Why the center of Alkmaar is the place for tenants

Alkmaar, the city of cheese, courtyards and historic splendour, occupied a special position in the Dutch housing market in 2026. While many tenants in the Randstad are being driven to the edges of the city, the center of Alkmaar remains an irresistible attraction. The combination of a medieval decor and an ultra-modern rental policy makes the city center a hotspot for both young professionals and active seniors.

In January 2026, we will see that the dynamics in the city center of Alkmaar have changed. Where investors used to buy massively for sale, current regulations ensure that a more stable and high-quality range of rental properties has been created. But what makes renting in this specific heart of North Holland so attractive?

The “15-minute city” in practice

The concept of the 15-minute city, where all daily needs are accessible within fifteen minutes of walking or cycling, is nowhere more tangible than in the center of Alkmaar. For tenants, this means huge savings on mobility costs.

• Amenities: Whether it's daily shopping at the organic supermarket, a visit to the doctor or an evening at Theater de Vest; everything is within reach.
• Gastronomy and culture: Living above an artisan bakery or around the corner from the charming Fnidsen offers a lifestyle that is simply impossible to copy in the suburbs. The city center acts as your extended living room.
• Car-free policy: In 2026, Alkmaar will invest heavily in a car-free center. For inner-city renters, who are often less dependent on their own car, this means more peace, cleaner air and wider walking trails along the canals.

A new balance in rents and surcharges

The year 2026 marks an important turning point for the tenant's wallet. National legislative changes that came into force in January 2026 have improved the financial accessibility of the Alkmaar center for a wider target group.

• Extension of housing allowance: Since 1 January 2026, the hard rent limit for housing allowance has expired. This means that lower-income tenants who rent a home in the city center with a basic rent above €900 are now more likely to qualify for financial support. This opens the doors to historic buildings that were previously unaffordable.
• Regulated middle rent: In 2026, we will see the effect of the Affordable Rent Act. Many downtown apartments that were previously in the “free sector” are now subject to a maximum rent based on the home valuation system. The average rent for an apartment in Alkmaar currently hovers around €1,300, with prices in the center often remaining more stable due to the stricter scoring for monumental buildings.

Monumental living with modern comfort

The charm of renting in the center often lies in its architecture. Alkmaar has hundreds of national monuments, but in 2026, “historic” will no longer be synonymous with “drafty”.

Over the past two years, many landlords have invested in sustainability. Thanks to innovative solutions such as secondary windows, heat pumps suitable for monuments and hybrid systems, many rental homes on the Oudegracht or the Luttik Oudorp now offer energy labels A or B. For tenants, this means the aesthetics of the 17th century with the comfort and energy bill of the 21st century.

The rise of “New Center” projects

Those who want the hustle and bustle of the city but prefer sleek new buildings will be served at their beck and call in 2026. Large-scale projects have been completed around the historic core that have effectively enlarged the city center.

• Ringers Quarter: Across the North Holland Canal, the Ringers site has now been transformed into a bustling neighborhood. Here, tenants will find modern loft apartments with a view of the Waagtoren.
• Dock 6 and towpath: Nearing completion in 2026, these projects offer hundreds of mid-range rental properties. They act as a modern shell around the old city, reducing the pressure on the historic core and increasing the supply for home seekers.

Social cohesion and the “Battle of Alkmaar”

Renting in the center of Alkmaar means becoming part of a close-knit community. Contrary to the anonymity of major cities such as Amsterdam, the “Alkmaar battle” still prevails in Alkmaar: a sober, friendly way of dealing.

• Courtyards and gardens: Alkmaar is known for its beautiful courtyards (such as the Hofje van Splinter). Although these are often private, they exude a peace and community spirit that colors the entire city center.
• Events: As a center tenant, you have a front row seat at the cheese market, the Lindengracht concerts and the celebration of Alkmaar's amazement on October 8. You are not a visitor, but a participant in the city's culture.

Is renting in the center right for you?

Choosing the center of Alkmaar in 2026 is a choice for quality of life over quantity. You might trade a large backyard for a roof terrace with a view of the Grote Kerk, but you'll get a world of culture, convenience, and social interaction in return.

Thanks to the new rental legislation and the huge focus on sustainability, the city center of Alkmaar is no longer a “niche” for the elite, but an attainable dream for the modern tenant who wants to get the most out of city life.