Apartment Rental Guide Leeuwarden

Find your ideal home in the city of culture and history.

Looking for a nice apartment in Leeuwarden? This Frisian capital has its own unique atmosphere and a lot to offer. Renting in Leeuwarden gives you the chance to live in a city full of history, culture, and Frisian coziness.

Apartments in Leeuwarden

Finding the perfect home, whether you're looking for a cozy studio or a spacious apartment with multiple rooms, can be an enjoyable yet sometimes challenging search. This article will help you get started with practical tips and information. We will explore the rental housing market, look at popular neighborhoods, and show you how to easily find and compare current apartment listings in Leeuwarden using platforms like HousingMatchers. Read on and take the first step towards your new home in Leeuwarden!

Why Do People Choose an Apartment in Leeuwarden?

Why do people choose an apartment in Leeuwarden? The city has a beautiful historic center with canals, old buildings, and charming streets. It is more compact than the Randstad cities, meaning many amenities are often within walking or cycling distance. This gives the city a pleasant, friendly atmosphere.

Leeuwarden is also a city rich in culture, with various museums, theaters, and events. It is a student city too, which ensures vibrancy and affordable dining options. The city is surrounded by the vast Frisian landscape, and the Frisian lakes are nearby, ideal for nature lovers. Moreover, housing costs here are generally more favorable than in the west of the country. Renting an apartment in Leeuwarden thus offers a nice balance between urban amenities, culture, nature, and affordability.

What Types of Apartments Can You Find in Leeuwarden?

The range of apartments in Leeuwarden is varied.

Studios

Compact, self-contained living spaces, often a good option for singles or students.

Apartments

From cozy two-room apartments to more spacious flats with multiple bedrooms.

Historic

Unique apartments in old buildings in the city center.

You will find various types of residential spaces that suit different living preferences and budgets. For example, compact studios are available, ideal for singles or students who want an independent living space with their own facilities. These studios can be found both in the city center and in neighborhoods outside it.

Additionally, there is a wide range of apartments with one, two (2 bedrooms), or sometimes even more separate bedrooms. These are suitable for couples, small families, or people who want a separate home office or hobby room. You can find apartments in unique old buildings in the city center, but also in more modern complexes with elevators and balconies in newer neighborhoods or on the outskirts of the city. It is worth exploring and comparing the different options.

Corner apartment with loggia and parking space

€1,345 / month

De Malus 69, Leeuwarden
2
90 m²
2/19/2026
Apartment

Spacious 4-room apartment with energy label A

€1,115 / month

Ubbemastins 118, Leeuwarden
3
91 m²
2/7/2026
Apartment

Modern corner apartment with private parking space

€1,185 / month

Archipelweg, Leeuwarden
2
70 m²
1/13/2026
Apartment

Bright city apartment (95 m²) on the Wirdumerdijk

€1,063 / month

Wirdumerdijk 23A, Leeuwarden
2
95 m²
Immediately
Apartment

Modern apartment in Leeuwarden with 6 solar panels

€1,100 / month

Prinsessenpark 57, Leeuwarden
2
77 m²
In consultation
Apartment

Apartment in a warehouse on the Oostersingel

€1,200 / month

Oostersingel, Leeuwarden
2/1/2026
Apartment

How Do I Find the Latest Rental Apartment Listings in Leeuwarden?

Your search for an apartment in Leeuwarden is best started online. There are various websites and platforms where rental properties are offered. Useful sites like HousingMatchers consolidate listings from different real estate agents and private landlords. This gives you a good overview of available apartments and other rental properties in Leeuwarden in one place. You can easily filter based on your preferences.

Another option is to directly check the websites of local real estate agents in Leeuwarden. Sometimes they have exclusive listings. For social housing, you can contact the housing corporations active in Leeuwarden, although apartments here are often less represented than single-family homes. It is important to search actively and respond quickly. Set up a search alert on a platform like ours to receive an email immediately when a new, suitable apartment becomes available. This way, you stay updated on the latest listings.

What Are Popular Neighborhoods to Rent an Apartment in Leeuwarden?

Leeuwarden has several popular neighborhoods for renting an apartment.

  • Historic center: Very popular due to its atmosphere, proximity to shops, restaurants, and cultural amenities. Living in the center means living amidst the vibrancy. Think of areas with charming shopping streets like Kleine Kerkstraat or areas along the canals, such as near the Tuinen or Zuidvliet and Noordvlietstraat.
  • Oranjewijk: A neighborhood with its own distinct character and a mix of housing just outside the center.
  • Huizum-West: Neighborhoods like Huizum-West (with streets near Tesselschadestraat) often offer a combination of apartments and houses from various construction periods.
  • Newer developments: Can sometimes be found on the outskirts of the city or in redevelopment areas, where modern apartment complexes are being built.

Each neighborhood has its own atmosphere and amenities; it's good to see which area suits you best.

Are There Also Cheap or Affordable Apartments to Be Found in Leeuwarden?

Leeuwarden is known as a relatively affordable city to live in, especially compared to the Randstad. This generally applies to rental apartments as well. While prices naturally vary depending on location, size, and state of maintenance, you are more likely to find cheap apartments or at least affordable homes here than in many other major cities.

Apartments Price Breakdown in Leeuwarden

BedroomsAverageMedianPrice RangeAvailable
0
€889
€889€678 - €1,100
0 / 2
1
€1,011
€963€618 - €1,500
0 / 12
2
€1,087
€1,100€815 - €1,345
4
3
€1,089
€1,128€932 - €1,170
2
0
0 / 2
Average
€889
Median€889
Price Range€678 - €1,100
1
0 / 12
Average
€1,011
Median€963
Price Range€618 - €1,500
2
4 available
Average
€1,087
Median€1,100
Price Range€815 - €1,345
3
2 available
Average
€1,089
Median€1,128
Price Range€932 - €1,170
Prices are based on current market data and may vary

To find the most affordable options, you can use the filters on search platforms. Set a maximum monthly budget for your search. Also, consider apartments that are slightly further from the center or are older; these often have a more favorable rent. Social housing apartments (if available and you qualify) are by definition affordable, but there are often waiting lists for these. With targeted searching and some flexibility in your preferences, it is certainly possible to rent an affordable apartment in Leeuwarden.

Furnished Apartment for Rent in Leeuwarden: Is That Possible?

Yes, it is definitely possible to rent a furnished apartment in Leeuwarden. This can be a solution for expats, international students, or people who need temporary accommodation and do not want or cannot bring their own furniture. A furnished apartment is ready for immediate occupancy; you only need your personal belongings. This offers great convenience.

However, the supply of furnished apartments is generally smaller than the supply of unfurnished (bare or semi-furnished) properties. The rent for a furnished property is often slightly higher due to the additional costs for furniture and furnishings for the landlord. You will usually find this type of listing in the private sector, offered through specialized real estate agents or private landlords. Use the filters in your search to specifically look for furnished options if this is your preference.

Where Can I Find Apartments with 2 Bedrooms or More?

Are you specifically looking for an apartment with at least 2 bedrooms, for example, because you live with a partner, have a family, or want a separate home office or study? This type of apartment is readily available in Leeuwarden. Use the filters on search platforms to set the desired number of rooms.

Apartments with 2 or more bedrooms can be found in various types of complexes and neighborhoods. Both older buildings (sometimes merged homes) and more modern apartment complexes offer properties with multiple rooms. For example, look in neighborhoods outside the immediate center, such as Huizum, Westeinde (think of areas like near the Achlumerstraat or Wijnhornsterstraat) or newer developments. The supply is generally more extensive than for studios, but here too, act quickly if you see a suitable property.

How Do the Search and Filters Work for Apartments in Leeuwarden?

To specifically search for an apartment in Leeuwarden, it's smart to use the search function and filters on platforms like our site. This allows you to filter the wide range of rental properties based on your specific housing preferences. Start your search by entering 'Leeuwarden' as the location and choose 'apartment' or 'flat' as the property type.

You can then apply the useful filters. Think about the desired number of rooms (e.g., at least 2 bedrooms), the minimum or maximum surface area, and whether you are looking for a furnished or unfurnished apartment. You can often also filter by specific districts or neighborhoods. Save your search! This way, you will automatically receive notifications of new listings and won't have to re-enter all filters each time. This makes searching for rental apartments much easier.

Are There Specific Areas with a Certain Type of Apartments?

Yes, just like in many cities, Leeuwarden also shows certain patterns in the supply per area. In the historic center, around streets like Kleine Kerkstraat or Hoeksterstraat, you often find unique apartments in old buildings, sometimes with surprising layouts or old details. Along the canals, such as near Zuidvliet or Noordvlietstraat, you can sometimes find beautiful apartments with views.

In neighborhoods a bit further from the center, such as near Tesselschadestraat or Bongastate, you often see a mix of post-war gallery flats and more recent, small-scale apartment complexes. New-build locations typically offer modern apartments with more comfort and often a balcony or outdoor space. Also, check out the offerings around the recreational area de Groene Ster if you love nature. By recognizing the characteristics of different areas, you can more specifically search for the type of apartment that suits you.

Tips for Expats Who Want to Rent an Apartment in Leeuwarden?

Leeuwarden is a welcoming city and a pleasant place to live for expats. As an expat looking to rent an apartment, there are a few extra tips. Consider a furnished home if you are coming for a specific period and are not bringing your own furniture. This saves a lot of hassle upon arrival and departure. There are real estate agents who specialize in renting to expats and can help you find suitable accommodation.

Make sure you understand Dutch tenancy law and your rights as a tenant. Carefully read the tenancy agreement before signing. If necessary, ask for help with translating or understanding the general terms and conditions. Inquire about registration with the municipality, which is necessary if you are staying in the Netherlands longer. Leeuwarden offers a pleasant and relatively affordable living environment for expats looking for a nice home in an authentic Dutch city. Also, pay attention to the privacy policies of landlords and websites when sharing your data.

Find Your Apartment in Leeuwarden

Start searching now and find your place in the Frisian capital.

View Apartments in Leeuwarden

Key points to remember:

  • Historic and lively: Leeuwarden is an atmospheric, cultural, and relatively affordable city to rent an apartment.
  • Diverse offerings: The range of properties is diverse: from studios to spacious apartments with 2 or more bedrooms, in old buildings and modern complexes.
  • Use HousingMatchers: Use online platforms like HousingMatchers with useful filters to find current listings (all apartments in Leeuwarden) and save your search.
  • Popular neighborhoods: Popular residential areas include the city center, Oranjewijk, Huizum, Westeinde, and newer developments.
  • Furnished: Options are available for both unfurnished and furnished apartments (convenient for expats or short-term stays).
  • Affordable: Leeuwarden often offers affordable housing; use filters to find cheap apartments within your budget.
  • Act quickly: Be quick to respond to listings and ensure your documents are in order.
  • Explore: Explore the different districts and types of neighborhoods (such as around Zuidvliet, Tuinen, Tesselschadestraat, Kleine Kerkstraat) to get a feel for what suits you.