Renting a Home in Philipsdorp and Tuindorp, Eindhoven

Philipsdorp and Tuindorp together form the largest and best-preserved example of Philips workers' housing in Eindhoven. Those considering renting a home in Philipsdorp or Tuindorp opt for architectural history within walking distance of the city center. Philipsdorp has approximately 3,225 inhabitants (2023), Tuindorp approximately 2,875 (2024).

Red Brick and White Facades

Philipsdorp is one of the first garden villages in the Netherlands. Between 1910 and 1918, Philips built workers' houses here opposite the light bulb factory on Emmasingel. Red brick terraced houses with private gardens, large enough for a vegetable patch. The streets are named after women from the Philips family: Annastraat, Johannastraat, Henriettestraat. The second construction phase, the Bazelbuurt, was designed by architect Karel de Bazel and is a municipal monument.

Tuindorp, commonly known as the Witte Dorp (White Village), is from a different generation. Architect Willem Dudok designed an ensemble of 265 homes here between 1937-1939 in the style of Nieuwe Zakelijkheid (New Objectivity). White plastered facades, clean lines, and a functional layout. The entire Witte Dorp has been designated a national monument since 2001. Living here means living in a protected ensemble. Renovations require a permit.

Monuments, Rental Properties, and Strict Rules

Philipsdorp features terraced houses and semi-detached homes. The average WOZ (property value) is around 365,000 euros. The Witte Dorp has an average WOZ value of 393,000 euros. In Tuindorp, about 51% of the homes are rental properties.

Living in a national monument or protected cityscape has consequences. You cannot simply change the facade. Window frames, colors, and materials are fixed. This keeps the neighborhoods intact but limits the freedom of residents. On the other hand, you live in an environment that will likely look exactly the same in a hundred years.

Rental property availability is limited. Most homes are occupied for a long time. When something becomes available, it goes quickly. The neighborhoods attract residents who value architecture, history, and a close-knit community.

Emmasingel, City Center, and Station within Cycling Distance

Philipsdorp borders Emmasingel, Eindhoven's historic Philips axis. The city center can be reached in five minutes by bike. Eindhoven Central Station is one and a half to two kilometers away. Bus lines stop along Emmasingel.

Tuindorp is located directly next to Philipsdorp, on the same side of the railway line. Accessibility is similar: central, compact, and well-connected. A car is not necessary here; parking is limited, and street parking fits the historic scale of the streets.

Neighborhood Life and the Philips Heritage

Historically, Philipsdorp and Tuindorp were self-sufficient. Philips built not only houses but also shops, a bread factory, a bathhouse, and schools. That paternalistic model has disappeared, but the compact layout lives on. The neighborhoods are small enough to get to know your neighbors.

The Witte Dorp has an active residents' association that manages its heritage. Philipsdorp has its protected cityscape status as an anchor. Daily amenities are a short distance away in the city center. Primary schools and childcare are available in the area.

What to Consider

Availability is scarce. Most homes are owner-occupied or have long-term residents. Those who want to rent here must be patient and monitor multiple channels.

The monumental status is both a blessing and a limitation. You live in a protected environment, but you can change little. No new dormer window, no different facade color, no window frames of a different material without a permit. That doesn't suit everyone.

The homes were built in a different era. The rooms are smaller than in new builds, insulation is less, and the layout is different from modern standards. On the other hand, there is the atmosphere, the details, and the realization that you are living in a special place. Make sure your documents are ready and respond immediately when something appears on the market.