Homes for sale in Ruinen, De Wolden

Purchase prices in Ruinen: well above the municipal average

Ruinen is a home-owning neighbourhood par excellence: 71% of the 1,698 homes are privately owned. The average WOZ value is €391,000, noticeably higher than the average of €378,000 for the municipality of De Wolden as a whole. That difference reflects the village's appeal: detached houses on spacious plots dominate the streetscape; buying an apartment in Ruinen is hardly an option. Over the past twelve months, 26 homes changed hands at an average purchase price of €682,452, with a range from €160,000 to €1,485,000. That wide spread shows that both first-time buyers and serious upsizers are active. The current supply and asking prices can be found at the top of this page.

Living in Ruinen: a farm village with character, not for everyone

Ruinen is not your average commuter village. The historic centre with the Brink, the old church and the characteristic ribbon development give the village a unique face that you won't find in new-build estates. Residents on the Ruinen neighbourhood page particularly appreciate the peace, space and social cohesion. One resident writes: "You really know your neighbours here; people look out for each other." At the same time, there is criticism of the limited shopping facilities and the reliance on a car for larger groceries. If you are used to a supermarket within walking distance, you'll have to let that go here.

For daily groceries, there is a local supermarket in the village itself, but for a wider range you drive to Hoogeveen, about ten to fifteen minutes away via the N375. Hoogeveen also has the nearest train station, with connections to Zwolle and Groningen. Bus connections from Ruinen exist, but the frequency is limited, so a car is almost indispensable in practice. The A28 motorway can be reached within twenty minutes. Schools are available in the village itself, including a primary school. For secondary education, pupils rely on Hoogeveen or Meppel.

The surroundings are a trump card. Ruinen lies on the edge of the Drenthe landscape with extensive heathlands and forests, popular with walkers and cyclists. Sports clubs exist for football, tennis and other recreational sports. The neighbourhood Ruinerweide offers some newer housing, while Verspreide huizen Ruinen represents the rural area with detached houses on large plots. Hees and Leeuwte also fall under the broader core and each have their own character. The largest age group in Ruinen is 65-plus with 1,160 residents, giving the village a quiet, mature profile. Young families are certainly present, but it is not a bustling young neighbourhood.

Which buyers does Ruinen suit best?

Ruinen mainly attracts movers and people who consciously choose space and peace over urban convenience. With an average purchase price of over €682,000, this is not a starter market, although the range down to €160,000 at the lower end still offers some room for a home with limitations. Bear in mind additional costs such as transfer tax (2% for non-starters), notary fees and possible renovation costs for older detached homes. Supply is limited, so quick decisions pay off. If you want more choice or have a lower budget, you can also look at rental homes in Ruinen or similar villages such as Zuidwolde and Kerkenveld.

Buying a home in Ruinen: how to use this overview

Buurtje.nl combines current housing supply with resident reviews and neighbourhood statistics, so you not only see what is for sale but also what it is like to live there. Compare Ruinen with other neighbourhoods in the municipality via the overview of homes for sale in De Wolden or look at adjacent villages such as Alteveer and Drogteropslagen. More about the municipality can also be found on the website of the municipality of De Wolden.