Housing in Groningen for expats and starters: how to find a room
Hausmates editorial team · Reviewed 15 October 2026
Groningen has one of the tightest housing markets in the Netherlands, especially in August and September. If you are moving here for work or staying after your studies, a room in a shared home is often the fastest and most affordable route. This guide helps you search, check and settle in well.
Where and when to search
Start early. Demand peaks around the start of the academic year; outside that period there is more choice. Search in several places at once: room websites, Facebook groups, your employer and your own network.
On Hausmates, residents post their own free room. You see who lives there and reply for free, with no agency fees or subscription. Introduce yourself briefly: what you do, how long you want to stay and what you look for in housemates.
What to arrange on arrival
If you stay in the Netherlands for more than four months, you register with the municipality. This gives you a citizen service number (BSN), which you need for work, a bank account and health insurance. So ask before signing whether you can register at the address.
- Register with the Municipality of Groningen (BSN)
- Apply for DigiD for online government services
- Take out Dutch health insurance if you live or work here
- Keep your rental contract and proof of payment
How to spot a rental scam
Housing fraud often targets people searching from abroad. Be careful when someone asks you to pay before you have seen the room, wants a copy of your passport before you have even talked, or when the rent is suspiciously low.
- Never pay a deposit or rent before you have seen the room (in person or by video) and have a contract
- Check that the person actually has access to the home
- Be wary of pressure: ‘ten others are interested, pay today’
- Only share your passport when signing, and cross out your BSN and photo on the copy
What is a fair rent?
Rooms in the Netherlands fall under a points system that sets a maximum rent. The Rent Tribunal (Huurcommissie) rent check shows whether the asking rent fits. If you pay too much, you can ask the Huurcommissie to review it.
In Groningen, landlords often need a permit to rent out rooms. Ask about it: it tells you whether you can register and whether the home is rented out legally.
Housemates who fit
A room is more than square metres. Ask about the language spoken at home, daily rhythms, guests, cleaning and how often people eat together. Many international homes speak English; just ask. A short video call beforehand prevents a lot of surprises.
Common questions
Can I find a room in Groningen as an expat?
Yes, but start early and search widely. A short, personal introduction to the housemates helps you stand out.
Do I have to pay to reply on Hausmates?
No. Searching, replying and posting a room are free. Rent and deposit are agreed with the landlord or residents.
Do I need a BSN to rent a room?
Not always to rent, but you do to register, work and open a bank account. So ask whether you can register at the address.