Rents soar, rooms shrink

In 2017, the average rent for a room in the Netherlands was 385 euros per month (including utilities). This amount increased to 434 euros in the first half of 2019, according to a report published by Kamernet.nl, a housing intermediary that connects private individuals offering rooms for rent with potential tenants.

Kamernet.nl estimates that rents are expected to rise a further 2.6 percent in the coming months. Which means the average rent at the end of 2019 will be about 445 euros.

With an average of 611 euros per month, Amsterdam is topping the list as most expensive city. Students in Delft are paying a significantly lower amount: 390 euros per month.

Fewer square metres

Rents roar, but rooms are shrinking. The average living area has shrunk from 17.9 square metres in 2017 to 17.1 square metres in the first half of 2019. As a result, students now pay 25.40 euros per square metre compared to 21.50 in 2017. 

A quick glance at Kamernet.nl shows that this trend already reached Delft. Based on the 25 most recently offered rooms (reference date: September 13, 12:00), we conclude that the average rent now is lower than in the first half of 2019, but that the number of square meters offered has declined drastically. From 24.22 m2 in the first half of 2019 to a mere 14.08 m2 now. This means the average price per square meter has already risen to 26,65 euros.

You currently find the best deal on the Van Hasseltaan: 24m2 for 330 euros. The worst deal can be found with this landlord at the Colignystraat. For 600 euro per month you get a 10m2 room. Do the math: that will cost you 60 euros per square meter.

Internationals
Demand from international students also continues to increase. The share of non-Dutch room seekers on Kamernet.nl has grown from 15 percent in 2017 to almost 25 percent in the first half of 2019.

According to the website, international students often beat out their Dutch peers: “International students often have a different perception of distance. They don’t mind travelling between 30 and 60 minutes to get to class – commuting times which would deter many Dutch students. This increases their search area and hence their chance of success.” Dutch students prefer to live closer to the city centre, where rents are higher.

HOP, Melanie Zierse / Delta, Marjolein van der Veldt