How to Find Temporary Housing in the Netherlands (Step-by-Step)

Finding temporary housing in the Netherlands can be challenging—especially if you’re relocating from abroad or need accommodation on short notice. The housing market is competitive, availability is limited, and the process can feel unclear if you’re unfamiliar with how things work. Whether you’re an expat, a business traveler, or a company arranging accommodation for employees, this step-by-step guide will help you secure the right temporary housing—quickly and efficiently.

Step 1: Define Your Length of Stay

Before you start searching, it’s essential to determine how long you’ll need accommodation.

Typical categories:

• Short stay: a few nights to a few weeks

• Mid-term stay: 1 to 6 months

• Long-term: 6+ months

This matters because not all housing options are available for every duration.

Tip:

For stays between 1 week and 6 months, serviced apartments are usually the most practical and flexible option.

Step 2: Choose the Right Location

Location has a major impact on your daily experience.

When selecting an area, consider:

• Distance to your workplace

• Access to public transport

• Nearby supermarkets, gyms, and restaurants

• Overall neighborhood vibe

For example:

• City centers offer convenience but are busier

• Residential areas provide more space and comfort

If you’re staying in Rotterdam, areas like Kralingen offer a strong balance between accessibility and livability—especially for longer stays.

Check out our post: Best Areas to Stay in Rotterdam for Expats.

Step 3: Understand Your Options

There are several types of temporary housing in the Netherlands, each with its pros and cons.

1. Serviced Apartments

• Fully furnished and move-in ready

• Flexible rental periods

• Utilities included

Best for: expats, professionals, and companies

2. Hotels

• Easy to book

• Suitable for very short stays

Limitations:

• Expensive for longer stays

• Limited space

3. Airbnb and Short-Term Rentals

• Wide range of listings

Risks:

• Inconsistent quality

• Limited support

• Not always business-friendly

4. Corporate Housing Providers

• Designed for companies

• Reliable and standardized

Best for: employee relocation and project-based stays

Check out our post: Serviced Apartments vs Hotels: Which Is Better for Long Stays?

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Step 4: Set a Realistic Budget

Temporary housing in the Netherlands is in high demand, so pricing can vary significantly. Especially whether it's fully furnished or not.

Typical price ranges:

• Short stay: €80–€150 per night

• Monthly stays: €2,500–€4,500+ depending on location and quality

Important to consider:

• Are utilities included?

• Is cleaning included?

• Are there additional service fees?

Serviced apartments often provide the best value because everything is bundled into one price.

Step 5: Start Your Search Early

Availability can be limited—especially in major cities like Rotterdam and Amsterdam.

Best practice:

• Start searching at least 2–4 weeks in advance

• Earlier for peak periods

If you’re relocating internationally, securing temporary housing before arrival is strongly recommended.

Step 6: Check What’s Included

Not all accommodations are equal.

Before booking, confirm:

• Wi-Fi quality

• Workspace availability

• Gym availability

• Kitchen equipment

• Laundry facilities

• Cleaning services

These details make a significant difference—especially for longer stays.

Step 7: Verify Reliability

This step is often overlooked but critical.

Make sure you:

• Book through a trusted provider

• Check reviews or company credibility

• Confirm booking terms and cancellation policies

For business travel, reliability is non-negotiable.

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Step 8: Book and Secure Your Stay

Once you’ve found the right option:

• Confirm availability

• Review the contract or booking terms

• Secure your reservation

For longer stays, it’s often possible to:

• Negotiate rates

• Request extensions

• Customize your stay

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting too long to book

• Choosing based on price alone

• Not checking what’s included

• Booking through unreliable platforms

• Ignoring location convenience

Avoiding these mistakes can save both time and money.

Why Serviced Apartments Are the Most Practical Solution

For most expats and business travelers, serviced apartments offer the best overall experience.

They provide:

• Flexibility

• Comfort

• Cost efficiency

• A professional and reliable setup

This makes them particularly suitable for stays longer than a few days.

Looking for Temporary Housing in the Netherlands?

At SolsBury Prime Rentals, we offer fully furnished serviced apartments designed for expats, business travelers, and companies.

Our apartments provide:

• Flexible rental periods (from a few nights to several months)

• Prime locations, including Kralingen in Rotterdam

• Move-in ready spaces with everything included

• 24/7 Access to the dedicated workspace and gym in the same building

Whether you’re relocating or working on a temporary assignment, we make the process simple and reliable.

→ Get in touch or check availability to secure your temporary housing.