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Accomodation and Rental Market
Finding a place to live in a foreign country can be a difficult experience, if you don't know the market. This page will guide you to a few pages that will help you get settled in Luxembourg.
Finding a place to live
Most properties for sale or rent are marketed through real estate agencies. The following websites offer a good starting point for a house hunt:
For a general overview on prices, please consult http://observatoire.ceps.lu (in French).
Accommodation
Due to the Grand Duchy’s high quality of life, property prices, especially in and around the capital, are fairly high, making it the second most expensive European capital in terms of housing, after London. On the website of the Observatoire de l'habitat (in French), approximate prices for renting and buying property can be found.
The Ministry of Housing provides various types of financial assistance for the construction, acquisition and renovation of housing. In 2003, a housing research agency was created to facilitate a coherent housing development planning. Despite the government’s multiple schemes and incentives to financially support lower-income families and first-time buyers, house prices are still on the rise.
Rental market
Rent is rather expensive, especially in Luxembourg City and in the west of the country. On the website of the Observatoire de l'habitat (in French), approximate prices for renting and buying property can be found.
The vast majority of houses and flats are let unfurnished. Some furnished studios are however available for short-term rentals.
The rental agreement (contrat de bail à loyer) stipulates the terms and conditions of rental rates and is signed between the landlord or estate agent and the tenant. The term for new rental agreements is generally for the duration of one up to three years.
When the rental contract is signed, the new tenant generally pays the agency’s costs, which are equivalent to one month’s rent plus 15% VAT. Landlords generally require a deposit equivalent to two or three months’ rent.The rent is usually payable monthly in advance.
The tenant is contractually required to have a household and a fire insurance covering the building. Insurance for contents is only required if they belong to the landlord.
