Room prices increase sharply, especially in Amsterdam

The cost of renting a room in student cities rose by 11 percent in 2023 to an average of 543 euros per month, according to room rental platform Kamernet. Rents skyrocketed even more in several cities, with Amsterdam leading the way.

Nationwide, from the smallest village to the largest city, room prices rose by 11 percent last year. This information is presented in a national report published by Kamernet, the largest rental platform in the Netherlands.

Following the sharp price increases of 2022, this rent would not be markedly different from the previous year. Most cities with a large student population saw prices climb even higher, however, with increases of between ten and twenty percent being no exception.

Students in Amsterdam now pay an average of 948 euros per month for a room, compared with 700 euros two years ago. By contrast, rooms in Enschede and Wageningen are more affordable, with the average rent there being around 360 euros per month.

Over a two-year period, the change in some cities is dramatic. Rents in Amsterdam rose by 39.4 percent compared to 2021. After the capital, the fastest risers are The Hague and Breda, where prices rose by 31.8 and 29.5 percent, respectively. Wageningen saw rents increase by only 2.8 percent.

Most rooms advertised on Kamernet are offered by private landlords. The report sheds light on the prices in the housing market which students need to be aware of.

Amsterdam continues to stand out as the most expensive city in terms of rent per square metre, registering 54 euros. It is followed by close neighbour Haarlem in this listing. Third place is shared by Utrecht and Rotterdam, where the rent per square metre is below 40 euros.

The housing shortage has worsened the position of tenants. The Good Landlordship Act (Wet goed verhuurderschap), which entered into force in mid-2023, is aimed at curbing unreasonable service and agency fees, among other things.