Renting in Groningen
Groningen is the largest city in the north of the Netherlands and one of the youngest in the country. More than 60,000 students at the University of Groningen and Hanze University of Applied Sciences give the city an energetic, cosmopolitan feel, but there is far more to Groningen than student life. The historic city centre around the Grote Markt and Martinitoren, the Groninger Museum beside the station and the leafy Noorderplantsoen attract professionals, families and expats alike. With rents lower than in Amsterdam and a compact layout where everything is reachable by bicycle, Groningen offers one of the most appealing rental markets in the Netherlands.
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Renting a home in Groningen
The Groningen rental market is strongly shaped by its two major educational institutions: the University of Groningen and Hanze University of Applied Sciences. Together they attract over 60,000 students, creating constant demand for rooms, studios and apartments, particularly in and around the city centre. But Groningen is not purely a student city: a growing number of young professionals choose the city for its affordability, rich cultural offerings and short commute times.
The average rent in Groningen is around EUR 21.95 per square metre (Rent.nl, Q1 2025), comparable to cities such as The Hague and Utrecht, but lower than Amsterdam. The supply ranges from student rooms in shared houses to spacious family homes in the outer neighbourhoods. The vrije sector (free-sector, above the social housing rent cap) is growing, but sociale huur (social housing) properties managed by housing corporations such as Lefier and Nijestee remain a significant part of the market. Speed matters: popular rental properties in Groningen are often let within a week during peak season.
Types of rental properties in Groningen
Groningen offers a range of rental property types. Here is an overview of what is available:
- Apartments: the most common property type, from compact two-room flats in the centre to more spacious units in the outer neighbourhoods. Groningen has a relatively large stock of pre-war buildings with high ceilings.
- Houses: single-family homes with gardens, found mainly in neighbourhoods such as Helpman, Rivierenbuurt and Corpus den Hoorn. Popular with families and professionals.
- Rooms: Groningen has one of the largest room markets in the Netherlands thanks to its two major educational institutions. Prices range from EUR 350 to 600 per month.
- Studios: self-contained living spaces for one or two people, with rents between EUR 600 and 950 per month. Popular with starters and international students.
- Social housing (sociale huur): for households with an income below the qualifying threshold. Housing corporations Lefier and Nijestee manage the bulk of the social housing stock. Registration via WoningNet is required.
- Free-sector rentals (vrije sector): for middle and higher incomes. The rent is above the liberalisation threshold (liberalisatiegrens), and landlords typically require a gross income of at least three times the monthly rent.
Renting a home in Groningen: these are the neighbourhoods
Groningen has more than ten neighbourhoods, each with its own character. From the historic centre with its canals and monuments to the spaciously designed outer districts with plenty of green space, the city has something for every budget and lifestyle. Below you will find what the ten most important neighbourhoods have to offer for tenants.
Renting in the Centrum
The Centrum is the historic heart of Groningen and the most expensive part of the city to rent in. Around the Grote Markt and the Vismarkt you will find monumental buildings, narrow lanes and canal-side terraces. The Martinitoren, the city’s iconic tower, offers views across the entire province. The area also houses the oldest university buildings, the Academiegebouw on Broerplein, and countless cafes, restaurants and cultural venues. Nightlife centres around the Peperstraat and Poelestraat. Tenants here are predominantly students and young professionals who enjoy the vibrancy of city-centre living.
Rent level: Highest | Suited for: students, young professionals | Landmarks: Grote Markt, Martinitoren, Academiegebouw
Renting in the Schildersbuurt and Zeeheldenbuurt
The Schildersbuurt and Zeeheldenbuurt lie directly west of the centre and have been popular with young professionals and students for years. The streets are named after painters (Rembrandtlaan, Vermeerstraat) and naval heroes (De Ruyterstraat, Trompstraat). The architecture consists of handsome townhouses with front gardens, many of which have been converted into apartments or shared houses. The proximity of the Noorderplantsoen — one of the finest city parks in the Netherlands — is a major draw. In summer, the park is used for barbecues, festivals and informal gatherings. The neighbourhood has a good mix of shops and cafes.
Renting in Korrewegwijk and De Hoogte
Korrewegwijk and De Hoogte are located north of the centre, on either side of the Korreweg, one of the longest shopping streets in Groningen. This neighbourhood is on the rise: significant investment has gone into renovation and public spaces in recent years. The housing supply is diverse, ranging from renovated apartment blocks to townhouses split into flats. The area has a multicultural character with a varied selection of shops, supermarkets and restaurants. Street parking is limited, but the location is practical: you can reach the centre in five minutes by bike, and the Zernike Campus in ten.
Renting in the Oosterpoort
The Oosterpoort lies directly south of the centre and is one of the most sought-after residential areas in Groningen. The neighbourhood combines the charm of a 19th-century district with the proximity of the Stadspark, the city’s largest park where large events are held. The architecture ranges from authentic skipper’s houses along the Winschoterkade to renovated townhouses on the Oosterstraat. De Oosterpoort (part of SPOT Groningen) is the cultural heart of the area, with theatre, film and live music. The streets are quiet, but the centre is within walking distance, making the neighbourhood popular with professionals and starters who want to combine liveliness with a calmer home base.
Rent level: High | Suited for: professionals, starters | Landmarks: Stadspark, SPOT Groningen, Winschoterkade
Renting in Paddepoel
Paddepoel is Groningen’s quintessential student neighbourhood, thanks to its direct proximity to the Zernike Campus where most faculties of the University of Groningen and Hanze University are located. The neighbourhood has a large shopping centre (Winkelcentrum Paddepoel) with supermarkets, shops and cafes. The housing stock consists mainly of 1960s apartment blocks, some of which have been renovated in recent years. Paddepoel is well connected by bus and bicycle, and rents are considerably lower than in the centre. The proximity to the ring road does mean some traffic noise in parts of the neighbourhood. In addition to students, young families and singles who appreciate the affordability and amenities also live here.
Renting in Selwerd
Selwerd is a quiet residential neighbourhood northwest of the centre, close to the Noorderplantsoen. The area was largely built in the 1960s and 1970s, with a mix of apartment blocks, terraced houses and some new-build projects. Parts of Selwerd have been renovated in recent years, resulting in better insulation and more modern homes. The neighbourhood offers a relaxed living environment with green streets, playgrounds and the nearby Selwerderhof. Rents here are affordable, making Selwerd attractive for students, starters and families on a tighter budget. The neighbourhood can feel quiet in the evenings compared to more central areas. You can cycle to the centre in under ten minutes.
Renting in Helpman and De Wijert
Helpman and De Wijert are established residential neighbourhoods south of the centre, popular with families and professionals. Helpman is known for its green character, with the Helperzoom park, the open-air swimming pool De Papiermolen and the nearby Martini Hospital. The architecture ranges from pre-war townhouses along the Helperlinie to post-war terraced homes and new-build apartments. De Wijert borders Helpman and offers a similar sense of calm, with its own shopping centre and reliable public transport links. Groningen Europapark station is within cycling distance, making the area attractive for commuters. Rents are in the mid-range, with a stable market and less turnover than the central neighbourhoods.
Rent level: Medium | Suited for: families, professionals | Landmarks: Helperzoom, De Papiermolen, Martini Hospital
Renting in Corpus den Hoorn
Corpus den Hoorn lies in the southwest of Groningen and is a neighbourhood with a relatively large amount of new-build housing. The area offers good accessibility via the ring road (A28/A7) and the nearby Park and Ride facility, making it attractive for residents who regularly work outside the city. The housing stock consists of a mix of terraced houses, apartments and new developments, often well-maintained with modern amenities. The neighbourhood has its own shopping centre and sports facilities. Corpus den Hoorn is quieter than the central neighbourhoods and nightlife options are limited, but it is popular with young families and dual-income couples looking for more space at a lower price point.
Renting in the Rivierenbuurt
The Rivierenbuurt lies south of the centre, bordering the Stadspark, and is named after Dutch rivers (Maasstraat, Rijnstraat, Waalstraat). It is a quiet family neighbourhood with wide streets, front gardens and plenty of greenery. The housing stock dates mainly from the 1950s and 1960s, with a mix of terraced houses and multi-family dwellings. The Stadspark offers extensive recreational possibilities, from jogging to large events such as the Bevrijdingsfestival (Liberation Festival). Primary schools and sports facilities are within walking distance. The Rivierenbuurt is ideally suited for families and peace-seekers who still want to be within cycling distance of the centre.
Renting in Vinkhuizen
Vinkhuizen is the westernmost neighbourhood in Groningen and one of the most affordable. The area was built in the 1970s and 1980s, consisting mainly of apartment blocks and terraced houses. An ongoing urban renewal programme is gradually modernising the neighbourhood. Vinkhuizen has a large shopping centre with daily essentials and services, and good bus connections to the centre and the station. Rents here are the lowest in Groningen, making the neighbourhood attractive for tenants on a tighter budget. The distance to the centre is greater than in other areas, but the centre is still a fifteen-minute bike ride away.
The cost of renting in Groningen
The average rent in Groningen is around EUR 21.95 per square metre (Rent.nl, Q1 2025). That makes Groningen more affordable than Amsterdam, though comparable to other major Dutch cities: the price per square metre is roughly 25-30% lower than in Amsterdam and 15-20% lower than in Utrecht or The Hague. Prices vary by property type:
- Rooms: EUR 350 – 600 per month (student rooms averaging EUR 450-500)
- Studios: EUR 600 – 950 per month
- Apartments: EUR 800 – 1,400 per month
- Family homes: EUR 1,100 – 1,800 per month
Rents in the centre are the highest, whilst neighbourhoods such as Paddepoel, Vinkhuizen and Selwerd offer the most affordable options. The student market has a strong influence on availability: demand rises sharply in August and September with the influx of new students. Outside that peak period, competition is less intense. The municipality of Groningen is working on new-build projects in areas such as Meerstad and De Suikerzijde (the former sugar factory site), which should increase supply over time.
Searching for a home in Groningen: the best neighbourhoods
For students and starters: the Centrum and the Schildersbuurt/Zeeheldenbuurt are the most popular thanks to their proximity to university buildings, nightlife and the Noorderplantsoen. Paddepoel offers a more affordable alternative with direct access to the Zernike Campus. The Korrewegwijk is an up-and-coming option with a multicultural character and lower rents.
For families and professionals: Helpman/De Wijert and the Rivierenbuurt offer quiet streets, green spaces and good schools. Corpus den Hoorn combines new-build housing with accessibility via the ring road. Selwerd is an affordable option with an improved housing stock following recent renovations. The Oosterpoort is ideal for professionals who value the combination of culture and the Stadspark.
Which neighbourhood suits you best depends on your personal situation and budget. With ten neighbourhoods covered, Groningen offers a fitting area for every house hunter. You can set your search area on RentSlam to match exactly the neighbourhoods that interest you.
Tips for finding a rental in Groningen
The Groningen rental market has its own dynamics. The right approach can significantly improve your chances.
- Account for the student peak: the busiest period on the Groningen rental market is August to October, when tens of thousands of new students are searching for a home. Start your search at least three months in advance if you plan to move during this period.
- Consider anti-kraak if your budget is tight: Groningen has several anti-kraak (property guardianship) providers that offer temporary occupation of vacant buildings. Costs are considerably lower than regular rent, but you have fewer tenant protections.
- Factor in the distance to the Zernike Campus: if you study at the University of Groningen or Hanze University, the distance to Zernike is an important consideration. Paddepoel and Selwerd are the closest, whilst the centre is also a ten-minute cycle away.
- Register early with housing corporations: for sociale huur (social housing), registration with Lefier or Nijestee via WoningNet is required. The earlier you register, the better your position on the waiting list. Waiting times for popular neighbourhoods can run to several years.
- Understand the difference between rooms and self-contained units: in Groningen, the room market is large due to the student population. A kamer (room, non-self-contained) means you share with housemates; a studio or apartment is self-contained. The prices and regulations differ considerably.
- Check the energy label: Groningen has many older homes from the 1960s and 1970s. Always ask about the energy label, as a lower rating means higher heating costs — especially during Groningen’s cold winters.
- Make use of the social housing waiting list: WoningNet Groningen Regio provides access to social housing from multiple corporations. Registration costs a small annual fee, but it builds up waiting time that you can use later.
- Think in cycling distances, not train connections: Groningen is a true cycling city. Most neighbourhoods are within fifteen minutes’ cycling of the centre. Public transport is less relevant for daily commuting within the city than it is in the Randstad.
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