Is Delft affordable compared to The Hague?

Yes. Delft rents are typically 10-20% lower than The Hague for comparable apartments. The trade-off is a smaller rental supply. Many professionals live in Delft and commute to The Hague in just 8 minutes by train.

Can PhD researchers find housing through TU Delft?

TU Delft offers limited housing through DUWO for incoming PhD researchers, but availability is not guaranteed and waiting times can be long. Most end up searching on the private market.

How is public transport in Delft?

Excellent. Delft station connects to The Hague (8 min), Rotterdam (12 min), and Amsterdam (45 min) by direct train. Buses and trams cover local connections. The city center is very walkable and bike-friendly.

Are there many expats in Delft?

Yes, primarily linked to TU Delft and TNO. The international community is active but smaller than Amsterdam or The Hague. English is widely spoken, and several expat groups organize regular social events.

How much does it cost to rent in Delft as an expat?

A furnished one-bedroom apartment in Delft costs between €1,000 and €1,500 per month. Two-bedroom apartments range from €1,300 to €1,900. Delft offers some of the best value in the Randstad.

Is Delft mainly a student city?

While TU Delft is a major presence, Delft also attracts professionals working at companies like DSM, TNO, and the many tech startups in the area. The city has a growing international professional community beyond students.

How well-connected is Delft to other cities?

Delft is ideally located between The Hague (10 minutes by train) and Rotterdam (15 minutes). Amsterdam is 50 minutes away. The compact size means you can bike everywhere within the city.

What are the best neighborhoods in Delft?

The historic center is the most desirable but expensive. Voorhof and Buitenhof offer modern apartments at lower prices. TU-Noord is popular with university staff. Tanthof is family-friendly and spacious.

What makes Delft attractive for expats?

Delft combines historic Dutch charm with a tech-forward environment. The canal-lined center, weekly markets, and proximity to both The Hague and Rotterdam make it a hidden gem. It is quieter and more affordable than nearby cities.

Can I get by in English in Delft?

Yes. With TU Delft attracting thousands of international students and researchers, English is widely spoken throughout the city. Most rental agencies and landlords in the expat segment communicate in English.

City Guide 1 min read Updated February 28, 2026

By Claire Krechting

Expert expat housing & relocation services in Delft

A historic university city with surprising availability

Delft is a charming university city with a rental market shaped by students, researchers, and young professionals. Rents range from €1,000 to €1,800, and with an average search time of 5 weeks, it's manageable - but only if you act fast. 27% of our placements here come through off-market channels.

Book free consultation Explore Delft

Delft, Netherlands - expat relocation destination

€1,000 – €1,800/month Average rent

5 weeks Average search time

27% Of rentals are off-market

Student / young couple Top expat profile

Why students and young couples choose Delft

Delft is defined by TU Delft - one of the top technical universities in Europe. The city attracts PhD researchers, engineers, and young professionals working at TNO, the Dutch Institute for Applied Scientific Research, or commuting to The Hague or Rotterdam.

For young couples, Delft offers a rare combination: a historic canal-lined center, affordable rents compared to neighboring cities, and excellent train connections (8 minutes to The Hague, 12 minutes to Rotterdam).

The Delft rental market

Delft is small - about 103,000 residents, a significant portion of whom are students. This creates two distinct markets: the student housing market (often through DUWO) and the private sector where working professionals compete for a limited supply of quality apartments.

Average search time is 5 weeks. The challenge in Delft isn't price - it's availability. New listings in the private sector are rare, and well-maintained apartments in the center go fast.

27% of our Delft placements happen off-market. In a city this small, knowing the right landlords makes all the difference. See how we operate.

Where to look

Centrum

Canal-side living at its best. Small but beautiful apartments in historic buildings. Walking distance to everything. Highly competitive - expect €1,300 to €1,800.

Voorhof & Buitenhof

More modern, more affordable, and close to the TU Delft campus. Popular with researchers and young professionals. Rents from €1,000 to €1,400.

Tanthof

A residential neighborhood south of the center. Spacious apartments, quieter atmosphere, and family-friendly. Good value at €1,000 to €1,300.

What to know before you sign

Dutch lease contracts in Delft follow the same rules as everywhere in the Netherlands, but student-area landlords sometimes include restrictive clauses about subletting or registration. We review every contract to protect you. View our relocation packages.

Looking for a home in Delft? Book a free consultation - we'll give you an honest picture of what's available.

Frequently asked questions about Delft

Need help with your relocation?

Book a free 30-minute consultation with one of our relocation experts. No strings attached.

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Written by

Claire Krechting

Claire Krechting is an expat relocation and housing expert in the Netherlands, assisting over 20 international households per month with securing rental and purchase properties. Her clients include professionals relocating through multinational companies such as ING, Nike, Tata Steel, and IMC. Claire works exclusively within the Dutch market, specializing in full-service relocation and residential real estate for international professionals.

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