Private Sector Rentals in The Hague: Prices, Neighborhoods and Tips (2026)

The Hague is the third-largest city in the Netherlands and the international capital of peace and justice. With over 570,000 residents from more than 180 nationalities, the Peace Palace, the International Criminal Court, and over 200 international organizations, the city attracts a unique mix of civil servants, expats, students, and young professionals. Updated April 2026 — this article covers current prices in the private rental sector, the most popular neighborhoods, and how to find a private sector home in The Hague quickly.

What does the private sector rental market in The Hague look like?

The Hague holds a distinctive position in the Dutch rental market. The city attracts a steady flow of international renters due to the presence of embassies, international organizations — including the International Court of Justice and Europol — and large government institutions. This creates stable year-round demand for private sector housing, even outside the traditional student search season.

From 2026, the mid-market rent ceiling is set at €1,228.07 per month. Properties above this threshold fall in the private sector (vrije sector), where landlord and tenant are free to agree on a rent. The private sector accounts for a substantial share of The Hague's supply: most homes in popular neighborhoods like Scheveningen and Benoordenhout sit well above the mid-market ceiling.

For a broader look at the city's rental landscape, see our complete renting guide for The Hague.

What does a private sector rental in The Hague cost?

Rental prices in The Hague vary considerably by property type and location. As a reference: the social rent ceiling is €932.93 and the mid-market ceiling is €1,228.07. Everything above that is private sector. Based on listings currently on RentBuzz:

Property type	Available	Share
Apartment	287	75%
Room	47	12%
House	31	8%
Studio	16	4%

Rooms and studios in The Hague are more often priced just below the private sector threshold, while apartments and houses make up the majority of private sector supply. Compare prices across Dutch cities in our average rental prices in the Netherlands 2026.

From 1 July 2026, private sector landlords may raise rents by a maximum of 4.4%. Factor this into your calculations when signing a multi-year lease.

Which neighborhoods are most popular for renting?

The Hague is a city of contrasting neighborhoods. Here is an overview of the most sought-after areas in the private sector:

1. Scheveningen — Seaside living with a vibrant beach scene and low crime rates. Particularly popular with expats and young couples. Rents are typically above the city average due to the desirable coastal location. The district maintains a village-like atmosphere despite its urban setting.

2. Bezuidenhout — A quiet, green 1930s neighborhood directly behind Den Haag Centraal station. The Theresiastraat is the local hub, lined with shops and restaurants. The area borders the Haagse Bos forest and hosts the city's second-largest office district. Ideal for commuters and families seeking good connectivity.

3. Benoordenhout — One of The Hague's most desirable residential areas, with stately villas and spacious apartments. Particularly popular with diplomats, senior expats, and families. Private sector apartments here typically start around €1,800/mo. The neighborhood borders the Haagse Bos and Scheveningse Bosjes forests.

4. Centrum / Zeeheldenkwartier / Archipelbuurt — The historic heart of the city, home to the Binnenhof parliamentary complex and the Peace Palace. The Zeeheldenkwartier is trendy with independent shops and a lively food scene. The Archipelbuurt features stately townhouses and is especially popular with diplomats and international professionals. Compact apartments dominate the supply.

5. Laakkwartier — One of The Hague's most affordable neighborhoods, currently undergoing major urban renewal. An interesting option for first-time private sector renters who want to avoid the premium prices of Scheveningen or Benoordenhout.

Tips for finding a private sector rental in The Hague

1. Set up multiple search profiles — Looking in both Bezuidenhout and Scheveningen? Set up a separate search profile per neighborhood with its own criteria. That way you will not miss anything in the areas that interest you most.

2. Prepare your documents — Employer's statement, recent pay slips, and a copy of your ID. Landlords in The Hague — especially in the private sector — often expect these with your first response. Expats may also need a work contract and a letter from their employer.

3. Respond quickly — Popular private sector listings receive dozens of responses on the first day. Enable alerts so you can be among the first to reply.

4. Check the lease carefully — Make sure the contract specifies that the property falls in the private sector and states the applicable rent increase rules. From 2026, landlords must provide a WWS (residential points system) assessment with every new lease.

5. Look beyond the obvious neighborhoods — Areas like Laakkwartier and Loosduinen offer better value for money. Delft and Zoetermeer are also within easy commuting distance of The Hague and typically offer lower rents.

Where should you search?

Most of The Hague's private sector supply is not concentrated on one platform. Landlords — particularly at the higher end of the market — list properties across multiple channels simultaneously, or exclusively on smaller, specialized sites. For expats and international renters, English-language platforms often carry listings that do not appear on Dutch-only sites.

With rental supply fragmented across dozens of platforms in The Hague, manual searching is time-consuming and inefficient. RentBuzz aggregates supply from 100+ platforms and notifies you instantly when a property matching your criteria becomes available.

Browse current private sector listings in The Hague and nearby cities:

Den Haag → Rotterdam → Delft → Leiden → Schiedam →