Holland2Stay – The Amsterdam Locations

Finding lower cost accommodation in Amsterdam is always a challenge. In some countries AirBnB is an option but if you live in The Netherlands for 4+ months or have a residence permit then you are obliged to register at a residential address. This won’t usually  be possible at an AirBnB or similar likely illegal rental. Amsterdam has a housing shortage which does make it hard to find lower priced but still legal rentals

Holland2Stay

If you are a student or young professional then a good option may be Holland2Stay.  They offer studios and larger apartments in 14 Dutch cities. These include 3 locations in Amsterdam and 1 in Diemen.

Certain apartments are reserved for students whilst the regular apartment have a maximum income restriction.  To rent any apartment from Holland2Stay you need to fulfil that apartment’s specific requirements.  Generally you must stay a minimum of 12 months and be able to prove either/ both your student status and your income. Sharing is not possible except as a couple. The rules may mean that your Holland2Stay is only an interim accommodation for your first year here but if you meet the requirements then they can definitely be an option worth considering.

To follow is a short description of the different areas in Amsterdam and Diemen where the buildings are located. This post is not intended to give information about the accrual apartments although it does include basic information about rent levels and the booking process. Check the website of Holland2Stay direct for information about the actual apartments.

van Heenvlietlaan

Holland2Stay has 354 apartments in the van Heenvlietlaan in Buitenveldert close to both the VU and the Zuidas. Buitenveldert is a comparatively quiet residential area with good transport links into the city centre. There is a large Jewish community in the area meaning there are also synagogues and a Jewish school. Buitenveldert also has a comparatively high proportion of Japanese nationals. In addition there are a lot of pensioners, though an increasing number of families are moving into the area many of whom are internationals.

The Holland2Stay apartments are very close to the Gelderlandplein shopping mall as well as a large Jumbo and other supermarkets. There are several parks in the vicinity including the Amstelpark, whilst the location offers easy cycling access towards the countryside via routes along the Amstel river and also in the direction of Amsterdamsebos.

The peace of the Amstelpark

WFC Lofts

WFC Lofts are located on Koningen Wilhelminaplein close to Lelylaan station and the World Fashion Centre.

This part of Amsterdam West has seen considerable redevelopment over the last 10 years which continues today. Aside from good train, tram, metro and bus links including a direct connection to Schiphol, the area is very close to the highway allowing easy access out of Amsterdam. The apartments are very close to the Rembrandtpark and a short cycle to the Vondelpark. Recent developments here have included the opening of bar and restaurant LELY opposite the train station. There is a spa with sauna and pool facilities at the World Fashion Hotel also open to the public, as well as various fitness and yoga studios within an easy cycle ride. Aerials Amsterdam offers unusual dance and other classes a short walk from the apartments.

Prepping for a class at Aerials Amsterdam

Europahuis

Europahuis is located on James Wattstraat in Amsterdam East (Oost) a short walk from Park Frankendael and close to Amstel train, tram, metro and bus station.

Closeby is the Amstel river, a popular destination in the summer with bars and boats pulled up along the side often visiting the very popular cafe Hesp. Both Park Frankendael and the Amstel offer chances for outdoor swimming.

The Amstel river at sunset

The east has not traditionally been a popular area for internationals, with one reason for this being a lack of housing. People moved into the area but then did not move out so there was less housing stock coming available. East was also sometimes considered far away when compared with more traditionally expat areas like the Pijp, Oud Zuid or the Jordaan. These days larger numbers of expats do favour the east. There is a branch of the AICS (Amsterdam International Community School) recently opened here as well as redevelopment and new builds.

Holland Park, Diemen

Holland Park is a new residential district close to Diemen Zuid. This station is served by the Amsterdam metro, as well as train services taking you to and away from Amsterdam. Diemen itself is located 6km south of Amsterdam but still within the official metropolitan district.

I have only ever visited Diemen as a tourist so my knowledge of the immediate area is limited to the very green and spacious parks. It is easy here to escape into nature. A search brought up less gym and yoga studios than in more central parts of Amsterdam but Holland Park is such a new development that thing are of course likely to change with new places opening up as the area grows.

Diemen is also very close to the Zuidoost (South-East) and there is much more to do and see here. In Bijlmer Arena for instance is Pathe’s IMAX cinema, the Johan Cruijff ArenA, Ziggo Dome and various shopping opportunities.

Rental Amount and How to Book

If you can meet the requirements then apartments can start as low as EUR 780 per month at van Heenvlietlaan going up higher amounts for the larger ones especially at Europahuis and in Diemen.  Monthly amounts payable are including utility, internet and service charges.  

To book an apartment you first need to create an account with Holland2Stay. New apartments get listed every Tuesday.  You register your interest  in an available apartment which is possible until the Sunday. On Monday they randomly select one applicant to take that apartment. But you can only sign up for 1 apartment per week.  It is not normally possible to view apartments. Once you have chosen and been accepted for an apartment, Holland2Stay will take care of the paperwork including sorting out the permit from the Amsterdam city authorities allowing you to live there. You should expect to pay a fee for this.

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