Secrets of finding cheap rental housing in Serbia — tips and life hacks
Moving to another country is always associated with a number of questions and tasks, among which one of the most important is finding housing. Serbia attracts many foreigners with its unique culture, hospitality, beautiful nature and relatively low cost of living. However, in recent years, rental prices, especially in the capital Belgrade, have increased significantly. But do not despair! There are ways to find affordable and comfortable housing if you know some secrets and life hacks for searching. One of the most effective ways to save on rental housing in Serbia is to pay attention to the suburbs of large cities. This approach has a number of undeniable advantages:
- Rental prices in the suburbs are usually significantly lower than in the center. This allows you to rent more spacious and comfortable housing for the same price.
- Suburban areas usually boast an abundance of greenery, parks and fresh air. This is especially true for families with children and those who prefer a quiet lifestyle.
- At the same time, the transport accessibility of the suburbs in Serbia is at a good level. You can get to the city center by bus, train or car in 20-40 minutes.
Suburban areas of Belgrade for renting housing
Let's consider the most popular suburbs of the Serbian capital among renters:
- Zemun is a historical area on the right bank of the Danube, which was once a separate city. It attracts with beautiful architecture, developed infrastructure and special charm. Rental prices here are about 20-30% lower than in the center of Belgrade.
- Novi Beograd is a modern and dynamic area built up with multi-storey buildings. Here is the business center of the city, large shopping malls, schools and kindergartens. Renting housing in Novi Beograd will cost 15-20% cheaper compared to the central areas.
- Vozdovac is a green and environmentally friendly area to the south of the center of Belgrade. It is perfect for a quiet family life. The rental prices here are some of the most affordable in the capital.
- Rakovica is a residential area in the southwest of Belgrade with good transport accessibility. Here you can find relatively inexpensive housing options in new buildings and older buildings.
In addition, it is worth paying attention to other large cities in the country:
- Novi Sad is the second largest city in Serbia, located just an hour's drive from the capital. It is famous for its beautiful architecture, rich cultural life and lower rental prices compared to Belgrade.
- Nis is the third largest city in the country, a major university center. Here you can find the most budget-friendly housing options, especially away from the center.
- Kragujevac is a city in the central part of Serbia with developed industry and a growing real estate market. Rental prices here are about 30-40% lower than in Belgrade.
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Tips and life hacks for a successful housing search
- Start looking in advance, at least 1-2 months before the expected move date. The best value options are snapped up very quickly.
- Consider different types of housing — not only apartments, but also houses, rooms, townhouses, especially if you need more space for less money.
- Try to find ads directly from owners, bypassing agencies — this way you can avoid unnecessary commissions and fees.
- Don't be shy about bargaining — in many cases, owners are willing to give in on the price, especially if you plan to rent for a long term.
- Consider the seasonal factor — in tourist cities, rental prices can drop significantly in the off-season.
- Study the features of different areas of the city — sometimes less popular residential areas can pleasantly surprise you with affordable prices and acceptable infrastructure.
- Here are approximate price ranges for renting a one-room apartment in different cities of Serbia: Belgrade (center) — 400-800 euros per month; Belgrade (suburbs) — 250-500 euros per month; Novi Sad — 200-400 euros per month; Niš — 150-300 euros per month. Of course, the final cost will depend on many factors — the area of the apartment, its condition, distance from the center, the infrastructure of the area, etc. Keep in mind that you usually have to pay for utilities separately. On average, this can be from 50 to 150 euros per month.
- To find a suitable rental option, you need to know where to look for ads. Here are the most effective ways:
- Specialized real estate sites — nekretnine.rs, 4zida.rs, sasomange.rs. Here you can customize your search by many parameters, view photos and descriptions of properties.
- Facebook groups dedicated to renting housing — «Izdavěje stanově Beograd», «Stanově za izdavěje Novi Sad» and others. They often publish ads directly from owners.
- Real estate agencies — in every city in Serbia there are many local agencies that will help you find the right option. But be prepared for additional fees.
- Advertisement boards — halooglasi.com, kupujemprodajem.com and others. This is a huge database of offers from both agencies and private landlords.
Common Mistakes When Looking for Accommodation in Serbia
To make your rental experience as successful and comfortable as possible, try to avoid the following common mistakes:
- Wrong choice of area — do not focus only on price, be sure to study the infrastructure, transport accessibility, reviews of the area.
- Lack of an official rental agreement — be sure to enter into a written agreement with the owner of the property, this will save you from many problems in the future.
- Late payment — try to pay the rent on time, otherwise you risk ruining your relationship with the landlord and even being evicted.
- Ignoring hidden payments — check in advance whether utilities, internet, cleaning of common areas in the building, etc. are included in the rent.
- Careless handling of property — take care of the rented accommodation and equipment to avoid conflicts and not lose the security deposit.
To summarize, we note that finding affordable and comfortable housing in Serbia can take some time and effort. But armed with our tips and life hacks, you can find a suitable option and save on rent without compromising your quality of life. Consider different cities and areas, look for ads on specialized resources, don’t be afraid to bargain and ask the owners questions. With the right approach, you will definitely find your ideal home in beautiful Serbia. Remember that when renting inexpensive housing in the suburbs or an unknown area, it is important not to skimp on basic things — safety, comfort, transport accessibility. Let the search for budget rent become a pleasant quest, and not stress and disappointment. Good luck with your search and enjoy your stay in hospitable Serbia!
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