Apartment Rental Guide in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is pre-eminently a city of apartments. From the historic buildings in the city center where every floor is a separate dwelling, to the modern residential towers along the IJ. If you want to live in Amsterdam, chances are you'll end up in an apartment. But the offer is overwhelming, and the differences are vast. Are you looking for an elevator and a balcony, or are you content with a steep staircase for that unique atmosphere?

In this article, we specifically zoom in on the apartment market. We look at the different types of high-rise and low-rise buildings, the neighborhoods with the most offerings, and how you can find your ideal floor through HousingMatchers amidst all the hustle and bustle of the housing market.

Why choose an apartment in Amsterdam?

The choice for an apartment in Amsterdam is often a choice for location and convenience. Unlike single-family homes, which are mainly found in the outer rings, apartments are often right in the middle of life. You live above shops, overlook busy streets, or have views over the water.

Additionally, the supply is simply larger. The city is densely built. Whether you are a starter looking for a studio, or a couple looking for a spacious penthouse: the apartment market offers the most options. Exterior maintenance is often arranged (especially in complexes), which ensures carefree living.

What types of apartments will you encounter?

When you start searching, you'll come across various terms. In historic districts like Oud-West and De Pijp, you'll see many 'etages' (floors). These are floors in older buildings. They often have high ceilings and large windows, but can sometimes be noisy.

In newer areas, such as along the banks of the IJ or in the Zuidas, you'll find modern flats and residential towers. Here you can expect elevators, good insulation, and often your own outdoor space like a balcony or loggia. Specifically in Amsterdam, you also see many 'souterrains' (half below street level) or dwellings on the 'bel-etage' (slightly above street level). Each type has its own price tag and living comfort.

Living on the Prinsengracht: 85m² with elevator

€2,750 / month

Prinsengracht, Amsterdam

1

85 m²

1/14/2026

Apartment

Stadionkade: 97m² with two balconies

€2,850 / month

Stadionkade, Amsterdam

3

97 m²

1/31/2026

Apartment

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2-bedroom apartment on Oostenburg

€1,780 / month

Wijnsilostraat 64, Amsterdam

81 m²

Apartment

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Spacious living in the Eastern Docklands

€1,680 / month

Bottelarijstraat 253, Amsterdam

89 m²

Immediately

Apartment

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Apartment in the Eastern Docklands

€1,840 / month

Mortelstraat 50, Amsterdam

Immediately

Apartment

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Apartment on the Zuidas: 67 m²

€1,663 / month

Gustav Mahlerlaan 187, Amsterdam

67 m²

Immediately

Apartment

How do I find apartments in the free sector?

Most people currently looking for a home are dependent on the free sector. Here, rents are higher, but you don't need years of registration time. The supply in the free sector changes rapidly. An apartment that comes online in the morning can already be fully booked for viewings by the afternoon.

It's smart to automate your search. Through HousingMatchers, you can specifically filter by 'apartment' or 'studio'. This way, you won't get single-family homes in your results, keeping your overview clear.

In which neighborhoods do you find the best offerings?

Not every neighborhood has the same type of apartments. In the city center, the offerings are often old and monumental. Would you prefer new construction with an elevator? Then you'll need to broaden your search.

In boroughs like Zuidoost and Nieuw-West, there are many larger apartment complexes. Here, you often get more square meters for your money, and the chance of a parking spot is greater. Areas like KNSM-eiland or IJburg were specifically built with apartments in mind; here you'll find modern architecture and plenty of water. The Zuidas is emerging as a residential area with luxury apartments for those who love a metropolitan, almost American atmosphere.

What should I pay attention to regarding the rent?

When renting an apartment, the rent is often composed of two parts: the basic rent and the service costs. This is an important difference from renting an entire house.

How does searching for an apartment via HousingMatchers work?

The HousingMatchers platform is designed to give you a complete overview. Because apartments are often offered by various real estate agents, it's easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. We collect everything in one place.

You start with a broad search query: 'Apartment Amsterdam'. Then you can refine it. Do you want at least 2 bedrooms? Should there be an outdoor space? By smartly filtering, you only see properties that fit your lifestyle. It is advisable to turn on notifications. This way, you'll be among the first to know when a new apartment becomes available in your favorite neighborhood.

What are the income and contract requirements?

Landlords of apartments, especially in complexes owned by large investors, often apply strict income requirements. A gross monthly income of 3.5 to 4 times the monthly rent is not uncommon.

The advantage of renting in larger complexes is that the process is often professional. There are clear procedures. With private landlords in older buildings, the process can sometimes be more personal, but also more disorganized. Make sure your file (employer's statement, pay slips) is complete before you go for a viewing. For apartments, the competition is fierce, so those with their documents in order have a head start.

Is a studio a good alternative?

If the prices for an apartment with a bedroom are too high, a studio is an option. Here, you sleep and live in the same space. Many studios can be found in Amsterdam, especially in transformed office buildings in the city's outlying areas.

This is often a more affordable way to still live independently within the ring. For starters, this is often the only stepping stone into the Amsterdam housing market without having to leave the city.

What makes living on the NDSM-wharf or along the IJ unique?

Specifically worth mentioning are the areas along the water. The NDSM-wharf in Noord and the Houthavens in West are places where old industry is making way for modern apartments.

Here you live in an environment that is constantly developing. The apartments often have large windows and spectacular views over the city and the water. It's a different kind of Amsterdam than the canal belt: more spacious, windier, but with immense freedom. The ferry connections mean you can still reach the city center quickly.

How do I increase my chances of a viewing?

The market is fast-paced. Do you see an apartment you like? Respond immediately. Write a short motivation explaining who you are and that you meet the income requirements.

For apartments, we often invite the first 10 to 20 responders. There's no point in waiting three days to respond; by then, the list is already full. Speed is key in Amsterdam.

Experienced rental agent

Also make sure you are flexible with viewing times. These often take place during office hours.

Key points to remember:

• Type: Choose between old construction (atmosphere, city center) and new construction (comfort, suburbs).
• Costs: In addition to rent, expect service costs, especially in complexes with elevators.
• Speed: The turnover rate of apartments is high; use alerts via HousingMatchers.
• Documents: Make sure your income data is ready for immediate submission.
• Location: Also look at emerging areas like Noord and Zuidoost for more space.