Finding Housing in the Netherlands: What Are the Options?

The administrative section of company Koni Shock Absorbers in Oud-Beijerland, the Netherlands, being remodeled into housing.

Having experienced homeless (and hopeless) in the Netherlands, I wanted to share an in-depth article on the various ways you can find housing in The Netherlands. While the Dutch housing market is tight, very tight, and finding affordable accommodation is difficult (in fact, finding any accommodation at all is a challenge!), there are various ways of keeping a roof over your head in the Netherlands. They all come with different requirements and challenges, though. So I made this extensive article to guide you – especially non-natives, foreigners, expats – on the creative and practical methods to find housing in the Netherlands, from standard renting and antikraak living to camper life and short-term rentals. For each option, you’ll find pros and cons, requirements regarding municipal ‘binding’ (“gemeentelijke binding” – local connection), and whether a stable income or savings are accepted.

1. Standard Renting (Social and Private Housing)

Social housing (sociale huur) is managed by housing corporations and assigned based on national and local rules. Private rentals are offered by individual landlords or agencies. Social housing rents are regulated and aimed at lower incomes, while private sector housing is often more flexible but more expensive.

Pros

Legal tenant protection and long-term security.
Predictable monthly costs, especially in social housing.
Lower rent levels for eligible low- and middle-income tenants.

Cons

Very long waiting lists (YEARS!) in many cities and towns.
Strict income and eligibility requirements.
Private rentals tend to be expensive and competitive.

Binding with the municipality

Social housing is usually subject to local binding rules (lokale binding). Municipalities may reserve up to 50% of available homes for people who already live or work in the area. This rule does not apply to most private rentals. Source: Woonbond.nl: Housing Law in the Netherlands

Income or savings requirement

Social housing requires proof of income within specific thresholds. Private landlords often ask for a stable income, usually around three times the monthly rent. Some may accept proof of savings or a guarantor instead, but this is highly unlikely.

2. Ad Hoc or Antikraak (Anti-Squat) Housing

Antikraak (anti-squat) or leegstandbeheer involves living temporarily in vacant buildings to prevent squatting and vandalism. Tenants, often called “guardians,” live there at a significantly reduced rate but can be asked to leave short notice. Major providers include Gapph, Ad Hoc / Adhocbeheer, Camelot, Prevenda, and regional projects such as Onder de Pannen.

Pros

Extremely low monthly costs in comparison (often €200–€400 per month).
Quick availability and flexible contracts.
Unique and interesting buildings (offices, schools, churches, etc.).

Cons

Temporary and unstable; contracts can end on short notice.
Maintenance may be neglected; utilities and comfort vary.
Limited tenant rights; you are not a “normal” renter.
Mixed reviews online; complaints about strict rules or inspections are common.

Binding with the municipality

Antikraak housing is not part of social housing allocations, so no municipal binding is required. However, it may not always be possible to register your address (BRP) at these properties, depending on the building and the municipality. This, in turn, can cause issues with work, benefits or insurances.

Income or savings requirement

These companies generally ask for identification and a small deposit, not proof of steady income. They often accept people living on savings or freelance income, as long as they can pay the small monthly fee and move out when required.

3. Renting a Room (Student Accommodation)

Renting a room (kamer) is common for students and young professionals. Rooms are offered by private landlords or student housing agencies, often near universities. Contracts may be tied to student enrollment.

Pros

The monthly rent is lower than that of full apartments or studios.
Many options in university cities.
Student contracts can be flexible and tailored to study periods.

Cons

Competition in big cities is fierce.
Shared facilities (kitchen, bathroom).
Some landlords prefer long-term working tenants due to taxes and rules.

Binding with the municipality

For student room allocation, municipal binding is usually not a requirement. Student rooms are allocated broadly. However, social housing rules (if the room is part of a social housing complex) may involve local policies. In general, student rooms are a separate market with their own rules (campus contracts, proof of enrollment may be requested).

Income or savings requirement

Landlords typically ask for proof of ability to pay rent: students often provide a guarantor (parents) or proof of scholarship/loan/bank balance. Many landlords accept a parental guarantor rather than a full steady salary. New rules also affect how contracts can be structured, and landlords may ask for enrollment evidence to justify student-specific terms.

4. Living in a Recreation Area or Holiday Home

Holiday homes (“Vakantiehuisjes”) / bungalow parks or recreation areas are traditionally for short stays, but some people use them for temporary housing, or even for housing for a longer period of time. Major booking platforms include Vakantiehuisjes.nl, HomeToGo, Micazu, Natuurhuisje, etc.

Average prices

Nightly rates for holiday homes average around €150–€250 per night depending on location and season. Some offer discounts for long stays, but even then, it’s an expensive solution compared to “normal” renting.

Pros

Immediate availability (platforms with thousands of options).
Fully furnished, utilities are often included.
Suitable for temporary stays between homes.

Cons

Expensive for long-term living.
Many holiday parks restrict permanent residency. Some even prohibit long-term living.
BRP (municipal registration) is usually not possible.

Binding with the municipality

Not relevant for holiday home booking as a tourist. For registering as a resident (BRP), holiday parks typically do not count as a primary living address. As a result, municipalities are likely to refuse BRP registration at a holiday park address. If you need to be registered somewhere (for benefits, student enrollment, health insurance), a holiday home is usually not the correct long-term solution.

Income or savings requirement

Hosts usually require upfront payment. For longer stays, you can often negotiate monthly rates and pay directly from savings.

5. Living in a Camper

Living in a campervan or motorhome. Some people use it as a full-time residence, others for temporary low-cost living. The Netherlands has many camper pitches (camperplaatsen) and campings, but public overnight parking is restricted in many places.

Costs

Depending on location, monthly living costs range between €300–€800 including campsite fees, utilities, and vehicle costs. Staying overnight on public land is usually prohibited or limited (eg. max 4 days), making a legal campsite or private plot necessary.

Pros

Mobility and independence.
Potentially cheaper than renting a flat in high-cost cities if you can secure an affordable monthly pitch and manage living costs.

Cons

You must have a registered address for official documents (BRP).
Living space and comfort are limited.
Many municipalities and campgrounds have limits on long-term stays.

Binding with the municipality

Living in a camper does not remove your need for a registered address. You may need to register at a friend’s or family member’s address (briefadres) to remain in the BRP.

Income or savings requirement

As long as you can pay campsite or land rental fees, you can live off of savings. For administrative matters like health insurance or benefits, you will likely still need documented income or a valid address.

6. Airbnb and Short-Term Rentals

Short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo) allow private hosts to list entire homes or rooms. Big cities in the Netherlands have put strict limits on short-term rentals to protect housing supply. Amsterdam and several municipalities limit the number of nights and require registration/permits.

Pros

Easy to book, rooms/homes are furnished, and ready to move in.
Ideal for very short stays or transitions.

Cons

Expensive compared with monthly rentals.
Limited availability due to local laws (night limits and registration rules).
Not suitable for BRP registration or long-term residence.

Binding with the municipality

Not applicable. Airbnb stays do not create local binding and cannot be used for permanent registration.

Income or savings requirement

No income check required, but paying on a nightly basis will quickly become unsustainable. Hosts typically expect full prepayment and compliance with tourist stay rules.

Practical Checklist:

Binding with the municipality

Required: For social housing only. Municipalities can prioritize locals or people working in the region.
Not required: Private rentals, antikraak, rooms, campers, holiday homes, Airbnb.

Stable income vs. savings

Social housing: Requires proof of income within set thresholds.
Private rentals: Usually require stable income (3x rent), but savings or guarantors can sometimes replace this.
Antikraak: Flexible. Savings may be accepted, income is unlikely to be checked.
Student rooms: Guarantor or proof of scholarship is sufficient.
Holiday homes / Airbnb / campers: Payment upfront; savings sufficient.

Practical Recommendations

If you can wait: Register for social housing early. It’s slow but most affordable long-term.
If you need something immediately: Consider antikraak or temporary listings (Gapph, Ad Hoc, Prevenda) but always keep a backup plan.
If you’re a student: Focus on university housing and official student platforms.
If you need a legal address: Avoid recreation parks or Airbnb for BRP registration; for campers, arrange a briefadres.