Apartments and flats for Rent in Assen, Netherlands
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Assen apartments: 26% cheaper than Groningen
Assen offers surprisingly affordable apartment living in Drenthe's capital, with rents averaging €905/month based on over 800 listings tracked on RentHunter. That's 26% cheaper than nearby Groningen while still offering excellent train connections, just 14 minutes to Groningen by public transit.
The apartment market here favors long-term residents, with 72% of listings allowing municipal registration and most properties unfurnished (only 14% come furnished). What sets Assen apart is the balance of provincial tranquility with urban amenities, you get actual parking availability (20% of listings include parking) and occasional garden access (9% of apartments) that's rare in busier Dutch cities.
Whether you're looking for a starter flat near the historic center or a family-sized apartment in the newer residential areas, Assen's compact size means everything is within cycling distance of the train station and city amenities.
Apartment types in Drenthe's capital
Assen's apartment market caters primarily to long-term residents, with distinct options based on your living situation and timeline. Most properties are unfurnished, reflecting the city's appeal to locals and long-term expats establishing roots in Drenthe.
Unfurnished dominates (86% of listings)
Only 14% of apartment listings in Assen come furnished, significantly lower than international hubs like Amsterdam. Furnished flats typically target short-term corporate relocations or international students, while the unfurnished majority serves locals and expats planning longer stays. If you need high-end furnished options, check luxury apartments in Groningen for comparison.
One-bedrooms (444 listings) at €828/month
One-bedroom apartments dominate the market (444 listings) averaging €828/month, perfect for young professionals or couples. Two-bedroom flats (248 listings) jump to €1,011/month, while three-bedroom options (57 listings) surprisingly level off at €1,027/month. Four-bedroom apartments are rare (only 5 tracked) but command €1,146/month, typically targeting families or house shares.
Assen's small market means apartments in prime locations (near the station or weekly Saturday market) get snapped up quickly. Set up alerts and respond within hours, not days.
Where to live in compact Assen
- Historic center around Brink squareHistoric heart around Brink square and the famous Saturday market. Mostly older apartment buildings with character, walking distance to shops and restaurants. Higher rents but maximum convenience for car-free living.
- Kloosterveen: modern family suburbiaModern residential area southwest of center, popular with families and young professionals. Newer apartment complexes often include parking and sometimes small balconies. Good cycling routes to the station and direct access to nature areas around Assen.
- Pittelo: affordable east of centerAffordable residential neighborhood east of center, offering good value apartments for budget-conscious renters. Mix of older and newer housing, with solid bike connections to downtown and the train station. Less central but quieter than the historic core.
- Marsdijk: commuter territory with gardensEstablished residential area north of center, popular with professionals working in Groningen who want space and value. Mix of apartment buildings and converted houses, often with garden access. The commute to Groningen station is manageable by bike plus train.
Living costs and rental process
At €905 average monthly rent, Assen offers exceptional value compared to major Dutch cities while maintaining quality of life. The market spans €200 to €2,750, with most apartments falling between €700-€1,200 depending on size and location. Registration with the gemeente (GBA) is possible for 72% of listings, making it expat-friendly for those needing official address registration.
Most landlords require standard documentation: recent payslips, bank statements, and employer confirmation. Deposits average just 0.59 months rent, far lower than Amsterdam's typical 1-2 months. The rental process moves quickly in Assen's smaller market, so having documents ready and responding promptly gives you an edge.
Unlike student cities, only 3% of apartment listings target students specifically, while 10% cater to international renters. This creates a more settled, professional atmosphere but means fewer short-term or flexible lease options. For those comparing options, apartments in Groningen offer urban amenities at higher prices, while Leeuwarden apartments provide similar provincial charm.
Renting questions answered
How much cheaper is renting in Assen versus Groningen?
Apartments in Assen average €905/month compared to €1,223 in Groningen, that's 26% cheaper while maintaining easy train access (14 minutes). The savings are substantial for professionals who can work remotely or don't mind the short commute to Groningen's business district.
Is Assen suitable for international professionals?
Yes, though it's more quiet than Amsterdam or Utrecht. About 10% of apartment listings specifically target expats, and 72% allow GBA registration for official residency. The challenge is fewer international amenities, most restaurants and shops cater to Dutch locals rather than global tastes.
What's the best way to find apartments in Assen quickly?
Use RentHunter to compare listings from all major platforms in one place, then set up email alerts for your criteria. In Assen's smaller market, new listings often get multiple interested parties within 24 hours, so speed matters more than in larger cities.
Flats and apartments in Assen
In the Netherlands, 'flat' and 'apartment' are often used interchangeably. Both refer to self-contained units in multi-story buildings.