Region-specific Guides
Finding a place to live in Maastricht can be tough, especially if you’re new to the area or unfamiliar with the Dutch rental market. With high demand and limited availability, the process can quickly become overwhelming. The clock is ticking, and without the right information, you might miss out on a good opportunity.
But don’t worry—this guide is here to help. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about finding housing in Maastricht, from choosing the right area to getting all your documents in order. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or someone just looking to move, this guide will give you the tools you need to find a home in Maastricht.
Understanding Maastricht and the Surrounding Area
Where is Maastricht, and What Makes It Different?
Maastricht is located in the southernmost part of the Netherlands, in the province of Limburg. Unlike the rest of the country, Maastricht has a distinctly European feel, influenced by its proximity to Belgium and Germany. Limburg itself is known for its rolling hills and vibrant culture, setting it apart from the flat landscapes typically associated with the Netherlands.
In recent years, there has been a growing trend of Dutch people moving to Limburg, including Maastricht, due to its more affordable housing and higher quality of life compared to the more crowded and expensive Randstad area. Moving to Maastricht? Well, you’re lucky — it’s a great place!
Living in Limburg: Alternatives to Maastricht
If you’re on a tight deadline or budget, it’s not necessary to live directly in Maastricht. Nearby towns like Heerlen, Vaals, and Sittard offer more affordable housing options, though you’ll need to factor in public transport costs. These towns are well-connected to Maastricht, and you can often get to the city within 30-40 minutes.
The Housing Situation in the Netherlands
The housing situation in the Netherlands is challenging, and Maastricht is no exception. The demand for rental properties far exceeds the supply, making it a competitive market. Prices have been steadily rising, and finding affordable housing can be difficult, especially in popular cities like Maastricht.
There are a few key factors to be aware of:
High Demand, Low Supply: The demand for housing in Maastricht, like much of the Netherlands, is high, but the available supply is limited. This has led to higher rental prices and crazy competition among renters.
Rental Prices: Rental prices in Maastricht are generally lower than in the Randstad area, but they are still on the rise due to the increased demand. It’s essential to be prepared for higher costs, especially in central areas.
Competition: The competition for rental properties is fierce. Properties can be taken off the market within days or even hours of being listed. Being prepared with your documents and ready to act quickly is crucial.
To get set up your expectations, check out our General Wisdom on the Dutch Housing Market. This article covers everything you need to know to get a clear understanding of how to behave in this market.
Practical Advice on Rental Search in Maastricht
How Long Does It Take to Find a Room or Apartment in Maastricht?
Finding a rental property in Maastricht can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on your specific needs and flexibility. The key is to start your search early, ideally 2-3 months before your intended move-in date. This gives you enough time to explore various options and secure a place that meets your requirements. For more detailed advice on when to start your search, check out our guide on How Long Does It Take to Find Housing?.
What Rental Platforms Have Most Listings in Maastricht?
The broader your search, the more housing options you’ll have, increasing your chances of finding the right place. For a detailed comparison of these platforms and advice on which ones are best for you, visit our Rental Platforms Compared guide. Here’s a short extract from that article:
Platforms for Students
If you’re a student, you’ll want to focus on platforms with rooms and studios. Kamernet, Housing Anywhere, Holland2Stay, XIOR, ROOM.nl are top choice.
Platforms for Working Professionals
Working professionals should explore platforms that offer a broader selection of apartments and houses. Pararius, Kamernet, Roofz.eu, Holland2Stay and Funda are the go-to platforms for expats.
Region-Specific Platforms
There are platforms designed specifically for Maastricht and the Limburg region. Such include Kamersmaastricht.nl, Maastrichthousing.com, Thuisinlimburg.nl, and Wonenlimburgaccent.nl.
This is not a complete list of rental platforms. To see all options, check our Rental Platforms Compared guide.
To see listings from these platforms in one feed, create a free Uprent account.
How to Schedule Viewings
Once you’ve identified potential properties, the next step is scheduling viewings. You might think that being the first to apply for a property guarantees a viewing, but it’s not that simple. While timing is important, a well-crafted application message is much more important. Many platforms push the idea that instant notifications are key, but being the first applicant doesn’t always mean you’ll be successful. It’s better to submit a strong, tailored application than to rush and be the first one to get rejected. Focus on quality, not just speed. Learn how to craft the perfect application message.
What Documents Should You Prepare?
You’ll need basic documents like your ID, proof of income, and, if applicable, documents from your sponsor. Additionally, having extra documents like a motivation letter or references from previous landlords can help you stand out. Organizing these documents in a digital folder, like Google Drive, makes it easy to share them quickly with landlords or agents. For a complete list of documents and tips on organizing them, see our Rental Documents Guide.
Viewing Properties
When you attend a viewing, make sure to arrive early, ask important questions, and make a good impression. You’ll want to inspect the property thoroughly and clarify the process for submitting an offer. Remember, how you present yourself during a viewing can influence whether you’re chosen as the tenant. For a comprehensive checklist of what to do during a viewing, refer to our Viewing Properties Guide.
Submitting a Rental Offer
After the viewing, if you’re interested in the property, you’ll need to submit a rental offer quickly. Your offer should be well-prepared and include all necessary documents. It’s also wise to ask the landlord or agent how you can make your offer more appealing—sometimes a higher rent offer or upfront payment can increase your chances. See rental offer template in Submitting a Rental Offer article.
Essential Considerations When Renting in Maastricht
Detecting Scams
Scams are unfortunately common in the Dutch rental market, particularly for expats and students who may not be familiar with local practices. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true, and always verify the legitimacy of the listing before making any payments. A few red flags include requests for upfront payments before viewing the property, suspiciously low rent prices, and landlords who are reluctant to provide clear communication or documentation.
To avoid falling victim to scams, stick to well-known rental platforms and always ask for a video call or in-person viewing before committing to anything. For more detailed tips on how to spot and avoid rental scams, check out our Guide to Detecting Scams.
Types of Rental Contracts
In the Netherlands, there are several types of contracts, including indefinite contracts, fixed-term contracts, and diplomatic contracts. Each type has different implications for your rights and obligations as a tenant. For example, an indefinite contract offers more security, while a fixed-term contract may have a specific end date with no option for renewal.
Make sure to read your contract carefully and understand all the terms before signing. If you’re unsure about any part of the contract, ask advice from Huurteam Zuid-Limburg. This is an organisation subsidised by the government of the Netherlands that assists tenants in all renting issues for free.
Complete description of Rental Contract Types in the Netherlands.
Conclusion
Lots of human-hours have been invested into writing this guide. We’ll not promote Uprent. Just trust us — you absolutely should use it in your rental search :-)