Introduction: A Common Need with Limited Supply
Moving to a new country — or even just to a new city — is already challenging. Whether you're a student coming for a semester, a professional on a short-term contract, or an expat settling into Dutch life, one thing often tops your checklist:
Finding a furnished apartment.
But across Dutch cities like Amsterdam, Utrecht, and The Hague, furnished rentals are in surprisingly short supply.
Let’s explore why that is — and what you can do to find the right place more easily.
Why Are Furnished Apartments So Rare?
Furnished apartments in the Netherlands are typically:
- Short-term rentals (1–6 months)
- Priced higher than unfurnished ones
- Found more in larger cities and tourist-heavy areas
Here are the main reasons behind the limited availability:
1. Dutch Renting Culture Prioritizes Long-Term
The Dutch rental market traditionally caters to long-term tenants who bring their own furniture. It's normal here to rent an "unfurnished" place that even lacks curtains or light fixtures.
2. Investors and Landlords Prefer Unfurnished Leases
Landlords often favor long-term, unfurnished contracts because:
- They reduce wear and tear on furniture
- Tenants stay longer
- There’s less turnover and management hassle
3. High Demand from Expats and Students
With more international students, expats, and remote workers coming to the Netherlands each year, demand for furnished units has outpaced supply.
What to Expect from a Furnished Apartment
In the Netherlands, “furnished” usually means:
- Bed and mattress
- Couch, dining table, chairs
- Basic kitchen equipment (pots, pans, cutlery)
- Sometimes towels and bed linens
But always double-check what's included. Sometimes "semi-furnished" only means flooring and curtains.
Tips for Finding Furnished Apartments Faster
Here’s how to make your search smoother and more successful:
Use a Smart Platform Like Huisly
Instead of checking dozens of websites, Huisly gathers listings from top Dutch housing platforms in one place. You can filter by “furnished,” location, and more — making your search quicker and more transparent.
Start Early
Furnished apartments are snapped up quickly. If you're moving during high season (August–October), start searching at least 2–3 months in advance.
Be Open to Flexibility
Consider:
- Serviced apartments
- Shared accommodations
- Short-term sublets while you continue your search
These can offer a soft landing while you get settled.
Ask About Furniture Flexibility
Some landlords might be open to furnishing an unfurnished unit if you're a reliable tenant. It doesn’t hurt to ask!
What If You Can't Find Furnished?
If you fall in love with a great unfurnished apartment, don’t panic. There are ways to furnish it easily:
- Rent furniture monthly (there are local companies for this)
- Buy affordable second-hand items on Dutch platforms like Marktplaats
- Join local expat groups — many people sell entire sets when leaving the country
And remember, with Huisly, you can discover all types of rentals — furnished or not — from multiple trusted sources, all in one place.
Conclusion: Stay Smart, Stay Flexible
Yes, furnished apartments in the Netherlands can be hard to find — but they’re not impossible. With a smart strategy and the right tools, you’ll be on your way to a cozy, ready-to-move-in home in no time.
Looking for a furnished place you can trust?
Huisly brings together listings from Funda, Pararius, Kamernet and more — so you don’t have to jump between tabs.
Find your next home the smart way.