Airbnb Host Guide: The Hague, Netherlands

What draws Airbnb guests

Known as the international city of peace and justice, The Hague is attractive for both business travelers attending international conferences and tourists drawn to its historical sites and coastal charm. Its dual appeal as a diplomatic center and cultural hub attracts a wide variety of guests.

Why this city, not the next one

Visitors often choose The Hague over nearby cities like Amsterdam for a more diplomatic and cultural experience with fewer tourist crowds. Additionally, The Hague's proximity to the North Sea coast offers a unique combination of urban and beach experiences that differ from the primarily urban settings of Rotterdam or Utrecht.

Primary tourism type

Business tourism driven by international institutions is a primary pillar, complemented by a strong cultural and leisure tourism perspective, thanks to museums and the North Sea coastline.

How tourism has shifted

Over the past five years, The Hague has seen a steady increase in international visitors, particularly those attending conferences or diplomatic missions, with noticeable fluctuations due to global political climates and pandemic-related travel restrictions.

The Hague attracts a diverse range of visitors, from international diplomats and business professionals to cultural tourists and leisure travelers. Predominantly, it caters to international guests, especially those involved with diplomatic missions. Families frequent the city during vacations to visit the beach and nearby attractions.

Typical stay length

Business travelers tend to stay 3-5 nights, while leisure guests often extend their visit to a week, particularly in the summer months to enjoy the beaches.

Top source nationalities

GermanyUnited KingdomUnited StatesFranceBelgium

Most-valued amenities

High-speed Wi-FiWorkspaceProximity to public transportSelf-check-inParking

Highest-converting attractions

• Binnenhof

  Proximity to government buildings increases demand for stays in the city center, particularly during parliamentary events.

• Mauritshuis

  Boosts cultural tourism in surrounding neighborhoods, enhancing appeal for art-inclined visitors.

• Peace Palace

  Drives year-round occupancy due to its significance in international diplomacy and events.

• Scheveningen Beach

  Attracts summer tourism, significantly boosting occupancy and ADR in nearby properties.

High-traffic neighborhoods

Annual events that move occupancy

• The Hague Jazz Festival· June

  Boosts occupancy and ADR in Scheveningen and city center, drawing international visitors.

• Royal Christmas Fair· December

  Increases winter occupancy, especially in the city center and upscale neighborhoods like Archipelbuurt.

• TodaysArt Festival· September

  Raises demand in central and creative districts, benefiting hosts with art-focused decor or features.

Sporting events, trade fairs, conferences

The Hague Convention Center hosts numerous international conferences annually, significantly affecting occupancy rates in the surrounding areas. Events like the NN City Pier City half-marathon also attract large numbers of domestic and international visitors.

Best months for occupancy

June through August

Best months for pricing

July and August

Weakest months

January and November

Shoulder seasons

April and October

Weather impact

Proximity to the coast moderates winter cold and summer heat, making it a year-round destination with weather impacting mostly summer beach travel.

School holiday impact

Dutch and neighboring countries' school holidays in July and August drive up leisure travel, increasing family bookings.

Short-term rental regulations in The Hague are well-defined but require regular updates on legal changes. The city enforces specific licensing and tax requirements, making compliance crucial for hosts.

Licensing & registration

Property owners must apply for a verhuurvergunning (rental license) through the local municipality.

Primary residence rules

The property's primary intended use must remain as a residence, and subletting regulations must be adhered to.

Zoning / building rules

Zoning laws limit short-term rentals in specific residential areas to prevent housing shortages.

Tax obligations

Property owners are liable for local tourist taxes and must ensure these are appropriately filed with local authorities.

Compliance challenges

Navigating the requisite paperwork and frequent changes in short-term rental laws requires diligence, consuming time for solo operators.

Recent legal changes

The city council recently increased its focus on ensuring compliance with tourist tax payments and rental permissions.

Future regulatory risks

If housing availability continues to be a concern, stricter regulations may be enforced to safeguard long-term rental supply.

10 neighborhoods relevant to short-term rental in The Hague. Each entry sketches the typical guest, property type, rates and 12–36 month outlook.

Revenue across neighborhoods

Central neighborhoods like Centrum and Scheveningen lead revenue due to high ADRs, whereas outlying districts remain competitive but lower yielding.

Revenue across property types

1BHK serviced apartments yield consistently, luxury townhouses also attract high yields, particularly in embassy-heavy areas.

Most profitable categories

Sea-view properties in Scheveningen and serviced apartments in Centrum perform exceptionally well with high demand year-round.

Oversupplied categories

There is a tendency for oversupply in non-descript apartment listings in non-central neighborhoods.

Overall intensity

Moderately high with growth trends in diverse rental types to suit varied guest needs.

Active listings

Approximately 5,000 active listings currently exist across The Hague.

Luxury segment

Robust market with demand concentrated around international organization hubs and affluent residential areas.

Budget segment

Mostly localized around universities and accessible neighborhoods, with steady year-round turnover.

Underserved niches

• Pet-friendly accommodations
• Extended-stay options with kitchenettes
• Eco-friendly stays with sustainable practices

Cleaning

€50 – €75 per turnover, depending on property size and complexity.

Laundry

€15 – €25 per load, often negotiated with local services offering bulk deals.

Utilities

Electricity, water, and gas can run from €100 – €150 monthly, seasonally variable based on demand.

Internet

High-speed connections average €30 – €50 per month, essential for business booking competitiveness.

Property management

Professional management can range from 10–15% of revenue, with efficiencies in high-demand locales.

Maintenance

Miscellaneous maintenance costs average €500 – €1,000 annually, contingent on building age and location.

Insurance

Insurance premiums average around €200 – €300 annually, ensuring coverage of liabilities and potential damages.

Parking

Secure parking is highly valued, especially in central locations where spaces are limited.

Air conditioning

Less common due to moderate climate but appreciated during summer months.

Heating

Expected as standard due to cooler months; good to highlight efficient systems.

Public transport access

Proximity to tram lines and bus routes is a significant plus for more bookings.

Workspace

An important selling point for business travelers; a dedicated desk space can boost listings.

Balcony

Balconies enhance city and beach view listings, improving guest satisfaction.

Pool

Rarely necessary, but an attractive outdoor feature in luxury accommodations.

Family amenities

Demand for cribs and high chairs spikes during school holidays with family visits.

Luxury expectations

International luxury travelers expect personal touches, high-end finishes, and exceptional service, especially in embassy districts.

Airport impact

Rotterdam The Hague Airport, situated about 20 km from central The Hague, shapes stay patterns, particularly in international business districts like Statenkwartier.

Rail

Den Haag Centraal facilitates excellent connectivity across Benelux, crucial for tourism influx and intercity travel.

Public transit quality

Public transport is efficient and comprehensive, covering all major neighborhoods and attractions conveniently.

Walkability

Highly walkable city center with significant points accessible on foot—enhances local guest experience.

Car dependency

Less necessary within The Hague due to efficient transport; however, valuable for exploring outlying regions.

Future infrastructure

Ongoing railway and tram extensions promise improved connectivity, enhancing property value in underdeveloped neighborhoods.

Best neighborhoods for investors

CentrumScheveningenStatenkwartier

Fastest-growing

YpenburgDuinoord

Luxury opportunities

Growth exists in the Statenkwartier with new modern residential complexes blending harmoniously with embassy locales.

Budget opportunities

Strong in Laakkwartier due to new student housing needs and budget traveler influx.

Key risks

Over-regulation remains a concern given continuous adjustments in short-term rental laws; debt levels in European market affecting property prices.

Noise & community

Local community noise complaints can occasionally pose challenges, especially during festive periods.

Tourist taxes

All visitors are subject to a tourist tax which hosts must collect and remit diligently.

Housing shortage debate

Citywide housing shortages occasionally prompt regulatory crackdowns on Airbnb listings.

Regulatory uncertainty

Frequent alterations in housing policies can present both opportunities and risk management challenges.

Crime considerations

While generally safe, bicycle thefts and minor property crimes necessitate vigilance in listing descriptions and guest advice.

Environmental risks

The proximity of some neighborhoods to the coastline makes them vulnerable to flooding; however, Dutch engineering has largely mitigated this risk.

Seasonality risks

Revenue dips during the off-season can be substantial without careful pricing strategy.

Tourism forecast

Tourism in The Hague is expected to grow as cultural offerings expand and the city markets itself as a key diplomatic location amidst global uncertainties.

Infrastructure projects in the pipeline

• North Sea Wind Farm Development· ETA 2025

  Reduced dependency on traditional energy sources fosters sustainable growth and attracts eco-conscious travelers.

• Extension of Tram Line 9· ETA 2024

  Improved public transit in western districts, enhancing accessibility and attracting new visitors.

Major developments

Continued development in the coastal areas aims to blend hospitality with ecological initiatives.

Upcoming regulations

Rumored upcoming adjustments to vacation rental terms could enforce stricter seasonal compliance.

Economic factors

Post-pandemic recovery is inducing strong rebounding in business travel, balancing out any immediate diplomatic uncertainties.

The questions a local consultant would answer. Everything below is city-specific — none of it would apply to a neighbouring market.