Where To Look For a Home?
Finding a home in the Netherlands can be challenging, especially when you have recently moved to the country and are not yet familiar with the different cities and neighbourhoods.
For internationals working in the Leiden region, Leiden itself may seem like the obvious place to start. But limiting your search to the city boundaries could mean overlooking some very attractive alternatives. Oegstgeest, Leiderdorp, Voorschoten and other nearby towns are all within easy reach of Leiden and can offer a different living environment, different types of properties and potentially more opportunities.
So, where should you look for your new home?
Leiden: city life, history and convenience
With its historic canals, lively city centre and excellent location in the Randstad, Leiden is understandably popular among internationals. The city is home to Leiden University and is closely connected to Leiden Bio Science Park, one of the Netherlands' major life sciences and health clusters. The park alone brings together hundreds of organisations and thousands of professionals, including a significant international community. Leiden is also well connected by public transport, making it an attractive base for people who work elsewhere in the Randstad.
Housing is diverse, ranging from characteristic historic properties and apartments in and around the city centre to family homes and modern developments further out.
The downside of this popularity is competition. Housing availability remains limited, so it can be worthwhile to expand your search beyond Leiden itself.
Oegstgeest: green and close to the city
Directly next to Leiden, Oegstgeest is a popular choice for people who want to stay close to the city while enjoying a quieter and greener residential environment. Its location makes it particularly convenient for professionals working around Leiden Central Station, Leiden University or the Bio Science Park.
For families, couples or professionals looking for a little more space while remaining close to Leiden, Oegstgeest can be an attractive option.
Leiderdorp: residential and practical
To the east of Leiden lies Leiderdorp. Although officially a separate municipality, it is closely connected to Leiden and parts of the town are only a relatively short bicycle ride from the city centre.
Leiderdorp has a more residential character and offers a mix of apartments and family homes, as well as plenty of everyday amenities. For internationals who do not necessarily need to live in the historic centre and prioritise space, accessibility and a residential environment, it is certainly worth including in the search.
Voorschoten: conveniently located between Leiden and The Hague
Voorschoten can be particularly interesting if your daily life is not limited to Leiden.
Located between Leiden and The Hague, the town has its own railway station and provides convenient access to both cities. This can make it a practical location for couples who work in different cities or for professionals who regularly travel throughout the Randstad. At the same time, Voorschoten has a distinctly residential and village-like atmosphere, with plenty of green surroundings.
Don't let municipal boundaries limit your search
One thing that can be difficult to judge when moving to the Netherlands is distance. On a map, another municipality may initially feel far away. In practice, distances in the Leiden region are relatively small and cycling is a normal part of everyday life.
Living outside Leiden does not necessarily mean a long commute. Depending on the exact location, your workplace, Leiden Central Station or the city centre may still be easily accessible by bicycle or public transport.
Broadening your search area can therefore give you access to a wider range of properties and neighbourhoods.
What is happening in the housing market in 2026?
Finding a home in the Leiden region remains competitive. Demand is high and housing supply is limited. However, the market is continuously changing. While properties are still regularly sold above their asking price, recent developments suggest that the level of overbidding in Leiden may be becoming somewhat less extreme.
Another interesting development is that more apartments previously owned by private landlords have been entering the sales market. Changes affecting the rental sector have encouraged some investors to sell their properties, creating additional opportunities for buyers.
This does not mean finding a home has suddenly become easy. It does, however, underline why it is important to look at the market with an open mind rather than focusing on one specific neighbourhood or property type.
Start with your daily life, not just the property
When looking for a home, it is easy to focus on the number of bedrooms, outdoor space or the appearance of the property. But your location will influence your daily life just as much.
Before deciding where to search, ask yourself:
- Where will I work?
- How do I want to commute?
- Do I prefer city life or a quieter residential environment?
- How important is being close to a railway station?
- Do I need schools or childcare nearby?
- Would I rather have more space or live closer to the city centre?
Someone working at Leiden Bio Science Park may have very different priorities from someone commuting to The Hague or Amsterdam several days a week.
Renting or buying?
Your plans for the Netherlands also play an important role. For internationals who have only recently arrived or expect to stay for a relatively short period, renting can provide valuable flexibility. If you are planning to remain in the Netherlands for several years, buying a property may also be worth considering.
Before starting a serious search, it is useful to understand your budget. If you are considering buying, speaking to a mortgage advisor early in the process can help you understand what is financially realistic.
Explore the area yourself
Neighbourhood names and distances on Funda or Google Maps only tell you so much. If possible, spend some time exploring the different areas before deciding where you want to live. Cycle through the neighbourhood, visit the local shops, check the route to your workplace and see how the area feels at different times of the day.
You may discover that an area you had never considered actually suits your lifestyle better than your original first choice.
Finding your place in the Leiden region
There is no single best place for internationals to live in the Leiden region.
Leiden offers history, city life and excellent connections, while surrounding towns such as Oegstgeest, Leiderdorp and Voorschoten each have their own advantages.
Keeping your search flexible can make an important difference in a competitive housing market. Instead of focusing only on a postcode or municipality, consider the complete picture: your budget, commute, lifestyle and plans for the coming years.
As local estate agents, we know Leiden and the surrounding region and are happy to help internationals find their way around the Dutch housing market. Sometimes the right home may be exactly where you expected it to be – and sometimes it is just a short bike ride away.