Hooghalen property page.
Westerbork, historic village with a good location
Westerbork is known for the Westerbork Memorial Centre, but the village itself is a lively hub with a neighbourhood score of 7.5. There are shops, a GP practice and several sports clubs. The location is central in the municipality, with good connections to Beilen and Assen. Homes range from 1970s terraced houses to renovated farmhouses. Check what is for sale in Westerbork.
In addition to these villages, there are other interesting options. Drijber (neighbourhood score 7.8) is a small esdorp with characteristic farmhouses. In Smilde (neighbourhood score 6.8) you will find the most affordable segment, although residents mention the limited amenities as a point of attention. And if you are looking for real seclusion, you can look at Orvelte, the well-known museum brinkdorp, or the rural Elp. All reviews and neighbourhood scores can be found on the municipality page of Midden-Drenthe.
What to look out for when buying a home in Midden-Drenthe?
Firstly: the differences between the villages are greater than you think. Beilen has amenities that you won't find in smaller villages like Nieuw-Balinge or Hijken. If you have children who need to go to secondary school, or if you want to do your shopping regularly without getting in the car, the choice of neighbourhood matters a lot. Look carefully at the amenities score per neighbourhood, which averages 6.1 in Midden-Drenthe.
Secondly: the market here is less overheated than in the Randstad, but popular homes in Beilen or Hooghalen sell quickly. Keep an eye on the time on market via the overview at the top of this page. For detached homes and farmhouses, it is wise to have a structural survey done, especially for older properties.
Thirdly: bear in mind that in Midden-Drenthe you need a car for almost everything, unless you live near the station in Beilen. The accessibility score of 7.3 reflects that. Buying an apartment in Midden-Drenthe is, by the way, limited; the supply mainly consists of single-family homes.
Finally: use the neighbourhood scores and resident reviews on Buurtje.nl to compare neighbourhoods objectively. This gives you insight that you won't get during a viewing. If buying is not (yet) feasible, also check the rental homes in Midden-Drenthe as an alternative.
What residents say about living in Midden-Drenthe
Residents rate Midden-Drenthe with a 7.5 out of 10, based on 14 reviews. The strongest points are the green spaces (8.4), safety (8.0) and education (7.9). Bovensmilde and Hooghalen score the highest. A resident of Bovensmilde says: "Wonderfully quiet living, lots of green around you and yet within a quarter of an hour in Assen for everything you need." The lowest score is for amenities (6.1), which is logical in a rural municipality where not every village has its own supermarket. Read all reviews of Midden-Drenthe to get a complete picture.
Homes for sale near Midden-Drenthe
Are you looking wider than just Midden-Drenthe? The surrounding municipalities offer similar tranquillity with their own character. Directly to the north lies Assen, the provincial capital with more urban amenities. To the east you will find Aa en Hunze with the Drentsche Aa landscape, and Borger-Odoorn with the dolmens. To the south lie Coevorden and Emmen, and to the west borders De Wolden.
View the current supply of homes for sale in Midden-Drenthe
At the top of this page you will find all homes for sale in Midden-Drenthe currently available, compiled from more than 1,500 sources. Use the filters on price, floor area and energy label to search specifically. With each home you will see the neighbourhood score and relevant neighbourhood information, so you immediately know what to expect from the surroundings. Compare neighbourhoods, read reviews and make a well-considered choice for your next home in the heart of Drenthe.
Frequently asked questions
How many homes for sale are there in Midden-Drenthe?
The current number of homes for sale in Midden-Drenthe can be found at the top of this page. This listing is updated daily from more than 1,500 sources, so you always have a complete overview of what is available in all villages and settlements.
What does a home cost in Midden-Drenthe?
The average purchase price in Midden-Drenthe over the past year was €497,239. The range is wide: from €124,500 for a simple home to €2,350,000 for a rural estate. In smaller settlements like Smilde and Nieuw-Balinge, prices are lower than in Beilen or Hooghalen.
What is the average price per square metre in Midden-Drenthe?
Based on an average purchase price of €497,239 and an average floor area of 153 m², the price per square metre comes to approximately €3,250. This varies by neighbourhood and property type: detached farmhouses in the countryside often have a lower price per m² than new-build homes in Beilen.
How long does a property typically stay on the market in Midden-Drenthe?
The current average selling time can be found at the top of this page. Generally speaking, sought-after villages like Beilen and Hooghalen have a shorter selling time than smaller settlements. The market in Midden-Drenthe is less tight than in the Randstad, but popular properties also sell quickly here.
Which neighbourhoods in Midden-Drenthe are most popular for buying a home?
Based on neighbourhood scores, Bovensmilde (8.2), Hooghalen (8.0) and Drijber (7.8) score highest among residents. Beilen (7.4) is popular due to its amenities and train station. Westerbork (7.5) offers a good balance between village atmosphere and accessibility. Each village has its own character, so it depends on what you are looking for.
Is Midden-Drenthe a good place to buy a home?
Midden-Drenthe offers plenty of space, greenery and peace at a relatively affordable price compared to the west of the Netherlands. The WOZ value is €299,000 and the labour participation rate is 66%. Residents give the municipality a 7.5 and particularly appreciate the safety (8.0) and greenery (8.4). A downside is that you are dependent on the car for most amenities.
What are the additional costs when buying a home in Midden-Drenthe?
Expect 4 to 6% in additional costs on top of the purchase price. This includes transfer tax (2%, or 0% with the starter exemption up to €510,000), notary fees, valuation costs and possibly estate agent fees. With an average purchase price of €497,239, this amounts to approximately €20,000 to €30,000 extra.
What about accessibility in Midden-Drenthe?
Beilen has a train station on the Zwolle-Groningen line, with direct connections to Assen (15 min) and Zwolle (45 min). The A28 motorway runs through the municipality. From the smaller villages, you are reliant on the car or bus. Residents rate accessibility at 7.3 out of 10. If you commute daily by public transport, it is wise to look in or near Beilen.
Can I search for homes for sale by neighbourhood in Midden-Drenthe?
Yes, Midden-Drenthe is divided into fifteen neighbourhoods and settlements, including Beilen, Bovensmilde, Westerbork, Smilde and Hooghalen. Per neighbourhood, you can view the available properties, including neighbourhood scores and resident reviews. This allows you to compare not only homes but also the living environment.
How many homes are there in total in Midden-Drenthe?
The total housing stock in Midden-Drenthe is 14,704 homes. Of these, 70% are owner-occupied and 30% are rental properties (of which 22% are social housing). The majority are single-family homes. The supply of apartments is limited and concentrated mainly in Beilen.
Positive but the neighbourhood around the street where we live is deteriorating. Lower social class rental homes, many foreign people and drug dealing in the area, also known to the police. Furthermore, many facilities in the area, shops, schools, a GP practice and a community centre.
Auto-translated to English by AIAlley not lit by street lamps. Responsibility lies with the housing association. I have a broken little toe from protruding sleepers of a garden in the alley. Ventilation system doesn't work. Draft, mould, water under crawl space. There was also a visit from a company regarding energy level. C was personal, will become B for business. The housing association in question is difficult to communicate with, in my experience. Same with the pavements in the alley and the drain I called the relevant department about, but still need to report it. The neighbourhood. I've only just moved here and what strikes me is that there are no rubbish bins where you can, for example, dispose of your dog's waste. I also see that people dump waste in the private woodland areas where you're allowed to walk, including the poop bags. And then the pavements. Dangerous! And in the neighbourhood itself, people drive too fast. I don't get too worked up about it, but I actually find it quite annoying. The greenery, walking paths, private woods where you can walk are beautiful. With diversity of flora and fauna. But again, I see stepped-on mushrooms, plastic, cans, bottles, and much more. I take with me what I can take. But actually, there should be a bin at the beginning of the path, which is on municipal land. I notice little of the community. I'm quite a loner. When I walk the dog, people are friendly. It has become a reasonably mixed village.
Auto-translated to English by AII notice a lot of incompetence in prejudices about appearance, your dog, waste, other people's belongings, nuisance from cats, poor maintenance of pavements, alleyways without lighting and poor paving. Little information about possible help for the less fortunate. Water damage in gardens and surroundings. Car tyres are always flat in certain parking spots. Setting off fireworks too early. And probably more.
Auto-translated to English by AIDrijber and surroundings is a very beautiful neighbourhood with nice detached houses, a close-knit community and space for animals and people. It is the place to live if you benefit from a beautiful view and peace, combined with a cosy atmosphere at village festivals or neighbourhood barbecues. It is very close to the VAM mountain where the European Cycling Championships were recently held. The European Championships went through our street, which is of course fantastic to see. Although amenities such as shops etc are only to be found in Hoogeveen (8 km away), it does have a nice little school with good education. All in all, a very nice neighbourhood to live in.
Auto-translated to English by AICommunity centre in the neighbourhood with many activities for young and old, within walking distance a primary school, supermarket within walking distance
Auto-translated to English by AIHave been living here pleasantly for years. Nice people, plenty of green. In short, great!
Auto-translated to English by AII find my village very cosy because you can have a chat everywhere
Auto-translated to English by AINeighbourliness is number one here
Auto-translated to English by AI
