Housing in the Netherlands: How to Find a Place (Guide for Expats 2026)

Already found a place? Read our renting guide.

Why housing in the Netherlands is so difficult

The Netherlands is facing a serious housing shortage, making it very difficult to find housing. Especially in bigger cities like Amsterdam, Utrecht or Rotterdam, where vacant apartments are scarce. Most rental properties are taken within one or two days of being listed. In many cases, you will be competing with up to 50 other applicants, which significantly reduces your chances. 

Another major hurdle is the presence of scammers who take advantage of the housing shortage. It is often safer to be physically present in the Netherlands when searching for accommodation so that you can make a better assessment. Consider making a preliminary trip before your actual move. If that is not feasible, make full use of available resources, such as support from your future employer or university, or consider hiring a real estate agent. Since finding accommodation will likely be your biggest challenge, it is also important to start the process as early as possible.

Never pay for an apartment you haven’t seen before. Read more about it in Mathilde’s story.

Step-by-step: How to find housing in the Netherlands

Finding housing in the Netherlands can be tough, but this step-by-step guide will help you get settled in this beautiful country of cheese and tulips in no time.

1. Define your preferred housing situation

Your ideal housing situation depends on your personal circumstances and how long you plan to stay in the Netherlands. Are you moving as a student, for a new job, or with your family? The most common options are renting or buying a home. Temporary housing can be a good choice, especially at the beginning. Short-term housing like Airbnb or housesitting with sites like Trustedhousesitters.com allows you to settle in and take your time to find a suitable long-term option.

Good to know: 

• Shared accommodation is common in the Netherlands, not only among students but also among young professionals. Students usually don’t live on campus but often share accommodation with other students or young professionals in the city. 
• Manage your expectations: student housing and shared apartments are not always well-maintained, rooms can be small, and prices are still relatively high. Unfortunately, that’s the downside of living in a “tiny” country like the Netherlands.

2. Start looking for suitable housing

Now that you know what you’re looking for, you can actually start looking. The internet is a good place to begin—but where exactly should you look? There are general housing websites used by locals, as well as platforms specifically aimed at expats, although the latter are usually more expensive. You’ll find a complete list of the best housing websites below.

Also look for real estate agents and agencies in your preferred neighbourhood and sign up for their newsletters. In many cases, you don’t need to pay upfront; you only pay when you decide to respond to a listing.

Even though Facebook is on the wane as a social media platform by 2026, it is still quite relevant for house hunting in the Netherlands. There are multiple Facebook groups for available housing in every city. Try the search term ‘kamer huren in [insert your city]’ or ‘appartement huren in [insert your city]’, join the groups and drop your request. Check the FAQs below for more concrete examples.

If you are moving as a student, there are also dedicated options for student housing. You’ll find an updated list in the FAQs of this page.

3. Reply to as many listings as possible

Once you have located interesting housing vacancies, you should start replying immediately. As most houses are taken within days (sometimes even hours) after listing, be prepared to respond to many listings before securing a place. In most cases, you’ll need to be able to act quickly and view properties the same day or the next. Make it a habit to check new listings first thing in the morning and respond promptly to several suitable options.

To increase your chances, prepare a short introductory message in advance that you can quickly personalise for each listing. Include key details such as your employment status, income, and desired move-in date. Landlords often prioritise complete and professional responses. Also make sure to have documents like proof of income, ID, and references ready to share immediately. Finally, don’t let rejections or lack of replies discourage you—competition is high, and persistence is often the deciding factor.

4. Visit house viewings

Hopefully your efforts pay off soon and lead to invitations for a couple of house viewings. The viewings will look different for different housing situations. Students often organise so-called ‘hospiteeravonden’, which are group viewings with potential new roommates. Rental property viewings are often organised as open houses, with many other candidates attending at the same time.

Regardless of the format of the viewing, making a strong first impression is essential. Arrive on time, dress neatly, and be ready to briefly introduce yourself and your situation. Ask relevant questions about the property, contract terms, and additional costs. Also make sure to ask the estate agent how many viewings and offers there have been. This information is not only essential for your knowledge, but it also shows genuine interest, which can be beneficial.

5. Follow up quickly

After the viewing, follow up promptly to express your interest—this can help you stand out from other candidates. Unfortunately, bidding above the listed rent is becoming increasingly common, especially in cities like Amsterdam, where housing shortages are particularly severe. It is unfortunately not uncommon for applicants to offer up to €300 more per month. It’s not the ideal situation, but subject to certain conditions it is legal in the private sector. So if you’ve got a bit of wiggle room in your budget and you’ve really fallen in love with a place, this could be an option.

6. Consider a real estate agent or housing agency

As finding housing on your own can be challenging, there are many real estate agents and rental agencies that can assist you in your housing search in the Netherlands. Naturally, these come with extra costs but are worthwhile if you are house hunting in especially desired areas or if you’re unable to check the apartments out in person.

Start with subscribing to the newsletter of real estate agents and agencies in your preferred area. Like this, you’ll quickly find out which listings sound appealing to you and are in your price range.

Good to know:

• The Netherlands distinguishes between real estate agents who specialise in rentals (“huurmakelaars”) and those who specialise in buying homes (“aankoopmakelaars”).
• There are also real estate agents who specialise in expat housing; however, they tend to be a bit more expensive. You’ll discover a list in the FAQ section below.

Best websites to find housing

There are many housing websites in the Netherlands to search for affordable apartments.

• The most common ones are Kamernet (for rooms), Funda (mainly for buying a house, but also rentals), Pararius and Direct Wonen.
• There are some new providers on the market like Huurflits, Rentslam and snelwonen.
• Holland2stay, Spacest, XPAT Rentals, Only Expats and HousingAnywhere specialise in expat housing and often offer furnished apartments in addition to standard rentals.

Here’s an overview of all housing websites in the Netherlands in alphabetical order:

Bear in mind that the competition is higher on free sites. Considering a couple of the reputable paid ones could quickly pay off.

Types of housing explained

There are several types of housing in the Netherlands: From shared rooms to fully furnished apartments, each option comes with its own costs, requirements, and level of privacy. Understanding these housing types will help you choose the option that best fits your budget, lifestyle, and how long you plan to stay in the Netherlands.

Student Housing/Shared Housing

As mentioned above, shared housing is a common and affordable option, driven not only by the housing shortage in the Netherlands but also by its social appeal. These typically involve renting a private room in a shared apartment or house, while others share facilities like the kitchen and bathroom. Shared housing is a budget-friendly option that provides a social living environment and many chances to make friends. Most shared housing options are listed on Kamernet. There are also associations specialised in student housing, like SSH, DUWO and ROOM. 

Rentals/furnished apartments

If you prefer more privacy than shared housing but are not ready to buy a home, renting is an excellent option. In the Netherlands, you can choose between furnished, semi-furnished, and unfurnished apartments. As an expat, you may not have brought your furniture or household items, making furnished or semi-furnished apartments an ideal choice—especially if you plan to stay in the Netherlands for a fixed period. Check out the table above for platforms that offer furnished rentals.

The alternative is ‘kale huur‘, which means an unfurnished apartment. In the Netherlands, this often means the property is delivered without furniture and, in some cases, even without flooring, curtains, or light fixtures. Some apartments may also be delivered without a fully equipped kitchen. Unfurnished apartments are far more common than furnished rentals and are generally more affordable. If you plan to stay in the Netherlands for the long term, renting an unfurnished apartment is usually the most cost-effective option.

Good to know: To be eligible to rent an apartment in the Netherlands, you must meet certain income requirements. In most cases, your gross monthly income must be three to four times the monthly rent, which can be challenging for many renters.

Read more about renting in the Netherlands in our complete Renting Guide.

Buying a house

Renting accommodation in the Netherlands offers flexibility and is likely more accessible in the short term. However, if you are planning to stay longer or relocate indefinitely, buying a house in the Netherlands is pretty common and an excellent financial investment. But of course, there is a lot to consider. In the Netherlands, you typically buy a house through a real estate agent, so finding one in your region might be a good starting point.

Temporary housing options

Temporary housing is an ideal option for your first couple of months in the Netherlands or if you plan to stay for a limited period. As mentioned above, the Dutch housing market is highly competitive, making it challenging to secure a permanent place right away. Arranging temporary housing for your first one or two months allows you to attend viewings on short notice, which gives you a clear advantage and helps you make a strong impression on landlords in person. It also allows you to assess whether a listing is legitimate and avoid potential scams. Keep in mind that these solutions are often more expensive, so make sure to reserve a larger portion of your start-up budget for the housing. One exception can be house sitting, which may offer a more affordable alternative.

Short-stays

There are plenty of short-stay options available, such as holiday rentals, long-term Airbnb stays, and hostels. These options offer flexibility and are ideal for bridging the gap while you search for more permanent housing.

• Airbnb ⇾ discount if you rent for one month or more
• Long-stay hotels like Hotel Jansen in Amsterdam or The Social Hub
• Stayokay ⇾ hostels in most big cities
• Wimdu ⇾ cheap holiday apartments

Housesitting

Housesitting could be an excellent temporary solution if you are willing to look after a house, including pets and plants. Housesitting has become more popular in the last couple of years, as it is a win-win situation for the absent house owner and the house sitter. A house sitter is not only taking care of the plants, cats, dogs, and goldfish but also increasing the risk of break-ins if someone is looking after the house. In return, the house sitter gets a cheap/free place to stay (or start their life in the Netherlands).

The most famous house-sitting site is Trustedhousesitters.com; other websites are Mindmyhouse.com and Housecarers.com. To register on housesitting websites, you usually pay an annual fee.

Tips to increase your chances to find housing in the Netherlands

The Dutch housing market is highly competitive, especially in major cities. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to improve your chances of success in your housing search.

1. Make sure that you’re on-site

Being able to attend viewings in person gives you a significant advantage. It allows landlords or letting agents to form a personal impression of you and gives you the opportunity to ask important questions. In addition, you can better assess whether a listing is legitimate and avoid potential scams.

2. Have your documents ready

To be considered for a listing, you typically need to submit several documents, including a copy of your passport, proof of income or a sponsor who will vouch for you, and your BSN number. If you want to get a listing, you need to be able to react quickly. If you still have to get your papers together, someone else might beat you to it.

3. Respond quickly

Respond quickly to listings, ideally within hours of their release. Treat the housing hunt like a job and reserve an hour each morning to scan new listings and react to the interesting ones.