Renting an Apartment in Haarlem: Living in the Capital of North Holland

Find your ideal place on the Spaarne or near the dunes.

Haarlem! The beautiful capital of North Holland, a city rich in history, culture, and coziness, located on the Spaarne and close to the coast. Does living in this charming city appeal to you, and are you considering renting an apartment in Haarlem? Finding a nice place to live here is a great step.

Apartments in Haarlem

The range of rental properties, particularly apartments, is diverse, from historic canal-side buildings to modern residential complexes. This guide will help you navigate the Haarlem housing market, specifically focusing on apartments. Discover the different neighborhoods, get practical tips for your search, and see how you can easily explore the current listings via HousingMatchers.nl. Start your search for the perfect apartment in Haarlem here!

Why is renting an apartment in Haarlem an attractive choice?

Haarlem offers a unique combination that appeals to many people. The city has a magnificent historic center with monumental buildings, the Grote Markt, the Sint-Bavokerk, and countless hidden courtyards. At the same time, it is a vibrant city with a wide range of shops (including unique boutiques in streets like the Gierstraat), excellent restaurants, cozy cafes, and cultural facilities. Its location on the Spaarne river and its proximity to both the dunes and the beach, as well as major cities like Amsterdam, make it an ideal location.

Choosing an apartment in Haarlem means enjoying this versatility. The atmosphere is often friendly; Haarlem residents are known for their hospitality. The city offers good amenities, beautiful parks such as the Haarlemmerhout, and a high quality of life. All of this makes Haarlem a very popular place to live, which sometimes makes the search for a suitable apartment challenging, but the living experience very worthwhile.

What types of apartments and homes can you find in Haarlem?

The range of living spaces in Haarlem is diverse.

Historic Living

Unique apartments in monumental buildings and upper-floor homes in the charming city center and Vijfhoek district.

Characterful

Multi-story homes in neighborhoods like Kleverpark and Leidsebuurt with a 1930s vibe.

Modern Comfort

Post-war complexes and flats in neighborhoods like Haarlem-Noord and Schalkwijk, often more affordably priced.

Are you specifically looking for an apartment? Then there are plenty of options. In the beautiful city center, you'll find many unique apartments in historic buildings, sometimes directly on a canal such as the Nieuwe Gracht or the Burgwal. These homes exude atmosphere but are often highly sought after and come with a higher rent. You'll also find upper-floor apartments above shops.

In the neighborhoods directly surrounding the center, such as the Vijfhoek, Kleverpark, or Haarlemmerhoutkwartier, you'll find a mix of characteristic multi-story homes and apartments in buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Further from the center, for example, in Haarlem-Noord or Schalkwijk, there is a greater supply of apartments in post-war complexes and flats, often at a more favorable monthly rate (€). From compact studios to spacious apartments with 2 bedrooms or more, and from unfurnished to fully furnished; the selection is wide. HousingMatchers.nl offers a good overview of all apartments in Haarlem.

Luxuriously renovated apartment in the heart of Haarlem

€1,663 / month

Grote Houtstraat, Haarlem
75 m²
Immediately
Apartment

3-story upper house in the Burgwal neighborhood

€2,400 / month

Spaarnwouderstraat, Haarlem
Immediately
Apartment

Fresh apartment with sunny balcony in Haarlem

€1,875 / month

Schotlandstraat 122, Haarlem
1/2/2026
Apartment

Spacious room near Haarlem station

€795 / month

Duvenvoordestraat, Haarlem
In consultation
Apartment

Renovated top-floor apartment with elevator

€2,650 / month

Wilhelminastraat, Haarlem
2
80 m²
4/30/2025
Apartment
Example Image

Available immediately: Vijfhuizerstraat Residence

€1,119 / month

Vijfhuizerstraat 22P, Haarlem
Immediately
Apartment

How do I start my search for an apartment in Haarlem?

Do you want to rent an apartment in Haarlem? A structured approach helps. Start by determining your budget and living preferences. What is the maximum rent you can afford (euros per month)? What type of apartment are you looking for (studio, multi-story, maisonette)? How many square meters and rooms (e.g., 1 or 2 bedrooms) do you need? Which neighborhoods appeal to you? Does the apartment need to be available immediately? A clear search query makes your search more efficient.

Online platforms like HousingMatchers.nl are essential for exploring the listings. You can view the current offer of rental homes and apartments in Haarlem for free. This offer comes from various real estate agents and private landlords. Use the filters to easily select by rental price, location, surface area, and other features. A smart tip is to set up search alerts. You will then receive a notification as soon as a new, suitable apartment becomes available that meets your wishes. Since popular apartments can be rented out quickly, this allows you to react immediately.

Renting in the free sector versus social housing in Haarlem

The rental market in Haarlem, like elsewhere, has a free sector and a social sector. Social housing is rented out by housing corporations at a lower rental price, but there are income limits and often very long waiting lists via systems like WoningNet.

Most immediately available apartments in Haarlem fall within the free sector. Here, the rental price is above the social housing limit, and landlords often set minimum income requirements. The advantage is a much larger and faster available supply of various homes. You have more choice of apartments in different neighborhoods and price ranges and can often find a home on shorter notice. HousingMatchers.nl focuses primarily on this current offer in the free sector, allowing you to easily search for available apartments.

What are attractive neighborhoods for renting an apartment in Haarlem?

Haarlem has many nice neighborhoods, each with unique characteristics.

  • Center (Binnenstad): Historic, lively, close to shops, restaurants, and the Spaarne. Primarily apartments and upper-floor homes, often in older buildings. Living on the Burgwal or Nieuwe Gracht is possible here.
  • Vijfhoek: Charming, village-like neighborhood in the center with narrow streets and characteristic living spaces.
  • Koninginnebuurt & Haarlemmerhoutkwartier: Stately, green neighborhoods south of the center, near the park. Mix of spacious homes and apartments.
  • Kleverparkkwartier: Popular neighborhood north of the station, much 1930s architecture, including apartments.
  • Leidsebuurt: Lively neighborhood west of the center, popular with starters and young people.
  • Schalkwijk: Large district with many amenities, a mix of high-rise (flats/apartments) and low-rise buildings, often more affordable.

Explore the neighborhoods that appeal to you. Pay attention to the atmosphere, amenities, accessibility (e.g., proximity to the station or main roads) and the type of apartments on offer. Consider locations such as Parklaan, Nassauplein, Jansstraat or the Floraplein area.

How do I find an affordable apartment in Haarlem?

Haarlem is a popular city, and rental prices, especially for apartments in desirable neighborhoods, are relatively high. However, there are ways to find affordable housing:

Apartments Price Breakdown in Haarlem

SizeAverageMedianPrice RangeAvailable
100-150
€2,476
€2,495€1,695 - €3,150
2
50-75
€1,585
€1,600€1,200 - €2,050
0 / 12
75-100
€2,120
€2,150€1,455 - €2,750
2
<50
€1,974
€1,950€790 - €4,800
18
100-150
2 available
Average
€2,476
Median€2,495
Price Range€1,695 - €3,150
50-75
0 / 12
Average
€1,585
Median€1,600
Price Range€1,200 - €2,050
75-100
2 available
Average
€2,120
Median€2,150
Price Range€1,455 - €2,750
<50
18 available
Average
€1,974
Median€1,950
Price Range€790 - €4,800
Prices are based on current market data and may vary
  • Location: Look outside the most expensive areas such as the Center, the Vijfhoek, or the Kleverpark. Neighborhoods like Haarlem-Oost or Schalkwijk often offer lower rental prices.
  • Type & size: A studio or a smaller apartment is generally cheaper than a spacious multi-story home with multiple bedrooms.
  • Filters: Use the price filters (€ per month) on HousingMatchers.nl accurately to see only listings within your budget.
  • Be quick: The affordable apartments are precisely the popular ones and are rented out quickly. Respond immediately to interesting offers.

Flexibility in your wishes and an active search attitude increase your chances of finding suitable and affordable rental housing in Haarlem.

Who offers apartments for rent in Haarlem?

The supply of rental apartments in Haarlem is provided by various parties. You can sometimes rent directly from a private landlord. This sometimes offers the possibility of direct contact with the owner. However, a large part of the rental, especially in the free sector, is arranged by professional rental agents or property managers. These agents know the local market well.

They place advertisements for apartments (for example, on this website, HousingMatchers.nl), organize viewings, screen potential tenants, and draw up rental contracts. Renting through a real estate agent often follows a structured process. Important: an agent who offers a property on behalf of the landlord may not charge you, the tenant, a mediation fee. Through HousingMatchers, you get an overview of apartments offered by various providers (agents and private individuals).

What is the process from viewing to contract for an apartment?

You've found an interesting apartment through your search, and a viewing is scheduled. Make sure you are on time and make a good impression. Critically view the property: pay attention to its condition, space, light, and neighborhood. Ask the real estate agent or landlord questions about the rental price, service charges, and conditions (e.g., whether pets are allowed).

If you like the apartment, indicate this quickly. Often, a screening follows, where you will need to provide documents (income, ID). If everything is in order and the landlord chooses you, you will receive the rental contract. Read this very carefully! Check all details: rental price, deposit, duration, rules. After signing and paying the first month's rent (€) and deposit, you will receive the keys to your new apartment in Haarlem.

Tips for expats looking for an apartment in Haarlem

Haarlem is also attractive for expats, partly due to its proximity to Amsterdam and Schiphol. Some tips:

  • Furnished/unfurnished: There are offerings of furnished or unfurnished apartments, which can be convenient. Use filters to search for these. Consider listings on Bellevuelaan or Rijksstraatweg.
  • Real estate agents: Some real estate agents in Haarlem specialize in helping expats.
  • Contract: Make sure you fully understand the Dutch rental contract.

Platforms like HousingMatchers.nl make searching easier and offer a wide range of options.

How do I maximize my chances of finding my ideal apartment in Haarlem?

The search for the perfect apartment in Haarlem sometimes requires a smart approach. Increase your chances:

  • Speed: Respond immediately to the newest listings that meet your requirements. Use alerts!
  • Preparation: Know what you are looking for and have your necessary documents ready.
  • Flexibility: Be open to different neighborhoods and types of apartments.
  • Platforms: Use HousingMatchers.nl optimally with the search filters. Check the current listings regularly.
  • Communication: Be clear, polite, and respond promptly to contact the landlord or agent.

With an active attitude and the right tools, you will quickly and easily find your ideal living space in Haarlem.

Find Your Apartment in Haarlem

Start searching now and find your place in the capital of North Holland.

View Apartments in Haarlem

Key points to remember for your apartment search in Haarlem:

  • Start early: Begin your search for an apartment or rental home in good time.
  • Use HousingMatchers: Find a current and wide range of apartments in Haarlem. View all apartments in Haarlem.
  • Filters & alerts: Make use of the search filters (price €, neighborhood, type) and set up free search alerts.
  • Be flexible: Be open to various neighborhoods (including Schalkwijk) and types of homes (apartment, studio, multi-story).
  • Budget: Determine your budget realistically and search specifically for available living spaces.
  • Explore the city: Discover the different neighborhoods of Haarlem and their character.
  • Communication: Be clear and proactive when contacting real estate agents and private landlords.
  • Contract: Read your rental contract very carefully before signing.
  • Vigilance: Beware of scams when looking for rental homes.
  • Persevere: Renting your ideal apartment in Haarlem will succeed with patience and the right approach!