Tired of boring boxy apartments? Are you ready to upgrade from a cave, to something livable? If you’ve been browsing listings lately, chances are you’ve come across a few lofts, those big, open apartments with high ceilings and huge windows. They stand out, and for a lot of students, expats, or just anyone tired of cramped living, they’re a pretty tempting option.
But is loft living in the Netherlands actually worth it? What’s the price tag? And where do you even find one without getting lost in overpriced listings?
In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about loft life. We’ll give you all the pro’s and cons and show you where to find the coolest lofts in the Netherlands
🧱 What even is a loft apartment?
Let’s be real, “loft” is one of those words people throw around when they want an apartment to sound fancy. But in the Netherlands, it usually means this: a big, open space with high ceilings, huge windows, and barely any walls. Think: your bed, couch, and kitchen all in one big room.
You’ll probably spot exposed pipes, old brick walls, or steel beams, because many of these places used to be factories or office buildings. It’s not about luxury in the traditional sense. It’s more… industrial charm meets lots of natural light.
👉 Perks of loft living?
- Loads of natural light (always perfect selfies).
- Flexibility to design your space your way.
- Great spots for home offices, creative setups, or just a giant bean bag.
- Enough room to own both a desk and an air fryer.
Of course, all that space means you’ll want to measure before you move in, unless you’re cool with climbing a ladder every time you need a pair of socks.
📍 Where to find lofts in Amsterdam
Lofts are in demand in the Dutch capital , especially around the city center. Here’s where to look if you’re after a loft Amsterdam adventure:
Best neighborhoods to rent a loft in Amsterdam:
| Neighborhood | Why it’s great | Average rent (monthly) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oud-West | Trendy cafés, near Vondelpark | €1,800–€2,500 | |
| De Pijp | Lively, youthful area with great food | €1,600–€2,300 | |
| Amsterdam-Noord | More space, creative scene | €1,400–€2,000 | |
| Eastern Docklands | Industrial-chic converted buildings | €1,900–€2,700 |
Many listings for “the loft Amsterdam” pop up in these areas, and they often feature ultra-modern design or repurposed industrial charm.
💡 Want to avoid scams? Use trusted platforms like RentHunter to find verified lofts with clear contracts.
💸 Buying a loft in Amsterdam: what to know
Looking to buy instead of rent? It’s a bold move, but lofts can be a great long-term investment. Here’s what you need to know:
- Average price for a loft: €500,000–€900,000 depending on size and location.
- Most common sizes: 80 m² to 160 m².
- Common features: Open layout, roof terraces, mezzanine floors, exposed brick or beams.
🏢 Buying tip: Older industrial buildings are often converted into lofts and sold as part of co-op-style projects or homeowners’ associations.
Need a mortgage as a non-Dutch buyer? It’s possible, but you’ll need a BSN (Dutch citizen service number), proof of income, and sometimes a larger deposit if you’re not an EU resident.
🏘️ Loft living in The Hague (Den Haag)
The Hague (aka Den Haag) is a bit more chill than Amsterdam but still has great loft options, especially if you’re looking for more space, lower prices, and beach access.
Corner lofts Den Haag: what’s the deal?
Corner lofts offer more light, more privacy, and usually a bit more square footage. These often pop up in:
- Binckhorst – An up-and-coming industrial area
- Zeeheldenkwartier – Stylish with lots of charm
- Laakhaven – Close to The Hague University of Applied Sciences
💡Pro tip: Search for “corner lofts Den Haag” or “loft Den Haag” to get the best listings.
🛋️ Renting vs buying: pros and cons
| Renting a loft | Buying a loft | |
|---|---|---|
| Flexibility | Move anytime with notice | You’re tied to a mortgage |
| Upfront costs | 1–2 months deposit | 10–20% down payment |
| Maintenance | Landlord’s problem | Your problem 😅 |
| Customization | Limited | Total freedom (paint it neon if you want!) |
Still undecided? Renting through a platform like RentHunter gives you the flexibility to test loft life before committing long-term.
🛠️ What makes a loft different from a regular apartment?
You’re probably wondering: “Isn’t a loft just a bigger apartment?” Well, yes and no. Here’s how they stack up:
| Feature | Loft | Regular apartment |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | Open, minimal walls | Separate rooms |
| Ceiling height | Often 3+ meters | Standard height |
| Vibe | Industrial, artsy | Varies from modern to classic |
| Light | Tons of natural light | Depends on floor and windows |
So if you like creative space, open kitchens, and not bumping your head on the ceiling , lofts win.
🌞 What about a penthouse loft with terrace?
Yes, you can have the best of both worlds! Some lofts come with a private rooftop or wraparound terrace.
You’ll find these luxe setups in:
- Haarlem (check listings for “penthouse Haarlem” or “loft Haarlem”)
- Rotterdam (especially in Kop van Zuid or Lloydkwartier)
- The Penthouse Den Haag – The city’s tallest building with sky-high living
But be prepared: the price tag on a penthouse loft with terrace can easily hit €1 million+.
💡Tip: South-facing terraces get the most sun. Important if you like plants… or tanning.
📈 Loft rental prices in 2025
Let’s talk numbers. Here’s what you can expect to pay for a loft in 2025:
| City | Average monthly rent for loft (2025) |
|---|---|
| Amsterdam | €1,800 – €2,800 |
| Rotterdam | €1,500 – €2,200 |
| Den Haag | €1,400 – €2,000 |
| Haarlem | €1,600 – €2,400 |
These vary depending on location, floor space, amenities, and whether the place is furnished.
Pro tip: Furnished lofts can cost €150–€300 more per month.
🌍 Best neighborhoods for loft living in the Netherlands
If you’re flexible with location, here are a few top picks for stylish loft living:
Amsterdam Noord
Affordable(ish), spacious, and packed with creative energy. A hotspot for new loft developments.
Rotterdam West
A mix of historic and modern buildings , perfect for converted loft apartments.
The Hague – Binckhorst
Think: former factories turned designer lofts with canal views.
Haarlem Centrum
Charming, cobbled streets, and surprisingly sleek modern lofts tucked inside old buildings.
Frequently Asked Questions: lofts in the Netherlands
Are lofts more expensive than regular apartments? Usually yes. You’re paying for space, style, and ceiling height.
Do lofts have separate bedrooms?
Usually not. Most lofts are one big open space. Some have a raised sleeping area or mezzanine, but don’t expect full-on bedrooms with doors.
Are lofts hard to find in Amsterdam?
A little, yeah. They’re super popular, especially in the city center. Your best bet is to use something like RentHunter and filter for loft-style places.
Can expats buy a loft?
Yes, definitely. It takes some paperwork and patience, but it’s totally doable. Just make sure you get solid advice if you’re new to buying in the Netherlands.
What is “The Loft Amsterdam”?
Not an apartment for rent, it’s actually a styled event space/showroom that’s been used for pop-ups and shoots. Looks great on Instagram, though.
Final thoughts
Loft life isn’t for everyone. If you’re into cozy little rooms and built-in wardrobes, it might not be your thing. But if you like open space, big windows, and that raw, industrial feel, renting or buying a loft in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, or The Hague might just be the vibe.
Still searching for the right place? RentHunter is a good place to start, no scams, no weird group viewings, just listings that match what you’re actually looking for.
Happy loft hunting!
