Main housing types

Choosing a suitable place to live is an important
decision for every expat coming in the
Netherlands. Nevertheless, there is a variety of
housing types available:

› Apartments
Renting an apartment is probably the best option
for those looking for privacy. A self-contained
apartment is ideal for professionals or even
students but pricing might be an issue.

› Houses
Renting an entire house is a wise choice for
families and those eager to share a property with
friends or colleagues. Especially expats should
examine thoroughly the terms and conditions of
the rental contract and provide guarantees
regarding their ability to pay.

› Student house
The vast majority of students in the Netherlands
rent rooms in student houses, which are
privately-owned houses designed to host 3-6
students. Living with strangers and following the
house rules might be difficult at first, but nearly
all adapt over time.

› Student apartment
As a rule, student flats offer private bedrooms
and shared facilities (living room, kitchen,
bathroom etc). These apartments are a bit
cheaper than student houses but usually host
8-12 tenants.

› University housing
Most Dutch universities offer student apartments
and/or student houses through their housing
office. Although both price and facilities are more
or less the same as the privately-owned ones,
university housing offers expats the opportunity
to meet other (international) students and thus,
quickly expand their social circle.

Nevertheless, given the dramatic shortage of
student housing, expats should apply for a
student house as soon as possible.

› Landlord hosting
It is common for landlords or even families to
rent out part of their houses to students and
young professionals. You might have to comply
with the strict family rules (especially when it
comes to boyfriends/girlfriends) but you will
probably enjoy family-cooked meal every day.

› Squat & anti-squat
Living in a squat is anything but rare in the
Netherlands. Although not really official, you can
find a cheap room and have the opportunity to
meet really interesting people.

On the other hand, it is also possible to anti-
squat. Landlords rent out rooms of unoccupied
buildings in extremely low prices so that their
houses are not occupied by squatters! Yet, anti-
squats in the Netherlands are extremely hard to
find and most of the times tenants have to equip
the house themselves.