Homes for sale in Steenwijkerland
View the current supply of homes for sale in Steenwijkerland, from starter homes to detached houses on the water. Compare prices, neighbourhood scores and reviews.
Buying a house in Steenwijkerland: the housing market in 2026
Steenwijkerland is a sprawling municipality in the northwest of Overijssel, known for its water-rich landscape around Giethoorn, the historic fortified town of Steenwijk and the tranquillity of the Weerribben-Wieden National Park. The municipality has over 45,000 inhabitants, spread across dozens of villages and hamlets. This makes it a unique housing market: you will find both compact starter homes in Steenwijk and spacious detached houses on the water in Giethoorn or Blokzijl. Of the more than 20,400 homes, 65% are owner-occupied, which is higher than the national average. The average WOZ value is €309,000. Over the past twelve months, 419 homes changed hands, at an average purchase price of €481,125. The range is wide: from €109,000 for a modest home to €3,950,000 for the most exclusive properties. The average floor area of sold homes is 158 m², showing that many spacious houses are being traded. The market is balanced, although popular locations such as Blokzijl and Giethoorn sell quickly. At the top of this page you will find the current listings and the most recent sales data. On Buurtje.nl you combine that supply 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 Steenwijkerland
Steenwijkerland has a large number of villages, hamlets and settlements, each with its own character. From the lively shopping streets in Steenwijk to the silence of the peat polders around Kalenberg: the choice depends heavily on what you are looking for. Below are the most relevant areas for buyers.
Giethoorn, the Venice of the North
Giethoorn is world-famous and you can tell from the house prices. Homes on the canals are scarce and well above the municipal average. Yet there is also a 'regular' part of the village with more affordable homes. Residents on Buurtje.nl give Giethoorn a 7.5 as a neighbourhood score. Tourism is a point of attention: in high season it can be busy. But outside those months, you live here in a unique water-rich landscape with direct access to the Weerribben. Suitable for those seeking peace and not dependent on urban amenities.
Blokzijl, fortified town with allure
Blokzijl is one of the best-preserved fortified towns in the Netherlands, with a small harbour, restaurants and the Michelin-starred restaurant Kaatje bij de Sluis. The housing stock is limited, which drives up prices. Anyone who secures a home for sale in Blokzijl also gets a close-knit community and a picturesque environment. Ideal for downsizers and over-55s who love culture and water.
Steenwijk, the beating heart of the municipality
Steenwijk is the largest village and offers the most amenities: a station with direct trains to Zwolle and Leeuwarden, a complete shopping centre, secondary schools and sports facilities. House prices here are below the municipal average, making it a logical choice for first-time buyers and families. In neighbourhoods such as Marijenkampen you will find spacious 1970s and 1980s homes with gardens. Accessibility scores highly with residents (8.2 out of 10), partly due to its location on the A32.
Belt-Schutsloot, village living on the water
Between Giethoorn and Steenwijk lies Belt-Schutsloot, a ribbon village along the canals. Here you live truly rurally, with your boat at your doorstep. The homes are predominantly detached and prices vary widely, depending on the location on the water. One resident wrote: "The peace and the view over the water make everything worthwhile, although you do have to take the car for groceries." This is a place for people who consciously choose space over convenience.
Kuinre, affordable near the Kuinderbos
On the edge of the Noordoostpolder lies Kuinre, a former fishing village with a compact centre. House prices are among the lowest in the municipality, making it attractive for first-time buyers and those with a smaller budget. The Kuinderbos forest and the IJsselmeer are within walking distance. Disadvantage: amenities are limited and you rely on Steenwijk or Emmeloord for larger shopping trips.
Other interesting villages are Blankenham, a picturesque dike village on the Linde, the water-rich Kalenberg on the edge of the Weerribben, and De Bult for those who want to be close to Steenwijk but still rural. View all ratings and reviews per village on the municipality page of Steenwijkerland.
What to look out for when buying a home in Steenwijkerland?
Firstly: the differences between villages are large. Buying an apartment in Steenwijkerland centre is very different from buying a detached house on the canal in Giethoorn. Do your research on accessibility. Steenwijk has a train station, but from villages like Eesveen or Baarlo you are dependent on the car. Secondly: pay attention to the state of maintenance. Many homes in the rural areas are older and may have higher energy costs. The average gas consumption in the municipality is 1,220 m³, which is higher than in newer neighbourhoods elsewhere. Always ask for the energy label. Thirdly: the market is tighter in some villages than in others. In Blokzijl and Giethoorn you need to act quickly, while in Kallenkote or Baars you have more room for negotiation. Finally: use neighbourhood data to objectively compare areas. On Buurtje.nl you can see per neighbourhood how residents score on safety, green space and amenities, so you don't just rely on gut feeling. Would you rather rent? Then also check the supply of rental homes in Steenwijkerland.
What residents say about living in Steenwijkerland
Based on 11 reviews, residents rate Steenwijkerland with an 8.0 out of 10. Notably high scores go to green space (8.6) and safety (8.4). The beauty of the surroundings scores an 8.3. Amenities score the lowest at 7.3, which is logical given the rural character of many villages. A resident of Giethoorn summed it up: "You live here for the nature and the peace, not for the shops." Curious about all experiences? Read the full reviews on the municipality page.
Homes for sale near Steenwijkerland
Looking wider than just Steenwijkerland? The housing market in neighbouring municipalities sometimes offers surprising alternatives. Check the supply in Dalfsen, which like Steenwijkerland offers plenty of green space and room. Also Deventer and Almelo are worth a look if you are looking for more urban amenities. Further east you will find homes in Dinkelland and Borne. Compare the neighbourhood scores and prices to see which municipality suits you best.
View the current supply of homes for sale in Steenwijkerland
At the top of this page you will find the complete overview of homes for sale in Steenwijkerland, updated daily from more than 1,500 sources. Use the filters on price, floor area and energy label to search specifically. With each home you will immediately see the neighbourhood score and what residents think of the area. This way you make a well-considered choice, not only based on the home itself but also on the neighbourhood. More information about the municipality can be found on the website of the municipality of Steenwijkerland.
Frequently asked questions
How many owner-occupied homes are for sale in Steenwijkerland?
The current number of owner-occupied homes in Steenwijkerland changes daily. At the top of this page you can see the current supply, compiled from more than 1,500 sources. This gives you the most complete overview of available homes in all villages.
What does an owner-occupied home cost in Steenwijkerland?
The average purchase price in Steenwijkerland over the past year was €481,125. The range is wide: from €109,000 for a modest home to €3,950,000 for the most expensive properties. In Steenwijk, prices are below average, while Giethoorn and Blokzijl are clearly more expensive.
What is the average price per square metre in Steenwijkerland?
Based on an average purchase price of €481,125 and an average floor area of 158 m², the price per square metre comes to approximately €3,045. This varies greatly by village: waterfront homes in Giethoorn are higher, while homes in smaller villages like Kuinre are lower.
How long does a home stay on the market on average in Steenwijkerland?
The current average selling time can be found at the top of this page. The market in Steenwijkerland is fairly balanced, although homes in popular villages like Blokzijl and Giethoorn sell faster than in smaller hamlets. Keep in mind that you need to act quickly in sought-after areas.
Which neighbourhoods in Steenwijkerland are most popular for buying a home?
Steenwijk is popular due to its amenities and train station. Giethoorn scores a 7.5 from residents and attracts buyers seeking peace and nature. Blokzijl is popular for its historic character. Each village has its own atmosphere: compare the neighbourhood scores on the municipal page to see which area suits you.
Is Steenwijkerland a good place to buy a home?
Residents rate Steenwijkerland an 8.0 out of 10. Strong points are the greenery (8.6), safety (8.4), and the beauty of the surroundings (8.3). The WOZ value is €309,000 and the labour participation rate is 66%. It is an attractive municipality for those seeking space, nature, and affordability, although amenities in smaller villages are limited.
What are the additional costs when buying a home in Steenwijkerland?
Expect 4 to 6% on top of the purchase price. This includes transfer tax (2%, or 0% with the starter exemption for buyers under 35 for homes up to €510,000), notary fees, valuation costs, and possibly estate agent fees. With an average purchase price of €481,125, this amounts to approximately €19,000 to €29,000 in additional costs.
How accessible is Steenwijkerland?
Steenwijk has a train station with direct connections to Zwolle (30 minutes) and Leeuwarden. Via the A32 you are quickly on the A28 towards Amersfoort or Groningen. However, from smaller villages like Giethoorn, Kalenberg, or Belt-Schutsloot, you are dependent on the car. Residents rate accessibility an 8.2.
Can I search for owner-occupied homes by neighbourhood in Steenwijkerland?
Yes, on this page you can filter by location. Additionally, each village has its own page with the local housing supply and neighbourhood scores. This allows you to easily compare the supply in, for example, Steenwijk, Giethoorn, Blokzijl, or Kuinre.
How many homes are there in total in Steenwijkerland?
The municipality has 20,469 homes, of which 65% are owner-occupied and 34% are rental homes. About 26% of homes are owned by a housing association. The housing stock largely consists of detached and semi-detached homes, which fits the rural character of the municipality.
De Woldmeenthe is a nice place to live. It is green, quiet and safe. All amenities are within walking or cycling distance. A very nice area to grow up in, with many playgrounds, cycle paths, greenery and water. There is no problem with litter and the greenery is well maintained. The streets are also wide and very clear.
Auto-translated to English by AICosy neighbourhood and a safe neighbourhood, we really enjoy living here!!
Auto-translated to English by AIMy experience in this neighbourhood is that it is one of the safest neighbourhoods in the Steenwijk area, although there is slight nuisance from drug dealing and junkies who go into, for example, the park at the popular pond.
Auto-translated to English by AINice neighbourhood to live in, people are very much to themselves. Few playgrounds that look decent for small children. Very good schools though. An Albert Heijn and a snack bar and the centre a 20-minute walk away... Bus facilities I personally don't find very convenient.
Auto-translated to English by AITuk is a quiet place. The people are friendly but also keep to themselves. The only downside is the park near the Karre, where many drunk young people hang around. There is also often litter there and there are no bins nearby. But that's really the only major drawback. Tuk has a playground made from natural materials, which is good. Furthermore, it is easily accessible and you can do quite a lot here. You can go bowling, play tennis, go to the gym, a chip shop/bar, and more. It's a nice neighbourhood for families because there is also a primary school nearby and a secondary school is a 15-minute bike ride away.
Auto-translated to English by AIWonderfully quiet living. No buses running at the weekends.
Auto-translated to English by AIBy bike you're straight into De Weerribben or the woods. Giethoorn easily accessible
Auto-translated to English by AIBeautiful neighbourhood, child-friendly. Small village but not far from the towns of Steenwijk and Wolvega: 6 km! Wooded area but also Giethoorn a 20-minute drive away. Cycle to the Weerribben or swim in De Linde near Wolvega! Living in the heart; Willemsoord!
Auto-translated to English by AI
