Real Estate Agent Zwolle

Living in Zwolle: character and housing stock

Zwolle is the capital of Overijssel and an old Hanseatic city. The old town lies within a star-shaped city moat and has monumental buildings, the Sassenpoort gate and the Peperbus tower. Just outside are atmospheric pre-war neighbourhoods such as Assendorp and the Wipstrik. Further out you will find districts from the 1970s and 1980s and large new-build areas such as Stadshagen.

According to CBS, about 53% of homes in Zwolle were owner-occupied in 2025. The average WOZ value was €375,000 in 2025, and the average sale price of an existing owner-occupied home was €450,913 (CBS/Kadaster, 2025). That makes Zwolle one of the more expensive cities outside the Randstad.

The city is growing and demand for homes is high. Families look for family homes with a garden, while first-time buyers and older people mainly look at apartments. Pre-war homes in the neighbourhoods around the centre are very popular. In neighbourhoods further from the centre and with homes that need energy upgrades, there is usually more room to negotiate.

Getting around and work

Zwolle station is an important hub between the Randstad and the north and east of the country. Via the Hanzelijn railway you are quickly in Lelystad, Almere and Amsterdam, and there are direct trains to Utrecht, Groningen, Leeuwarden and Enschede, among others. By car, the A28 and A50 connect you well.

Major employers include Isala hospital, the province of Overijssel, the municipality, Windesheim University of Applied Sciences and a wide range of companies in business services and logistics. Also living or working along the IJssel? Then see our page about an estate agent in Deventer.

Who is Zwolle a good fit for?

Zwolle is attractive for anyone who wants a complete city without the bustle of the Randstad. The old town has plenty of shops, restaurants and culture, and nature such as the Vecht river, the IJssel valley and the Sallandse Heuvelrug is close by. Families often choose Stadshagen, Berkum or the Aa-landen. First-time buyers and couples look in Assendorp, the Wipstrik or the old town.

More and more people from the Randstad are moving to Zwolle, because the Hanzelijn still gets them to work easily. Ons Soort Makelaars does not yet have its own agent based in Zwolle. Feel free to get in touch and we will look together at how we can help you buy or sell.

Tips for buyers in Zwolle

Zwolle is in demand and good homes often sell quickly. Here is how to prepare:

• Have your borrowing capacity calculated in advance and account for all buyer's costs.
• View homes in several neighbourhoods. New-build areas offer space, the older neighbourhoods atmosphere, but often with more maintenance.
• With pre-war homes, have a building survey done and ask about the condition of the foundations, roof and window frames.
• Check whether you qualify for the first-time buyer exemption. Read more about transfer tax in 2026.
• Prepare your bid with a bidding strategy and decide your maximum in advance.
• A buying agent knows local prices and negotiates on your behalf.

Tips for sellers in Zwolle

Even in a sought-after city, the approach makes a difference to the proceeds.

• Start with a well-founded valuation and choose a realistic asking price.
• Buyers from the Randstad want to know how quickly they can reach the station. Mention travel times and amenities.
• Show what you have made more sustainable, such as insulation or solar panels, and make sure your energy label is correct.
• Get your home ready for sale with simple improvements and good photos.
• A selling agent helps you choose the best offer, not just on price but also on conditions.