The rental market in 2025 remains unpredictable and unaffordable for many. Apartments are scarce, prices are rising fast, and regional differences are significant. What is still considered a fair rent? In this blog you’ll discover the current average rental prices and where you can still rent (or let) affordably.
An average apartment costs € 1,315 per month in 2025 for existing buildings (77 m² × € 17.08) and € 1,503 for new construction (77 m² × € 19.52). In Noord-Holland this is € 1,619 per month, in Drenthe only € 801. Rental prices rose by 11.8% compared to 2024.
According to the latest figures from NVM and VGM NL, the average rent per m² in the Netherlands in the fourth quarter of 2024 rose to € 17.08 for existing buildings – an increase of 11.6% year-on-year. For new builds, this is even € 19.52 per m² (+13%). Apartments are taking up an increasingly large share of the rental market, pushing national averages further up.
The national square meter price for basic rent rose by 11.8% year-on-year. This is one of the largest annual increases in the past ten years. In urban areas the increase was even higher – with spikes such as Almere (+15.4%) and Utrecht (+9.8%). In Groningen and Haarlem prices dropped slightly (-3 to -4%).
Based on an average living area of 77 m² for apartments (NVM Q4 2024), in 2025 you get the following monthly rents:
Average apartment:
77 m² × € 17.08 = € 1,315 per month (existing buildings)
77 m² × € 19.52 = € 1,503 per month (new construction)
Studio (35 m²):
€ 598 to € 683 depending on segment
2-room apartment (55 m²):
€ 939 (existing) to € 1,073 (new)
3-room apartment (85 m²):
€ 1,451 (existing) to € 1,659 (new)
In 2024, 80% of all rental agreements took place in large cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague. The average price there was € 18.43 per m², while in rural areas it was € 11.55. The COVID-era move to the eastern Netherlands has stopped. People are now once again mainly looking for a home in the Randstad.
Based on NVM data on the average rent per m² per province, we see the following top 3 most expensive provinces to rent an apartment in 2025. The rent price is based on a surface of 77 m²:
|
Province |
Average price per m2 |
Total apartment rent 77m2 |
|
|
1. |
Noord-Holland |
€ 21,03 |
€ 1.619 |
|
2. |
Utrecht |
€ 17,48 |
€ 1.346 |
|
3. |
Zuid-Holland |
€ 16,56 |
€ 1.275 |
These provinces have the lowest rental prices. The difference is often around €800 per month compared to the most expensive regions:
|
Province |
Average price per m2 |
Total apartment rent 77m2 |
|
|
1. |
Drenthe |
€ 10,40 |
€ 801 |
|
2. |
Friesland |
€ 11,48 |
€ 884 |
|
3. |
Limburg |
€ 12,22 |
€ 941 |
In 2025 the maximum rent for social housing is € 900.07 per month. Apartments below this threshold fall under the regulated rental sector, provided they also meet the criteria of the housing points system (WWS). With 143 points or fewer, the property must remain below this threshold. Above that, the home automatically enters the private sector.
How much rent may increase depends on the rental segment the apartment is in.
Indexation in the social sector
For social housing, starting 1 July 2025, the maximum annual rent increase is:
The maximum rent increase in the mid-rental segment is set at 7.7% in 2025. This applies to self-contained homes, studios, and apartments with a lease from 1 July 2024 and an initial rent between € 900.07 and € 1,184.82 (2025), based on the collective labour agreement wage increase of 6.7% + 1%.
For private sector rentals, the maximum rent increase is set at 4.1% in 2025. Note: this only applies if the annual indexation is agreed in the lease. Without such a clause, rent can only be changed by mutual consent.
Requirements for a valid rent increase
A valid rent increase must:
For free sector housing, the maximum rent increase in 2025 is set at 4.1%. Please note that this only applies if the annual indexation is stipulated in the rental contract. Without such an agreement, the rent may only be adjusted by mutual agreement.
The rent price of an apartment is determined by multiple factors. Location plays a major role – urban areas are more expensive than rural ones. Property type and size also count – larger or more luxurious apartments cost more.
The energy label affects rent as well: an energy-efficient apartment (like A+++) can command a higher price. In the social sector, the WOZ value helps determine the maximum rent.
Extra features like a balcony, elevator or parking space increase value. Lastly, market conditions have major impact: high demand and low supply drive prices up. The type of rental contract also matters – furnished apartments are usually more expensive than unfurnished ones. You can calculate your apartment’s exact rent using the rent price check.
Whether you want to rent out or move into a new apartment, kamer.nl is the place to be. Sign up quickly on the largest housing platform in the Netherlands. Still have questions about average apartment rents? Feel free to contact us!