The average rent for practice space in the Netherlands varies greatly depending on location, size and facilities. In large cities, you typically pay between €15 and €40 per square meter per month, while prices in smaller municipalities are often between €8 and €20. So for a practice space of 20-30 m², you end up with monthly costs between €200 and €1200, with flexible rental models often being more advantageous for start-up practitioners.
What determines the rent of practice space?
The rent for practice space is determined by several factors that add up to the final monthly cost. Location plays the most important role, followed by the size of the space, facilities available and the type of lease you choose.
In the center of large cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam or Utrecht, prices are significantly higher than in suburbs or smaller towns. This is due to the better accessibility, higher demand and often more luxurious appearance of these locations. Of course, the size of your practice space also directly determines your costs. A compact treatment room of 15 m² is cheaper than a spacious practice with waiting room of 50 m².
Facilities also make a big difference in price. A bare space with no amenities is cheaper than a fully furnished practice space with reception area, waiting room and modern equipment. The type of lease also affects your monthly costs. Traditional leases with fixed terms are often cheaper per month, but bind you for longer periods of time. Flexible rental models offer more freedom but can be more expensive per month.
How much does practice space cost on average per month?
The monthly costs for practice space vary greatly by region in the Netherlands. In Amsterdam and other large cities, you will quickly pay €800 to €1500 per month for a small practice space. In medium-sized cities such as Eindhoven, Groningen or Arnhem, prices are between €400 and €900 per month for similar spaces.
In smaller towns and villages, you can often find practice rooms as low as €200 to €600 per month. These price differences are mainly due to supply and demand in different regions. In popular neighborhoods with many potential clients, prices are higher than in quieter outlying areas.
For specialty practices such as physical therapy or dental practices, prices are often higher because of specific space requirements. Conversely, a treatment room for psychologists or coaches may be cheaper because fewer technical facilities are required. When comparing prices, it is important to also look at exactly what is included in the rent.
What is the difference between fixed rent and flexible practice space?
The main difference between fixed rent and flexible practice space is in the contract term and conditions. With fixed rent, you usually sign for a minimum of two to five years, while flexible solutions allow you to rent by the month, week or even part of the day.
Fixed leases offer security and are often cheaper per month. You have your own permanent place, can furnish the space as you wish, and build a steady client base in the same location. The downside is that you are locked into long-term commitments and are less flexible when your practice grows or shrinks.
Flexible practice space is a perfect fit for start-up practitioners or professionals working part-time. You only pay for the hours or days you use the space and can easily scale up or down. This solution is ideal if you don't yet know exactly how much space you need or if your practice experiences seasonal fluctuations. The downside is that the cost per hour or day can be higher than with fixed rent.
What additional costs come with renting practice space?
In addition to the basic rent, there are several additional costs involved in renting practice space. Service charges are often the largest item, ranging from 10% to 30% on top of the base rent. These usually cover cleaning common areas, maintenance and management of the property.
Energy costs for gas, water and electricity are sometimes charged separately, especially for self-contained units. Internet and telephony are essential to your practice and cost an average of €50 to €150 per month for a business subscription. Insurance such as liability and contents are mandatory and cost several tens of euros per month.
To avoid hidden costs, it's best to ask for a detailed cost breakdown before signing a contract. Pay special attention to:
- Parking costs for yourself and clients
- Charges for use of common facilities
- Maintenance costs for specific equipment
- Any municipal taxes
Add up all these costs to calculate your actual monthly expenses. That way you avoid unpleasant surprises later.
How do you find affordable practice space in your area?
Finding affordable practice space starts with proper research into the supply in your area. Start your search online on platforms such as Funda in Business, but also check local websites and Facebook groups for business owners in your city.
Networking within your profession often yields the best tips. Fellow practitioners know which locations are vacant or know landlords with interesting spaces. Join local business associations or professional societies where this information is shared. For more information on the complete process of Renting office space and finding the perfect business space, including practice areas, you'll find detailed tips in our guide.
Consider alternative solutions to cut costs. Shared practice spaces, subletting with colleagues or spaces in health centers are often more affordable than stand-alone units. Also look outside the city center, where prices are lower but you're still easily accessible. Timing is important: At the end of the year, landlords often have more room for negotiation.
When is sharing practice space more advantageous?
Sharing practice space is especially beneficial when you have less than three days a week practice. As a start-up practitioner with a limited client base, this allows you to save significantly on your fixed expenses without sacrificing professionalism.
Cost savings can be as high as 50-70% compared to renting your own space. Suppose a complete practice space costs €800 per month. When sharing with two colleagues working two days each, you may only pay €300-400 per month. You also share the cost of internet, cleaning and other facilities.
Do make clear agreements with your co-tenants about it:
- Use days and times
- Storage of personal belongings
- Joint purchasing of consumables
- Cleaning and maintenance
- Use of equipment and facilities
This solution works best for independent practitioners such as psychologists, coaches or consultants who need little specific equipment.
What are the benefits of renting practice space by the day?
Part-time rentals offer maximum flexibility for practitioners who want to control their costs. You rent the space only for the morning, afternoon or evening when you receive clients, eliminating the expense of vacancy.
For start-up practices, this is ideal because you can grow without having high fixed costs right away. Do you start with one half day per week? Then you only pay for that one half day. Is your practice growing? Then you can easily expand to more half-day sessions. This flexibility allows your practice to grow organically.
Practically, daypart rentals often work through online booking systems where you reserve your desired time slots in advance. Most providers charge by blocks of four hours, with morning (8:00-12:00), afternoon (12:00-17:00) and evening (17:00-21:00) being the standard layouts. Prices range from €25 to €75 per half-day session, depending on location and facilities. This model is especially popular in cities where office space for rent Amsterdam and other major cities is expensive because it provides an affordable alternative to fully owned space.
How do you negotiate the rent of practice space?
Successful negotiation of rent starts with good preparation. Know the market prices in your area and gather information about comparable spaces. This knowledge will give you a strong negotiating position.
Timing is important when negotiating. Landlords are often more willing to make concessions at the end of the year or when a space has been vacant for several months. Offer to sign a longer lease in exchange for a lower monthly rate, or ask for a discount for the first few months as a startup.
Negotiable dynamics are not just the rent itself. Consider also:
- Free months at the start of the contract
- Includes service charges for a fixed period
- Room improvements at landlord's expense
- Flexible notice periods
- Parking spaces included
Be realistic in your expectations but dare to ask. Many landlords would rather have a reliable tenant for a slightly lower price than months of vacancy.
Conclusion: Finding the best practice space for your budget
Finding the right practice space within your budget requires a good balance between location, facilities and flexibility. Average rents vary widely by region, but by choosing smartly, you can save significantly without compromising on professionalism.
Flexible rental models such as part-day rentals or practice space sharing offer excellent opportunities for start-up and growing practices. These solutions give you the freedom to experiment and grow without being stuck with high monthly fees. Remember to include all ancillary costs in your calculation and have the courage to negotiate terms.
At Co-Office, we understand that every practitioner has unique needs. Our flexible practice spaces offer transparent pricing with no hidden fees, so you know exactly where you stand. Whether you're looking for a permanent workspace or just want the flexibility of part-day rentals, we're happy to help you find the perfect solution. Visit contact with us to discuss options for your practice.