The latest HousingAnywhere International Rent Index has shown that Amsterdam and Rotterdam were the most expensive European cities for student rentals in Q4 of 2025.
And are we surprised? Nee. The index, which examined 59,519 listings on its site, compared rental prices across Europe. And it highlighted a well-known issue here in the Netherlands.
The takeaway: Unlike other countries, cities in the Netherlands showed no signs of declining rent.
Other European cities showed declines
Well, lucky them.
After analysing data on room rental prices across 25 cities and 11 countries, HousingAnywhere found that listings (mainly aimed at students) were either declining or holding steady across Europe.
Unfortunately, Amsterdam and Rotterdam did not see a price reduction.
In Rotterdam, single-room rental prices increased, ranging from €800 to €878, while Amsterdam’s prices stagnated at €990.
Meanwhile, several other countries saw decreases in rent. Cities like Berlin, Bologna, and Hamburg saw declines of up to 11.2%.
Despite no rent increase in Amsterdam, it remained the city with the highest average rent for a single furnished room according to the index.
Niet gezellig…
Housing issues in the Netherlands
While the housing crisis in the land of tulips has many causes, a central one appears to be the large-scale sell-off of housing, according to Nu.nl.
Rental properties, in particular, are being sold at more affordable prices, attracting first-time buyers.
So, homes are being bought for cheaper. This isn’t necessarily bad, as people who would not otherwise be able to afford to buy are able to own.
On the other hand, the affordability of buying is making renting less affordable. Rooms for rent disappear as large-scale investors sell off individual units.
Ultimately, costs are shifted from first-time buyers to renters.
Students are prime victims
A severe shortage of student rooms in the Netherlands leaves students incredibly vulnerable to price gouging.
And as universities themselves are not required to provide housing for their students, the market becomes even more flooded with desperate room hunters.
The very tangible lack of alternatives in these major cities leads to scams, discomfort, and high prices overall.
READ MORE | Internationals do NOT cause the Dutch housing crisis, says UN official: Here’s what is to blame
In this fend-for-yourself environment, students are at the bottom of the pyramid, often with limited funds and no rental history or experience.
Essentially, it’s no wonder the prices are so unkind to our fledgling adults.
Here’s hoping 2026 brings the studenten a much-needed price decrease.
What are your thoughts on the high prices? Let us know in the comments!
