Looking for an apartment in Enschede without the hassle? Whether you’re a student, expat or young professional, this guide is your shortcut to finding great Enschede apartments for rent. We’ll cover neighborhoods, prices, platforms and answers to frequently asked questions.
Enschede is located in the east of the Netherlands near the German border and combines city life with a nice atmosphere. Famous for the Twente University, innovation hubs and cultural scene it’s a growing favourite among students and expats. With affordable rent, green parks and an active nightlife Enschede has the perfect balance of study, work and fun. Whether you’re looking for a cozy studio, a furnished apartment or a shared space near campus, this city has it all.
📍 Enschede: The beautiful city in the east
Enschede is a dynamic city full of culture, greenery and affordable housing. It’s popular for:
- Dutch students
- International students
- Expats
- Digital nomads
- Young professionals
With its mix of studios, furnished apartments, and shared housing, there’s a wide variety of apartments for rent in Enschede to explore.
🧠 Did You Know? Enschede used to be the textile capital of the Netherlands and still carries that legacy in its architecture and street names. Today, it’s a thriving university city with a strong focus on innovation, music, and cross-border culture—thanks to its close connection with Germany and international student population.
🌆 Best neighborhoods to live in Enschede
Here are some of the most popular areas to find apartments to rent in Enschede:
| Neighborhood | Best for | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| City Center | Expats, couples | Restaurants, nightlife, short walk to everything |
| Roombeek | Creatives, families | Art scene, modern housing, green spaces |
| Twekkelerveld & Campus | Students, exchange students | Close to university, student housing, shared apartments |
| Deppenbroek | Budget renters | More affordable, residential vibe |
Whether you’re looking for a studio or a furnished apartment in Enschede in the Netherlands, the neighborhood will shape your lifestyle.
🗺️ Go beyond the city centre
The city centre has its charm, but don’t underestimate the quieter neighborhoods like Stadsveld, Boswinkel or Helmerhoek. These areas often have more space, peace and better parking – without breaking the bank. They’re great if you work from home, have a family or just want a more relaxed vibe. Thanks to good public transport and bike paths you’re still only a short ride from the city centre. And who knows you might even find a hidden gem with a garden or balcony. If you’re staying for a while these neighborhoods can offer a better quality of life for less money.
💸 Average rent prices in Enschede (2025)
| Type of Apartment | Monthly Rent (approx.) | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|
| Room in Shared Apartment | €300 – €600 | Students, newcomers |
| Studio Apartment | €500 – €900 | Singles, digital nomads |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | €800 – €1,100 | Expats, couples |
| 2+ Bedroom Apartment | €1,200+ | Families, co-living |
Most apartments require 1-2 months deposit, and utilities (gas, water, electricity) are either included or added separately.
🤝 How to find apartments for rent in Enschede
Your best options:
Renthunter.nl — Aggregates listings from multiple platforms
Pararius.nl — Trusted Dutch rental site
Kamernet.nl — Great for student and shared housing
Facebook groups — Search for “apartments for rent Enschede”
University notice boards — Especially for student housing in Enschede
Documents you’ll need:
- Passport or ID
- Proof of income or student registration
- Possibly a Dutch guarantor (for non-EU students)
- Valid registration address within 5 days of move-in
⚠️ Prevention/warning: watch out for scams
When you’re looking for an apartment to rent in Enschede, it’s important to stay sharp—scams do happen. A good rule of thumb: never send money before you’ve signed a proper contract. Real landlords will always provide clear documents first. If something looks way too cheap or too perfect, it probably is. Be especially cautious with luxury listings at unusually low prices. To stay on the safe side, use reliable platforms like Renthunter.nl, which brings together listings from trusted sources so you can focus on real, safe options.
🫰 Furnished vs unfurnished apartments
- Furnished: includes bed, table, chairs, sometimes kitchenware.
- Unfurnished: may have only basic floors, no appliances.
- Semi-furnished: something in between.
Tip: Renting furnished apartments in Enschede Netherlands can cost 10-20% more, but saves time and upfront investment.
📝 Contract types: what to expect
| Type | Length | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Short-term | 3-6 months | Ideal for exchange students or interns |
| Long-term | 12+ months | For expats, families |
| Campus contracts | Depends on study period | For campus housing only |
Always check if utilities, monthly rent, and service costs are included.
🎓 Student housing in Enschede
- University of Twente offers campus housing but spots are limited
- Kamernet.nl and Renthunter.nl are ideal for off-campus rooms
- Shared apartments near Twekkelerveld or Deppenbroek are affordable and social
💼 renting an apartment in Enschede as an expat
- Make sure your lease allows registration at the address
- Clarify what’s included in the rent (e.g., utilities, furniture)
- Most landlords prefer tenants who can prove stable income
If you’re unfamiliar with Dutch rental rules, check platforms like Huurcommissie.nl for legal advice.
✅What to check before moving in
Before you sign anything or set your move-in date, take the time to thoroughly check the apartment. Look out for damp spots or mold, check if the heating works and make sure the basics like water and electricity are working. If you see any damage take photos and share them with the landlord – this can avoid problems later with your deposit. Moving into a furnished place? Double check what’s included and what condition the furniture and appliances are in. Better to be thorough now than to be surprised later.
💡 Best tips for finding your ideal place
- ✅ Have your documents ready in a folder
- ✅ Prepare a short intro message (especially on Facebook)
- ✅ Budget for deposit + first month rent upfront
- ✅ Prefer “inclusive” listings to simplify costs
- ✅ Ask about GWL (gas/water/electricity**)** in your tour!
- ✅ Best time to search: May to August (before academic year starts)
- ✅ Set alerts on Renthunter.nl to catch new listings
- ✅ Be ready to book viewings quickly (competition is real!)
⚖️ Comparison: apartment types in Enschede
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | Private, cozy, great for solo | Can be pricey per m2 |
| Shared apartment | Social, cheaper, many students | Less privacy |
| Furnished flat | Move-in ready | Higher rent |
| Campus housing | Close to university, many students | Limited spots, short-term (during study) only |
❓ FAQ: renting in Enschede
What’s the average rent in Enschede?
Expect to pay between €400-€600 for a room, €800-€1,100 for a private apartment.
How do I find affordable apartments in Enschede for rent?
Use aggregators like Renthunter.nl, which show listings from different rental websites in one place.
Can I find short-term rentals in Enschede for students?
Yes, especially from landlords near the university or platforms like HousingAnywhere.
Best websites to rent apartment Enschede?
Try Renthunter.nl, Pararius, Kamernet, and Facebook groups like “Rooms/Studios Enschede”.
Do apartments for rent in Enschede include utilities?
Sometimes. Look for listings labeled “inclusive” or ask what GWL covers. If not included, budget an extra €100-€200/month.
How to find housing in Enschede as a newcomer?
Start online, prepare your documents, and act fast. Use trusted platforms and avoid paying before visiting.
🏁 Conclusion: your perfect apartment in Enschede is out there
Student, expat or digital nomad, apartments in Enschede are diverse, affordable and available. With Renthunter.nl and some preparation you can rent an apartment in Enschede fast and safe.
Shared apartments in student areas or private studios near the city center, Enschede has apartments for every budget and lifestyle. Just be prepared to move fast, avoid scams and always check what’s included in your contract.
Good luck and welcome to Enschede — your new home is waiting!
