Finding a home

Finding a home in Rotterdam, and elsewhere in the country, can be one of the toughest and most time-consuming challenges.

Dutch people see the lack of housing as the biggest problem after COVID.

Because there aren’t enough homes available, prices have gone up a lot in recent years, and the number of homeless people has doubled.

The shortage of housing in the Netherlands will probably continue for at least another three years.

In 2023, Dutch universities advised international students that even if they were accepted into the university, if they didn’t have housing arranged, they should reconsider coming to the Netherlands.

Honestly, I think it’s easier to find a job than to find a permanent place to live.

Keep in mind that, apart from finding an apartment or room, you need to make sure the landlord allows you to register your address with the municipality. Many landlords don’t want to do this because it could mean paying higher taxes. There are also older people who live alone and prefer to get paid “under the table” to avoid reporting the income, so they don’t allow tenant registration either.

Another thing to consider is the increase in scams due to the high demand for housing. From my own experiences, my advice is to never pay anything upfront unless it’s a reputable agency with a proper contract.

The best option is to search through agencies. It might cost you more, but in the end, you’ll find a legal home.

Prices in Rotterdam can range from 800 to 1200 euros for a basic studio apartment. A shared room can easily cost around 500 euros, excluding utilities, internet, and administrative fees. It’s quite hard to find something cheaper.

Most agencies require an initial deposit to access their listings and arrange viewings. Don’t limit yourself to just one place; the more applications you submit, the better your chances.

Agencies to find a home in Rotterdam

Here are several real estate agencies that usually have apartments, studios, and rooms available for rent. It’s a competitive market. The sooner you solve your housing situation, the sooner you can focus on your work and studies.

Rotsvast Rotterdam. They rent out studios and small apartments. Their location is Watertorenweg 336. Visit their website using this link.

Kamernet. They specialize in finding shared rooms and small apartments. They have a database of landlords who rent out their rooms. Visit their website using this link.

Kamers. Like Kamernet, they also require an initial payment to access their database. Visit their website using this link.

Livable. This organization acts as a mediator between students and volunteer organizations. Students can live in a nursing home at a reduced price in exchange for assistance. There are other options available through different organizations. It’s mostly aimed at local students. Visit their website using this link.

Anti-squatting agencies. Some agencies look for tenants to prevent squatters from entering offices, old schools, vacant houses, etc. There might be a long waiting list, but it’s worth a try. Visit their website using this link. Adhocbeheer and Villex are some examples.

Wonbron. Another website with apartments for rent. Visit their website using this link.

Funda. The biggest website to find houses for sale. They also have rentals available. Visit their website through this link.

Pararius. Another website to search for rental apartments. Visit their website through this link.

Woonnet. Another platform with houses for rent. Visit their website through this link.

Stadswonen Rotterdam. A platform that rents out apartments, studios, and rooms. Visit their website through this link.

SSHXL. Apartments for students staying both short and long term. They require registration with the municipality for at least 10 months. Visit their website through this link.

Rentanapartment. A website with houses and apartments for rent in various cities. Visit their website through this link.

Direct Wonen. They have a selection of apartments, studios, and rooms. Visit their website through this link.

Papayo. They offer studios, apartments, boat accommodations, and rooms. Visit their website through this link.

The Student Hotel. A chain of apartments designed for students, with all-inclusive amenities, in multiple European cities. Visit their website through this link.

Huurstunt. Apartments, studios, rooms, and chalets. Visit their website through this link.

Huurzone. Rooms available for students. Visit their website through this link.

123wonen. Apartments for rent in the Rotterdam area. Visit their website through this link.

In addition to finding a home in Rotterdam, check these accommodations:

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