Accommodation Estonia

Rental term: Short-term rental usually means a period from a few days to a few weeks, whereas long-term rental is from a few months and beyond.

Finding accommodation

Online platforms

KV.EE: One of the largest real estate portals in Estonia featuring listings of apartments and houses for rent.

City24.ee: Another popular resource with a wide range of offers.

Airbnb: Suitable for short-term rentals; some owners offer discounts for rentals of a month or more.

Flatio: Specializes in medium-term and long-term rentals of furnished apartments.

Real estate agencies: Consulting professional realtors can simplify the search process, especially if you do not speak Estonian.

Social networks and communities: Facebook groups such as "Kinnisvara rent" or "Tallinn Apartments for Rent" can be useful for finding options directly from owners.

Helpful tips

Communication language: Although many Estonians speak English, knowing basic Estonian phrases can be helpful when communicating with property owners.

Beware of scammers: Be cautious when transferring money; avoid prepayments without a signed contract and confirmation of the rental's legitimacy.

A rental or purchase agreement for real estate in Estonia is a legal document that formalizes the agreement between parties and ensures the protection of their rights and obligations.

Although Estonian law allows verbal agreements, it is recommended to conclude a rental contract in written form, especially if the rental term exceeds one year. A written contract clearly defines the rental conditions and serves as evidence in the event of disputes.

A rental/purchase contract in Estonia is often required for various administrative procedures. 

Residence registration

Mandatory for all residents of Estonia.

The rental/purchase agreement serves as proof of your right to reside at the specified address. Registration is conducted at the local municipality. Without this registration, you cannot:

Obtain an ID card.

Enroll in state health insurance.

Access other government services.

Obtaining a residence permit

When applying for a temporary residence permit (e.g., for work, study, or family reunification), a document confirming the availability of accommodation is required.

The rental/purchase contract is the primary proof of residence in Estonia.

Opening a bank account

Some banks require the rental agreement as proof of residence address. This is especially relevant for non-residents and foreign nationals.

Registration for a tax number

A tax number is necessary for employment or conducting business in Estonia. Confirmation of residence, including a rental/purchase agreement, may be required to obtain it.

Registration of children in school or kindergarten

The location of the registered residence determines the right to enroll in certain educational institutions. The rental/purchase agreement confirms the family's residence address.

Receipt of social benefits

To apply for social benefits or subsidies, such as heating compensation, proof of residence address is required. The rental/purchase agreement may be requested by the relevant authorities.

Connection of utilities

To arrange service contracts (electricity, water, internet), tenants often need to provide a copy of the rental agreement, while property owners provide the purchase agreement.

Registration of a vehicle

When registering a vehicle in Estonia, a rental/purchase agreement can be used to confirm the owner's address.

Temporary registration for foreigners

For temporary stays in Estonia (e.g., more than 90 days without obtaining a residence permit), temporary registration may be required, for which a rental agreement is needed.

Employment

Some employers may request proof of residence to draft an employment contract or submit documents to the migration authorities.

Thus, the lease/sale and purchase agreement in Estonia is an important document that simplifies the execution of many administrative procedures and serves as a basis for obtaining most services and benefits.

Lease Agreement

Written form: Although oral agreements are permissible, it is recommended to conclude a written lease agreement, especially when renting for more than one year. This provides legal protection and clarity of terms for both parties.

Contents of the agreement: The agreement should include information about the parties, a description of the property, the rental period, the amount of the rent, the procedure for paying utility bills, and other obligations of the parties.

Deposit and prepayment

Deposit: Landlords typically require a deposit equivalent to one month's rent to cover potential damages or unpaid bills.

Prepayment: Some landlords may request prepayment for the first and last months of rent.

Utility services

Payment: Clarify whether utility payments (electricity, water, heating, internet) are included in the rent or are paid separately.

Meters: Check for individual meters to account for resource consumption.

Residence registration

Mandatory: The tenant is required to register their residence at the address of the rental property. This is necessary to gain access to government services and benefits.

Rights and obligations of the parties

Tenant: Must maintain the property in proper condition, pay rent and utility bills on time, and comply with the terms of the agreement.

Landlord: Must ensure the suitability of the property for living, perform necessary repairs, and respect the tenant's right to privacy.

Termination of the agreement

Conditions: The terms of termination should be clearly stated in the agreement, including notice periods and possible penalties.

Early termination: In case of the need for early termination of the lease, the parties must comply with the terms specified in the agreement and act in accordance with the law.

Discrimination in renting

Issues: Some foreigners encounter difficulties in renting housing in Estonia due to bias or discrimination from landlords. This may manifest as refusal to rent to persons of certain nationalities or races.

Recommendations: It is recommended to be prepared to provide additional documents confirming solvency and reliability and to contact professional real estate agencies for housing search.

Furnishing

In most cases, apartments in Estonia, especially those intended for short-term rental or rental in major cities (Tallinn, Tartu), are rented with furniture and kitchen appliances. Some apartments may be fully equipped, including household appliances and interior items (curtains, carpets, dishes).

Unfurnished housing is more common among apartments intended for long-term rent (from 1 year and above). It is popular among families or those already living in Estonia with their furniture. Lower rental rates compared to furnished apartments.

Buying real estate in Estonia — whether it is an apartment, a house, or a land plot — is a transparent and structured process, available to both residents and foreign citizens.

Restrictions for foreign buyers

EU citizens: Citizens of European Union countries can purchase real estate in Estonia without restrictions.

Third-country citizens: For citizens outside the EU, there are some restrictions on purchasing land plots in border areas and on islands. It is recommended to clarify details with local authorities or a notary before buying.

Property search

Online platforms: There are various portals for real estate search, such as KV.EE and City24.ee.

Real estate agencies: Contacting professional realtors can simplify the process of searching and arranging the purchase.

In Estonia, real estate insurance is not mandatory by law for private owners. However, if you purchase real estate with a mortgage loan, banks usually require a policy insurance as a condition of granting the loan.

Popular insurance companies in Estonia: If Kindlustus, ERGO Kindlustus, Swedbank P&C Insurance, LHV Kindlustus, PZU Kindlustus.

Composition of utilities

Heating: A significant part of expenses, especially during winter. The cost can reach €2–2.5 per square meter in the cold season.

Electricity: The average price is around €0.135 per kWh, which is below the EU average (€0.2 per kWh).

Water supply and sewage: Rates vary depending on the region and service provider.

Waste disposal: The cost depends on local rates and frequency of disposal.

Internet and communication: Paid separately, depending on the chosen provider and service package.

Seasonal fluctuations

During the winter period, heating costs increase significantly, leading to higher overall utility bills. In summer months, bills are usually lower due to the absence of heating costs.

Regional differences

The cost of utilities can vary significantly depending on the region. According to studies, expenses for water, heat, and waste disposal for domestic consumers can differ threefold from region to region.

Payment methods

Electronic invoices: Many service providers offer email or internet banking invoices.

Automatic payments: It is possible to set up automatic debit from a bank account to simplify the payment process.

Traditional methods: Payment through bank branches or postal services is also available.

Living in apartment buildings in Estonia is regulated by legislation and internal rules of housing cooperatives.

Housing cooperative

Role and functions: The housing cooperative is responsible for managing the common property of the building, establishing internal rules, and ensuring compliance.

Internal rules: The cooperative may establish additional rules regarding the use of common areas, the procedure for carrying out repair works, etc.

Duties of residents

Maintaining order: Residents must observe the established rules, respect neighbors' rights, and maintain cleanliness in common areas.

Participation in meetings: It is recommended to actively participate in housing cooperative meetings where house management issues are discussed and decisions affecting all residents are made.

Noise and peace

Quiet hours: While Estonia has no national law establishing "quiet hours," many housing cooperatives introduce their own rules limiting noise during certain hours, usually from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

Responsibility: Disturbing neighbors' peace can lead to warnings from the cooperative or even police intervention in case of severe violations.

Use of common areas

Common zones: Residents must maintain cleanliness and order in corridors, stairwells, basements, and other common areas.

Storing personal items: Placing personal belongings in common areas may be limited or prohibited by the cooperative's internal rules.

Safety

Fire safety: Residents must observe fire safety requirements, including maintaining smoke detectors in their apartments and ensuring free access to evacuation routes.

Door and floor numbering: Since March 2021, marking the paths from the entrance door to the apartments, including door and floor numbering, is mandatory in all apartment buildings to facilitate orientation in emergencies.

Conflict resolution

Contacting the board: In case of disputes or violations, it is recommended to first contact the housing cooperative board for an amicable resolution.

Legal measures: In case of serious or repeated violations, the cooperative has the right to go to court. For instance, in Estonia, housing cooperatives have the right to demand the sale of an apartment from persistent rule-breakers and noisy neighbors through a court decision.

Repair works

Coordination: Carrying out repair or construction work, especially affecting common structures or communications, requires coordination with the housing cooperative and possibly obtaining the necessary permits.

Conducting time: Repair work that creates noise is usually allowed during certain hours set by the internal rules of the association.

Pets

Keeping animals: Residents have the right to keep pets, but they must ensure that they do not disturb the peace of neighbors and do not dirty common areas.

Association rules: Some associations may impose additional rules regarding pet ownership.

Parking and adjacent area

Parking usage: Parking spaces are allocated according to the association's rules; using someone else's space without permission is prohibited.

Maintenance of the area: Residents are required to keep the adjacent area clean and may be encouraged to participate in its landscaping.

Observing these rules helps create a comfortable and safe environment for all residents of the apartment building in Estonia.

The Estonian real estate market shows various trends driven by economic factors, demand, and regional features.

Volume of new construction

Decreased activity: According to the Estonian Statistics Department, there is an ongoing trend of reduced domestic construction volumes.

Oversupply of new builds: In early 2024, there was an oversupply of new apartments on the market, especially in the suburban areas of Tallinn, exerting pressure on prices and demand.

Comfort of the housing offered for rent and sale

Modern standards: New builds in Estonia meet high quality standards, offering energy-efficient solutions, modern layouts, and developed infrastructure.

Popularity of coastal areas: Apartments by the sea in Tallinn are in high demand, combining residential comfort with an attractive location.

Prices by region

Tallinn: The average cost per square meter of housing in the first quarter of 2024 was €3,084, with new builds reaching €4,205 per sq.m, and the secondary market — €2,797 per sq.m.

Price growth: In the third quarter of 2024, housing prices in Estonia showed an annual growth of 6.4%, despite a quarterly decline of 0.5%, indicating stable long-term growth.

Types of residential properties

Apartments: Make up a significant share of the market, especially in major cities.

Private houses: Popular in suburbs and rural areas, offering more space and privacy.

Townhouses and duplexes: Offer a compromise between apartments and private houses, becoming increasingly sought after.

Future forecasts

Price stabilization: Analysts predict that housing prices in Estonia will remain stable, without significant fluctuations.

Market recovery: The real estate market is expected to recover, starting in Tallinn's suburban areas where the oversupply of new builds will gradually be absorbed by demand.

It is recommended for buyers and investors to carefully analyze current trends and consider economic factors when making decisions.

Accommodation

Renting housing:

One-room apartment in the city center: about 700-900 euros per month.

One-room apartment outside the center: 500-700 euros per month.

Buying real estate:

Price per square meter in Tallinn's center: approximately 3,000-4,000 euros.

Outside the center: 2,000-3,000 euros per sq.m.

Utilities

For an 85 sq.m apartment, the cost of electricity, heating, water, and waste collection is about 150-200 euros per month.

Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited): about 25-30 euros per month.

Food

Milk (1 liter): 1.06 euros.

White bread (500 g): 1.12 euros.

Rice (1 kg): 1.99 euros.

Eggs (12 pcs.): 2.49 euros.

Chicken fillet (1 kg): 7.34 euros.

Apples (1 kg): 1.55 euros.

Tomatoes (1 kg): 2.52 euros.

Potatoes (1 kg): 0.85 euros.

Water (bottle 1.5 l): 0.89 euros.

Bottle of mid-range wine: 8 euros

Domestic beer (0.5 l): 1.55 euros.

Transport

Single ticket for public transport: 2 euros.

Monthly pass: 30-40 euros.

Taxi (start): 3.50 euros, then 0.80-1.00 euros per km.

Gasoline (1 liter): 1.60-1.70 euros.

Restaurants

Lunch in an inexpensive restaurant: 15 euros.

Combo meal at McDonald's or similar: 9 euros

Imported beer (0.33 l): 5 euros.

Coca-Cola/Pepsi (0.33 l): 2.53 euros.

Average and minimum salary

The average salary in Estonia in 2024 is around 1,904 euros per month.

The minimum wage is set at 820 euros per month.

General Expenses

The minimum monthly living expenses for a single person (excluding rent): around 800–900 euros.

For a family of four: approximately 2,700 euros per month (excluding rent).

Inflation and Rising Cost of Living

In recent years, there has been an increase in the cost of living in Estonia, particularly due to rising energy prices and food costs.

Regional Differences

The cost of living in Tallinn and other major cities is higher compared to rural areas.

Housing and service prices in the capital and tourist centers are significantly higher than in smaller towns and villages.

Comparison with Other Countries

The cost of living in Estonia is relatively lower than in Western European countries but higher than in some Eastern European countries. According to Numbeo, Estonia ranks 11th in the world in terms of quality of life.

Thus, Estonia offers a high standard of living with relatively affordable prices compared to other European countries. However, the rising cost of living requires residents and immigrants to carefully plan their budgets and adapt to changing economic conditions.

Please note that the figures mentioned are averages and may vary depending on the specific region and personal preferences.

Estonia has several government programs and subsidies aimed at aiding the adaptation and integration of new immigrants, as well as improving the welfare of various population groups.

The "Settle in Estonia" Adaptation Program: A free educational program designed for newly arrived foreigners, helping them to settle easily in the country and integrate faster into Estonian society. It includes educational modules providing information about life in Estonia and initial level Estonian language courses (A1 and A2). It is available to all foreigners legally residing in Estonia for less than five years.

Return Allowance: Intended to support families with children who have lived abroad for a long time and are returning to Estonia.

Social Services and Benefits: Changes have been introduced in the provision of social services, including parental benefits, benefits for large families, and pensions.

Subsidies for People with Disabilities: The Ministry of Social Affairs allocates subsidies to support the welfare and adaptation of people with disabilities.

Subsidies for the Purchase of Electric Vehicles: The state provides subsidies to support the transition to environmentally friendly transport, including the purchase of used electric vehicles.

For detailed information and current data, it is recommended to contact relevant government institutions and official sources.