Rental Trends for Millennials: What They Want
Millennials (born 1981–1996) are driving major shifts in the Dutch rental landscape in 2025. Their preferences—highlighting urban affordability, community-driven co-living, sustainable features, smart technology, and flexible leases—are shaping how landlords and developers design and market properties. Below, we explore each trend in depth, with internal Luntero links and external citations.
Urban Living & Affordability
Millennials continue to gravitate towards vibrant city centers like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, and The Hague, drawn by career opportunities and social life. However, steep rents (€25.68/m² in Amsterdam, a 5.8% annual rise) are prompting many to explore emerging cities such as Amersfoort and Leiden for more affordable rentals . Secondary markets offer rents 15–25% lower while maintaining transit connectivity, coworking hubs, and cultural amenities. On Luntero, use Search to filter by budget and neighborhood, or browse our Amsterdam Listings and Utrecht Listings to compare core and commuter-town options. This trend not only eases urban housing pressure but opens opportunities for property investors in up-and-coming districts.
Co-Living & Shared Spaces
The high cost of solo apartments has accelerated the rise of co-living among millennials. These setups provide private bedrooms with shared kitchens, lounges, and often fitness or coworking areas, combining privacy with social community . Monthly all-inclusive fees for furnished rooms typically range €700–€1,000, making co-living a cost-effective solution. Amsterdam’s Startblok project exemplifies this model, blending studio units with communal rooftops, events, and on-site support . Find co-living options on Luntero by searching “co-living” or exploring our Compare Listings tool to identify properties that bundle rent, utilities, and amenities into one transparent package.
Sustainability & Energy Efficiency
Environmental responsibility is non-negotiable for millennial renters. Homes bearing energy labels A or B command up to 10% higher rents, reflecting lower utility costs and superior comfort . Developers are responding by installing solar panels, high-grade insulation, heat pumps, and rainwater systems. Many new builds also include green roofs and EV charging stations. Use Luntero’s Resources to learn how to verify a property’s energy label and search specifically for “energy-efficient rentals.” Landlords who retrofit older stock to improve efficiency not only meet millennial demand but also mitigate future regulatory risks as the 2030 ban on E–G rentals approaches.
Smart Home & Connectivity
As digital natives, millennials expect smart home integration as standard: app-controlled thermostats, keyless entry, and gigabit internet are table stakes. Over 80% prioritize reliable Wi-Fi over location in their apartment search . Virtual tours, e-signing, and online maintenance portals streamline the rental process, reducing friction for on-the-go professionals. Luntero listings tagged “smart ready” often highlight pre-installed fiber connections and IoT capabilities. Incorporating these features allows landlords to justify premium rents and ensures that properties stay competitive in a tech-savvy market.
Flexible Leases & Remote Work
The shift to hybrid and remote work has redefined location priorities. Millennials now seek rentals with dedicated home office spaces or adaptable floorplans that double as work zones. Flexible lease terms—shorter minimum durations, break-clauses, and official subletting permissions—align with career mobility and lifestyle changes . Suburban and smaller-city rentals with extra space attract those who trade commute time for larger living areas. On Luntero, filter by “home office” or “flexible lease” to find properties tailored to remote work needs and evolving career paths.
Statistical Snapshot
| Metric | Q1 2024 | Q1 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unregulated Rental Supply | 100,000 units | 64,500 units | –35.5% |
| Average Responses per Listing | 28 | 42 | +50% |
| Median Days on Market | 25 days | 18 days | –28% |
| Millennial Co-Living Listings | 1,200 | 1,850 | +54% |
Data: Pararius.nl .
Millennials in the Netherlands are redefining renting: they seek affordable urban alternatives, community-centric co-living, green and efficient homes, smart connectivity, and lease flexibility tailored to modern work patterns. Landlords and developers who adapt to these demands will find success in attracting and retaining this influential demographic. Explore millennial-friendly listings now on Luntero’s Home and secure your ideal rental in 2025.
