Finding a home
Finding a House, Apartment, or Room in Rotterdam
The Difficulty of Finding Housing in the Netherlands
Finding a home in Rotterdam —and in the Netherlands in general— can be one of the most complicated and time-consuming tasks.
The housing shortage is considered by the Dutch to be the biggest problem after COVID-19.
Due to the lack of supply in the market, prices have skyrocketed in recent years, and the number of homeless people has doubled. This trend will probably continue for at least the next three years.
In 2022, Dutch universities advised international students not to come to the country without having secured accommodation, even if they had already been accepted.
In many cases, it is easier to find a job than permanent housing.
Recommendations for Finding Accommodation in Rotterdam
In addition to finding an apartment or a room, it is essential to make sure that the landlord allows registration at the municipality (gemeente). Many do not accept it, as registering a new person can increase their annual taxes by several hundred euros.
There are also landlords who prefer to rent unofficially to avoid declaring their income, which prevents the tenant from registering.
Beware of scams: due to the high demand, fraud is quite common. Never pay anything in advance unless there is a registered agency or a legal contract involved.
The safest way is to look for housing through registered real estate agencies. Although it may cost more, it guarantees a legal rental.
Indicative Prices
Studios: between €800 and €1,200 per month.
Shared rooms: around €500, not including gas, electricity, water, internet, or administrative fees.
Finding something cheaper is quite difficult.
Most agencies charge an initial deposit to access their database. Don’t limit yourself to just one application: the more you send, the better your chances.
Agencies and Platforms to Find Housing in Rotterdam
Real Estate Agencies
Rotsvast Rotterdam. Rental of studios and small apartments. Watertorenweg 336. Visit their website via this link.
Kamernet. Specialists in finding shared rooms for rent and small apartments. They have a database of landlords who rent out one of their rooms. Visit their website via this link.
Kamers. Same offer as Kamernet. Both require an initial payment to access their database. Visit their website via this link.
Livable. This organization acts as an intermediary between students and volunteer organizations. Students can live in a retirement home at a low cost in exchange for helping out. There are more options through various organizations. Probably more focused on local students. Visit their website via this link.
Woonbron. Another website offering apartments for rent. Visit their website via this link.
Anti-squat. Some agencies look for tenants to prevent squatting in offices, old schools, empty houses, etc. There might be a long waiting list, but it’s worth trying. Visit their websites here: Adhocbeheer and Villex.
Platforms to Search for Apartments and Rooms
Funda. The largest search engine for homes for sale, also listing rental options. Visit their website via this link.
Pararius. Another platform for rental apartments. Visit their website via this link.
Woonnet. Another platform with rental listings. Visit their website via this link.
Stadswonen Rotterdam. Platform that rents apartments, studios, and rooms. Visit their website via this link.
SSHXL. Apartments for students for both short and long stays. They require you to be registered in the municipality for at least 10 months. Visit their website via this link.
Rentanapartment. Website with houses and apartments for rent in several cities. Visit their website via this link.
Direct Wonen. Offers apartments, studios, and rooms. Visit their website via this link.
Papayo. Offers studios, apartments, boat accommodation, and rooms. Visit their website via this link.
The Social Hub Rotterdam. Long-term accommodation for students and professionals in an aparthotel-style complex. Visit their website via this link.
Huurstunt. Apartments, studios, rooms, and chalets. Visit their website via this link.
Huurzone. Offers rooms for students. Visit their website via this link.
123wonen. Apartments for rent in the Rotterdam area. Visit their website via this link.
Final Tips
Apply through several platforms at once to increase your chances.
Avoid payments without a contract or before visiting the property.
Make sure you can register at the municipality with your new
address.
Use official platforms and recognized agencies to avoid scams.