Accommodation Luxembourg

Determine the type of rent: short-term or long-term

Short-term rent: usually lasts up to 3–6 months. Suitable for those planning a temporary stay in the country.

Long-term rent: involves a period from six months or more. Recommended for those planning a prolonged stay or relocation to Luxembourg.

Finding accommodation

Online platforms where rental listings are posted:

IMMOTOP.LU: offers a wide selection of apartments and houses for rent.

Athome.lu: another popular platform with listings for renting and selling real estate.

Booking.com: suitable for short-term apartment rentals.

Airbnb: offers both short-term and long-term rentals of furnished apartments.

Social networks and expat groups: Many people find accommodations through groups on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Telegram, where private listings and offers from owners are published.

Real estate agencies: Contacting local real estate agencies can expedite the search process, especially for long-term rentals.

A rental or purchase agreement in Luxembourg is a key legal document that regulates the relationships between parties and ensures the protection of their rights and obligations.

Establishment of rights and obligations of the parties

The rental agreement details the rights and obligations of the tenant and landlord, including the rent amount, payment terms, conditions of property use, and responsibility for repairs and maintenance.

The purchase agreement specifies the terms of property ownership transfer, the cost of the real estate, the settlement procedure, and the timeframe for the object handover.

In Luxembourg, a rental or purchase agreement plays a crucial role when interacting with various administrative and service providers.

Registration at the place of residence

In Luxembourg, a rental/purchase agreement is required for registration at the place of residence.

Registration with a general practitioner

To register with a general practitioner in Luxembourg, you need proof of your residence. The rental or purchase agreement serves as the primary proof of your residence at the specified address. Without this document, the registration process with a doctor may be complicated.

Opening a bank account

When opening a bank account, Luxembourg banks require proof of residence. A rental or purchase agreement is one of the primary documents confirming your address. Alternatives may include utility bills or a proof of residence certificate. However, the rental agreement is often considered the most reliable proof.

Connection to utilities

For connecting to utilities such as electricity, gas, water, and internet, providers usually require proof of the right to use the accommodation. The rental or purchase agreement serves as the main document confirming your right to connect these services.

Other administrative services

Many administrative procedures, including obtaining a residence permit, vehicle registration, and social benefits, require proof of residence. The rental or purchase agreement is an official document confirming your address and right to reside there.

Thus, having a rental or purchase agreement in Luxembourg significantly facilitates access to medical, financial, utility, and administrative services, confirming your lawful residence and rights to use the real estate.

High demand and rental cost

Luxembourg faces a high demand for housing, leading to significant rental rates. The cost of rent depends on location, condition, and size of the housing. For example, renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center may start at 1,500 euros per month.

Documents and requirements

For signing a rental agreement, the following are usually required:

- A valid passport or residence permit.

- An employment contract or proof of income.

- The last three pay slips (if applicable).

The absence of an employment contract can complicate the rental process, as property owners prefer tenants with confirmed payment capabilities.

Deposit and Payment for Services

Deposit: The standard deposit is the amount of rent for 2–3 months. It is recommended to arrange it in the form of a bank guarantee to facilitate the return of funds at the end of the rental period.

Utilities: Often paid separately. It's important to clarify in advance which expenses are included in the rent and which are paid additionally.

Real Estate Agency Services

Contacting real estate agencies can speed up the process of finding housing. However, note that the tenant usually pays the agency's fee, which is the size of one month's rent plus 17% VAT.

Registration of Residence

You must register with the commune where the accommodation is located within 3 days after moving in. This is a mandatory procedure for all residents.

Inspection and Acceptance of Housing

Upon moving in, an acceptance report is drawn up, documenting the condition of the housing and property. It is recommended to photograph all defects to prevent disputes upon departure.

Terms and Conditions of the Agreement

A lease agreement is usually concluded for a specified period with the possibility of extension. Terms of termination and notification must be clearly stated. The rent amount is fixed in the contract and can be reviewed no more than once every two years unless otherwise specified in the contract.

Considering these features, it is recommended to thoroughly approach the rental process in Luxembourg, carefully study contract conditions, and seek professional help if necessary.

Before starting the search, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with current market trends, prices, and available properties. In Luxembourg, the following online platforms are popular for real estate search: Immotop.lu; Athome.lu; Editus.lu.

In Luxembourg, you can buy real estate directly from the owner who place ads on online platforms, social media, thematic groups, and local newspapers.

Recommendations for a Safe Transaction

- Always check the owner's documents, including the title deed and confirmation of no outstanding debts.

- Ensure that the preliminary contract includes all key terms of the transaction (price, deadlines, penalties for withdrawal from the deal).

- To minimize risks, it is recommended to work with professional consultants such as lawyers and appraisers.

Property insurance in Luxembourg is not legally required. However, when taking out a mortgage or at the request of the landlord, it becomes necessary. Owners and tenants are recommended to consider insurance to protect their interests and minimize possible risks.

Composition of Utility Services

Utility payments in Luxembourg usually include electricity, gas, water supply, waste removal, cleaning, and maintenance of common areas.

In apartments, waste removal and entrance cleaning are often part of the monthly expenses, referred to as "les charges." The amount of these expenses depends on the apartment's area, the presence of an elevator, a public garden, and other factors.

Average Cost of Utilities

For an 85 m² apartment, the average cost of basic utilities is about 230 euros per month. This amount includes electricity, heating, air conditioning, water, and waste removal.

Payment Methods

In Luxembourg, two main methods of paying for utilities are common:

Automatic debit: you give the service provider permission to automatically debit the necessary amounts from your bank account.

Bank transfer: you independently transfer funds to the service provider's account through online banking or at a bank branch.

For convenience, it is recommended to open an account in a local bank and set up automatic debit payments.

Transferring Contracts to Your Name

If you are renting accommodation, make sure that the contracts with utility providers are in your name. This will help avoid misunderstandings and ensure timely receipt of bills. If the previous tenant had contracts in their name, it is necessary to contact the service providers to reissue the contracts.

Consumption Accounting and Recalculation

Utilities consist of a fixed part and payment based on a meter reading. Fixed expenses include house cleaning, garbage collection, as well as water and gas. Once a year, a recalculation is conducted based on actual consumption, and, depending on the results, an additional payment may be required or a refund may be issued.

Living in apartment buildings in Luxembourg is regulated by certain rules aimed at ensuring comfortable and safe cohabitation of residents.

Noise Compliance

Quiet hours: In most communities, quiet hours are established, usually from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Loud sounds, including music, television, and the use of noisy household appliances, are prohibited during this time.

Repair work: Noisy repair work is recommended to be carried out on weekdays from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, avoiding weekends and holidays.

Use of Common Areas

Cleanliness and Order: Residents are required to maintain cleanliness in entrances, elevators, stairwells, and other common areas. It is prohibited to store personal belongings in common areas to avoid obstructing free movement and creating barriers in case of evacuation.

Smoking: Smoking in common areas, such as entrances and stairwells, is prohibited. Designated outdoor areas should be used for smoking.

Parking and Transportation

Parking spaces: Parking is only allowed in designated areas. It is prohibited to leave vehicles on lawns, playgrounds, or block entrances and emergency exits.

Use of bicycles and scooters: It is recommended to store bicycles and scooters in designated areas to avoid cluttering common spaces.

Pets

Care: Pet owners are required to ensure that their pets do not disturb the peace of neighbors and do not dirty common areas. When walking pets, owners should clean up after them and comply with sanitary standards.

Restrictions: Certain buildings may have restrictions on keeping specific types of animals. It is recommended to clarify the rules set by the management company or resident association in advance.

Safety and Fire Prevention Measures

Evacuation routes: It is prohibited to clutter evacuation exits, corridors, and stairwells with personal items, furniture, or other objects.

Fire regulations: The use of open flames in common areas is not allowed. Residents are required to follow all fire safety regulations and regularly check the operation of electrical appliances.

Participation in House Management

Resident meetings: Participation is recommended in meetings of the resident association or management company, where house maintenance, expense allocation, and establishment of internal rules are discussed.

Contribution to maintenance: Residents are required to timely pay for utilities and maintenance of common areas.

The real estate market in Luxembourg is characterized by high dynamics and several features that are important to consider when planning to buy or rent a property.

Volume of New Construction

In recent years, there has been active development in the construction sector in Luxembourg. However, despite efforts to increase supply, demand for housing continues to exceed the volume of new construction, which supports high prices in the market.

Comfort of Housing Offered for Rent and Sale

Housing offered in Luxembourg meets high quality standards. Many new buildings are equipped with modern amenities, including energy-efficient systems, high-quality materials, and modern layouts. However, the level of comfort can vary depending on the age of the building and its location.

Prices by Region

The cost of real estate in Luxembourg varies significantly depending on the region:

Central region: The average selling price is about €10,626 per square meter, rent is about €31.91 per square meter per month.

Eastern region: Selling price — about €7,028/m², rent — about €20.64/m².

Northern region: Selling price — about €5,937/m², rent — about €18.3/m².

Western region: Sale — approximately 7,756 euros/m², rent — approximately 20.94 euros/m².

Southern region: Sale — approximately 6,921 euros/m², rent — approximately 23.64 euros/m².

In the capital city, Luxembourg, prices are above the national average. For example, in the Limpertsberg district, the average sale price is approximately 12,559 euros/m², rent — approximately 30.64 euros/m².

Types of residential real estate

The market offers a variety of housing types:

Apartments: The most common type of housing, especially in urban areas.

Houses: Private homes and townhouses are popular in suburbs and rural areas.

New buildings: Actively developing, offering modern amenities and energy-efficient solutions.

Supply and demand balance

Despite active construction, the supply of housing does not fully meet the high demand, especially in the capital and its surroundings. This leads to high competition among buyers and renters, as well as sustaining growth in real estate prices.

Luxembourg is known for a high standard of living, which is reflected in corresponding living expenses. Let's look at the main aspects of the cost of living in this country.

Housing rent

One-bedroom apartment in the city center: from 1,300 to 1,610 euros per month.

Three-bedroom apartment in the center: from 2,500 to 4,000 euros per month.

One-bedroom apartment outside the center: from 1,000 to 1,300 euros per month.

Property purchase

Price per square meter in the city center: approximately 12,089 euros.

Price per square meter outside the center: approximately 9,277 euros.

The cost depends on the area: Belair is one of the most expensive, with prices up to 14,277 euros per m².

Utilities

For an apartment of 85 m²: about 230 euros per month, including electricity, heating, water, and waste disposal.

Groceries

Milk (1 liter): 1.43 euros.

Bread (loaf): 2.98 euros.

Eggs (12 pcs): 3.90 euros.

Chicken fillet (1 kg): 11.02 euros.

Apples (1 kg): 2.49 euros.

Potatoes (1 kg): 1.96 euros.

Transport

Public transport in Luxembourg is free for all passengers, including tourists. However, the cost of gasoline is about 1.51 euros per liter.

Restaurants and entertainment

Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: about 20 euros.

Dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant: about 88.5 euros.

Cup of cappuccino: 4.05 euros.

Cinema ticket: 14 euros.

Healthcare

Medical services in Luxembourg are of high quality. A consultation with a therapist costs around 49 euros, professional dental cleaning — approximately 200 euros. Mandatory health insurance covers a significant portion of expenses.

Education

Private kindergarten: approximately 1,050 euros per month.

International primary school: about 15,965 euros per year.

Overall cost of living

For a family of four: from 6,000 to 8,000 euros per month, including rent, utilities, medical care, and childcare.

For a single person: about 3,210 euros per month including rent.

Despite high expenses, Luxembourg offers a high standard of living, quality medical and educational services, and a stable economy. It's important to consider these costs and plan your budget accordingly when planning a move.

Luxembourg has a range of government programs and subsidies aimed at supporting various categories of the population.

Social programs and assistance to the population

The Luxembourg government actively supports families and individuals in need of assistance. The main criteria for receiving benefits include:

Legal residence: Families legally residing in Luxembourg are entitled to family benefits on the same terms as citizens of the country, regardless of their nationality.

Work activity: If one of the parents works in Luxembourg or receives a pension, and the other family members are non-residents, the right to receive family benefits depends on the nationality of the parent to whom Luxembourg legislation applies.

These measures are aimed at ensuring a decent standard of living for all residents of the country.

Support for business and entrepreneurship

Various forms of support are provided to stimulate entrepreneurial activity in the country:

Financial assistance: Government and private programs provide subsidies and preferential loans for business development.

Tax Benefits: There are special tax regimes aimed at optimizing the tax burden for companies and startups.

Startup Incubators: Entrepreneurs are provided with resources and consultations for the successful launch and development of projects.

These initiatives contribute to creating a favorable environment for doing business in Luxembourg.

Healthcare and Social Sector

The Luxembourg healthcare system offers:

High-Quality Medical Services: A developed network of hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies ensures access to necessary medical care.

Medical Insurance: Mandatory insurance covers a significant portion of medical expenses, providing financial protection for citizens.

Programs for Foreign Nationals

Foreign nationals can take advantage of the following opportunities:

Residence Permit: Granted based on employment, business establishment, study, or financial independence; provides access to the national health insurance system, social assistance, and free education.

EU Citizenship: After 5 years of residence with a residence permit, one can apply for Luxembourg citizenship, which provides additional rights and privileges.