Where are the best neighborhoods to buy in Netherlands?

Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Netherlands Property Pack

Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our The Netherlands Property Pack

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INVESTROPA

A team specialized in real estate investing in European countries

We are a team of financial experts, legal professionals, developers, and local real estate specialists dedicated to helping people like you avoid mistakes when investing in real estate in a foreign place, particularly in the Netherlands. If you'd like to learn more about us, you can check our presentation page.

How this content was created 🔎📝

At INVESTROPA, we explore the Dutch real estate market every day. Our team doesn't just analyze data from a distance—we're actively engaging with local realtors, investors, and property managers in cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht. This hands-on approach allows us to gain a deep understanding of the market from the inside out.

These observations are originally based on what we've learned through these conversations and our observations. But it was not enough. To back them up, we also needed to rely on trusted resources

We prioritize accuracy and authority. Trends lacking solid data or expert validation were excluded.

Trustworthiness is central to our work. Every source and citation is clearly listed, ensuring transparency. A writing AI-powered tool was used solely to refine readability and engagement.

To make the information accessible, our team designed custom infographics that clarify key points. We hope you will like them! All illustrations and media were created in-house and added manually.

How much does the average price per square meter vary between major Dutch cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, and The Hague?

Property prices per square meter show dramatic differences across the Netherlands' four largest cities as of September 2025.

Amsterdam remains the most expensive market at €8,384 per square meter, reflecting its status as the capital and international business hub. Utrecht follows as the second most expensive at approximately €7,000-€7,500 per square meter, driven by its central location and university presence.

The Hague offers more moderate pricing at €5,860 per square meter, making it attractive for government workers and international organizations. Rotterdam presents the most affordable option among major cities at €5,350 per square meter, offering excellent value for investors seeking higher rental yields.

The national average for owner-occupied properties ranges between €3,722-€4,700 per square meter, highlighting how significantly the major cities exceed typical Dutch property values.

It's something we develop in our Netherlands property pack.

Which neighborhoods in the Netherlands have shown the strongest property value growth in the last five years?

Five neighborhoods stand out for exceptional property value appreciation between 2020 and 2025.

Strijp-S in Eindhoven leads growth due to massive tech sector expansion and urban redevelopment projects transforming the former Philips industrial site. Leiden Bio Science Park has experienced surging demand from academic institutions and biotechnology companies establishing operations there.

Spoorzone in Tilburg shows remarkable growth through major mixed-use developments and improved transport connections. Katendrecht in Rotterdam benefits from comprehensive urban renewal initiatives and rising lifestyle desirability among young professionals.

Schalkwijk in Haarlem attracts commuters seeking affordable alternatives to Amsterdam while maintaining excellent public transport access. These neighborhoods typically show 15-25% value increases over the five-year period, significantly outperforming national averages.

What are the rental yields right now in the most popular Dutch cities for both apartments and single-family homes?

Rotterdam and The Hague currently offer the strongest rental yields in the Dutch market.

City	Apartment Yield	Single-Family Home Yield
Rotterdam	7.03%	6.8%
The Hague	7.10%	6.9%
Utrecht	6.2%	5.8%
Amsterdam	5.00%	4.7%
National Average	6.38%	6.0%
Eindhoven	6.8%	6.5%
Haarlem	6.1%	5.9%

Which neighborhoods offer the best balance between affordability and accessibility to city centers by public transport?

Several neighborhoods excel at combining reasonable property prices with excellent transport connections.

Schalkwijk in Haarlem provides direct train access to Amsterdam Central Station in 15 minutes while maintaining property prices 25-30% below Amsterdam levels. Rotterdam Zuid and Katendrecht offer affordable entry points with metro and tram connections reaching Rotterdam Centraal within 10-15 minutes.

Utrecht's Leidsche Rijn combines modern housing developments with dedicated bus rapid transit and future light rail connections to Utrecht Central Station. The Hague's Ypenburg provides affordable family housing with excellent tram links to Den Haag Centraal and direct connections to Schiphol Airport.

These areas typically offer property prices 20-40% below their respective city centers while maintaining commute times under 30 minutes to major employment hubs.

How do crime rates differ across Dutch neighborhoods that are popular with buyers?

Crime rates vary significantly between established residential areas and newly developed neighborhoods across popular Dutch property markets.

Newly regenerated areas like Katendrecht in Rotterdam and Strijp-S in Eindhoven show improving safety statistics but may experience higher minor crime rates during transition periods. Central Amsterdam neighborhoods, particularly around tourist areas, report elevated petty theft incidents but maintain low violent crime rates.

Established family neighborhoods such as Benoordenhout in The Hague, Amstelveen near Amsterdam, and residential sections of Utrecht consistently show the lowest crime statistics across all categories. These areas benefit from strong community watch programs and well-established local policing.

Tech hub areas around universities and business districts typically maintain moderate crime rates with excellent emergency response times due to higher police presence during business hours.

Which areas in the Netherlands have the highest concentration of international schools and expat-friendly services?

Amsterdam South and The Hague region dominate international education and expat services infrastructure.

1. **Amsterdam Zuid and Amstelveen** - Home to multiple international schools including Amsterdam International School and British School of Amsterdam, plus extensive English-speaking healthcare and legal services 2. **The Hague (Wassenaar, Benoordenhout)** - Highest concentration of international schools serving diplomatic families, with comprehensive expat support networks 3. **Rotterdam business districts** - Growing international school network around port and tech sectors, with increasing English-language services 4. **Eindhoven (Strijp-S area)** - Expanding international education options supporting tech industry workers and their families 5. **Utrecht Science Park vicinity** - International schools and services developing around university and research facilities

These areas typically offer 3-5 international school options within 30 minutes travel time, plus English-speaking medical practices, legal services, and banking support.

What are the upcoming infrastructure projects or urban developments that could increase property values in certain Dutch neighborhoods?

Major infrastructure and development projects scheduled for completion by 2027-2030 will significantly impact property values in targeted neighborhoods.

Spoorzone in Tilburg continues major residential and mixed-use development phases, with new shopping centers and improved rail connections planned. Rotterdam Zuid benefits from the ongoing Feyenoord City project, creating a new stadium district with luxury residential towers and commercial spaces.

Katendrecht in Rotterdam sees continued waterfront regeneration with high-end residential developments and cultural venues. Leiden Bio Science Park expansion includes new research facilities and housing specifically designed for international researchers and students.

Amsterdam Zuid and West districts receive significant transport upgrades including new metro extensions and expanded bus rapid transit networks, while Utrecht Science Park develops additional student housing and tech company headquarters.

It's something we develop in our Netherlands property pack.

Which neighborhoods near universities or tech hubs have the strongest demand from students and young professionals?

University and tech hub proximity drives consistent rental demand in specific Dutch neighborhoods.

1. **Leiden Bio Science Park** - Biotech companies and Leiden University create high-paying tenant pools for rental properties 2. **Eindhoven Strijp-S** - Former Philips site now houses major tech companies and attracts international professionals with above-average incomes 3. **Amsterdam De Pijp and Oud-West** - Close to VU University and tech startup concentrations, popular with international students and young professionals 4. **Utrecht Science Park area** - Utrecht University and multiple research institutes generate steady student and researcher housing demand 5. **Delft University vicinity** - Technical University of Delft creates strong demand for both student housing and young professional rentals

These areas maintain occupancy rates above 95% for appropriate rental properties and command premium rents 10-20% above comparable neighborhoods without university proximity.

We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in the Netherlands versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.

How do property taxes and annual maintenance costs vary between municipalities in the Netherlands?

Property taxes and maintenance costs show significant variation across Dutch municipalities based on local tax rates and property values.

Municipality	Annual Property Tax Rate	Average Maintenance Costs
Amsterdam	0.8-1.2% of WOZ value	€2,200-€3,500/year
The Hague	0.7-1.1% of WOZ value	€1,900-€2,800/year
Rotterdam	0.6-0.9% of WOZ value	€1,600-€2,400/year
Utrecht	0.7-1.0% of WOZ value	€1,800-€2,600/year
Eindhoven	0.5-0.8% of WOZ value	€1,400-€2,100/year
Haarlem	0.7-1.0% of WOZ value	€1,700-€2,500/year
Smaller municipalities	0.4-0.7% of WOZ value	€1,200-€1,900/year

Which neighborhoods provide the best long-term value for families considering green spaces, schools, and healthcare access?

Four neighborhoods consistently rank highest for family-oriented long-term property investment in the Netherlands.

Benoordenhout in The Hague combines excellent international schools, abundant green spaces including nearby forests and beaches, and proximity to world-class medical facilities. Amstelveen near Amsterdam offers top-rated Dutch and international schools, the Amsterdamse Bos park system, and direct access to Amsterdam's medical centers.

Hilversum provides exceptional value with extensive forest areas, quality local schools, and strong healthcare infrastructure at property prices 30-40% below Amsterdam levels. Wassenaar near The Hague offers premium family living with international schools, coastal access, and prestigious medical facilities.

These areas maintain property value stability during market downturns while showing consistent 3-5% annual appreciation over 10-year periods, making them ideal for family-focused long-term investment.

What is the average time properties stay on the market in different Dutch neighborhoods?

Market absorption rates vary dramatically between neighborhood types and price points across the Netherlands.

Central Amsterdam, Utrecht center, and The Hague Zuid experience the shortest listing periods, with properties typically selling within 2-4 weeks of listing due to high demand and limited supply. Well-connected suburban areas like Amstelveen and Haarlem see average market times of 4-6 weeks.

High-growth neighborhoods such as Strijp-S Eindhoven and Katendrecht Rotterdam move properties quickly, often within 3-5 weeks as buyers recognize value opportunities. More affordable areas in Rotterdam and outer districts of major cities typically require 6-10 weeks for successful sales.

Premium family neighborhoods like Wassenaar and Benoordenhout may stay on market longer (8-12 weeks) due to higher prices but attract serious buyers with strong financing capabilities.

Which coastal or suburban areas around the Netherlands are becoming attractive alternatives to city-center living?

Six coastal and suburban areas show increasing popularity as alternatives to expensive city-center living.

Bloemendaal offers luxury coastal living with direct beach access and 20-minute train connections to Amsterdam, attracting high-income professionals seeking space and nature. Zandvoort combines beachfront lifestyle with excellent Amsterdam transport links, popular among remote workers and families.

Scheveningen in The Hague provides coastal living with urban amenities, offering larger properties at lower per-square-meter costs than city centers. Amstelveen continues growing as an Amsterdam alternative with international school access and green spaces.

Haarlem maintains strong appeal with historic charm, cultural amenities, and direct Amsterdam connections while offering 20-30% lower property costs. Hilversum attracts families seeking nature access, quality schools, and reasonable commuting distances to major employment centers.

It's something we develop in our Netherlands property pack.

Conclusion

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.

Sources

1. Global Property Guide - Netherlands Price History
2. Investropa - Netherlands Real Estate Market
3. Expatica - Cost of Living in Netherlands
4. Global Property Guide - Netherlands Buying Guide
5. Investropa - Netherlands Which Area
6. Global Property Guide - Netherlands Rental Yields
7. Pararius - Rental Report Q1 2025
8. Grant Graham - Housing Shortages Netherlands