Buying a home in Hees, Ruinen.
Hees is a quiet, car-dependent corner of Ruinen where detached homes sit on spacious plots—exactly what you're after if you want room to breathe and a garden that actually feels like yours. Your neighbours tend to be families and couples who've chosen rural life deliberately, not accidentally. The nearest shops and schools are in Ruinen itself, just a few minutes' drive; for bigger needs, Assen is 20 kilometres away. Don't expect to walk everywhere, but do expect peace and a real sense of community where people know each other.
Start free trialBest things and drawbacks to living in Hees
Pros:
- Railway station on the Groningen–Leeuwarden line means direct trains to both cities without needing a car for commuting
- Quiet rural setting with low property prices compared to Dutch urban centers
- Close to natural areas like the Drentsche Aa valley for cycling and walking
- Houses typically have generous plots of land
Cons:
- No supermarket in Hees itself; nearest shops are in Ruinen centre, 3 km away
- Limited bus service; owning a car is essentially mandatory
- Aging housing stock with many properties requiring significant renovation
- Social infrastructure sparse: no secondary school, limited cultural venues or restaurants
Living environment
In line with other neighborhoods in De Wolden
- Per 1,000 residents (12 mo)
- 13.67
- Total registered (12 mo)
- 49
- Residential burglary
- 10
- Theft
- 0
- Violence and threats
- 2
- Vandalism and public order
- 8
Indicative, based on registered crimes (police/CBS) over the past twelve months. This is not an official safety rating.
Source: Police/CBS· Figures through August 2026
What does Hees offer?
Ruinen is where you get a quiet village feel without the isolation—it's a collection of modest family homes and farmhouses that cluster along old cycle routes connecting you to the countryside in minutes. You'll find straightforward neighbours here, people who actually know their street. The Vecht river runs through town, and there's a working arts community tucked into what used to be farm buildings. Supermarkets and schools are local, but for serious urban services you're looking at Emmen or Hoogeveen, a 20-minute drive.
Buying agent in Hees
Looking to buy a home in Ruinen? Walter Aankoopservice has your back! Our savvy data analysts pinpoint the true value of properties, ensuring you know exactly how much to bid. We guide you through every step of the home-buying journey, making the process smooth and stress-free. With Walter, you’re not just another buyer; you’re empowered with insights that lead to smart decisions. Ready to find your dream home? Let’s make it happen together!
Housing market Hees
In Ruinen, the real estate market shows stability with 8 homes sold this quarter, matching the previous quarter. The average transaction price this quarter is 597,000 euros, compared to 553,000 euros last quarter. The average transaction price per square meter rose from 4,030 euros to 4,291 euros. The average list price increased from 591,000 euros last quarter to 611,000 euros this quarter. Additionally, the average WOZ-value this year is higher than last year, reflecting a positive trend in property valuations. Overall, the market remains active with consistent pricing dynamics.
Updated: April 2026
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Walter Living is registered in The Netherlands with the address Walter Tech, B.V. Singel 542, 1017AZ, Amsterdam. Our Chamber of Commerce number is 73708585 and our tax ID is NL859636033B01.
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