Accommodation Latvia

Renting housing in Latvia, whether for a long-term or short-term period, requires a thorough approach and understanding of the local real estate market features.

Determining needs and budget

Before you start searching for housing, it's important to clearly define:

Type of housing: apartment, house, room.

Term of rental: short-term (up to 6 months) or long-term (more than 6 months).

Budget: consider not only the rent but also additional expenses such as utilities, internet, and other services.

There are several ways to find housing in Latvia:

Online platforms: Sites like Realting, HousingAnywhere offer a wide selection of rental property listings in Latvia. For short-term rentals, platforms such as Airbnb are popular, where you can find furnished apartments with flexible booking conditions.

Real estate agencies: Professional agencies provide services for housing selection and transaction support.

Social networks and local communities: Groups on social networks such as Facebook can be useful for finding offers from owners.

Before signing a contract, it is recommended to:

Inspect the property: Personally visit the property to assess its condition and compliance with your requirements.

Check documents: Make sure the landlord is authorized to rent out the property.

Tips for successful renting

Start your search early: Especially during the tourist season or at the beginning of the academic year.

Be prepared for competition: Quality and affordable housing may quickly find tenants.

Consider additional expenses: In addition to the rent, there may be costs for utilities, internet, and other services.

A rental or purchase contract for housing in Latvia is a key legal document that ensures the protection of the rights and responsibilities of both parties — tenant and landlord or buyer and seller. In Latvia, having a rental or purchase contract for housing may be necessary in various situations.

Opening a bank account

When opening a bank account in Latvia, banks usually require proof of the client's residential address. Such proof can be a rental or purchase contract for housing.

Registration at the place of residence

For official registration at a place of residence in Latvia, you need to provide a rental or purchase contract for housing. This registration is necessary to receive official correspondence and access government services.

Obtaining a residence permit

Owning real estate in Latvia can serve as a basis for obtaining a residence permit. For this, you need to provide a purchase contract and proof of property rights registration.

Tax obligations

Rental and purchase contracts serve as a basis for the calculation and payment of relevant taxes, such as property tax or income tax from rental.

Thus, a rental or purchase contract for housing in Latvia is necessary in various situations related to confirming residence, meeting legal and tax obligations, as well as receiving certain services and statuses.

Furniture in housing

The rental market in Latvia includes both furnished and unfurnished apartments.

Furnished apartments: These properties are fully equipped with necessary furniture and appliances, which is convenient for tenants not planning to purchase their own setup. Furnished apartments are often offered for short-term rental but are also available for long-term living.

Unfurnished apartments: These properties are provided without furniture, allowing tenants to furnish the housing to their taste. Unfurnished apartments are more frequently found on the long-term rental market and can be a more economical option.

Renting directly from the owner

In Latvia, housing can be rented either through real estate agencies or directly from owners.

Renting through agencies: Real estate agencies offer professional services for housing selection, contract processing, and transaction support. However, a commission may be charged for their services. The real estate agency commission usually amounts to the equivalent of a month's rent. This commission is typically paid by the tenant.

Rent directly from the owner: This option allows you to avoid additional expenses on intermediaries. Ads from owners can be found on specialized websites featuring rental offers for apartments in Riga and other cities of Latvia.

Other features of housing rental

Rental agreement: Signing a written rental agreement is standard practice and ensures the protection of both parties' rights. The agreement should include rental conditions, rental payment amount, duration, and other important details.

Deposit: Usually when renting housing, a deposit is required, amounting to one or two months' rent. The deposit serves as a guarantee of the tenant's fulfillment of obligations and is returned after the rental period ends if there is no property damage.

Utility payments: In some cases, utility services are included in the rent, but more often they are paid separately. It is important to clarify this detail when signing the agreement.

Registration of residence: For official registration of residence in Latvia, it is necessary to provide a rental agreement confirming your right to reside at the specified address.

According to reviews from immigrants, the most attractive cities for living in Latvia are: Riga, Jurmala, Liepaja, Daugavpils, Jelgava.

There are many online platforms in Latvia where you can find real estate sale offers.

DOMImaps.lv: A portal with more than 10,000 listings for the sale and rental of apartments, houses, plots, and commercial real estate across Latvia.

Realting.com: An international platform offering a wide selection of residential properties in Latvia from verified agencies and developers.

EstateLatvia.com: A site with an extensive database of apartments and houses in the center of Riga and Jurmala, as well as new projects in various regions of Latvia.

Varianti.lv: A portal specializing in real estate in Latvia, offering a variety of objects for purchase and rental.

Using these resources, you can get a broad overview of available offers on the Latvian real estate market and choose the most suitable option.

Purchase of real estate by foreign citizens

Buying apartments and houses

Foreign citizens have the right to purchase apartments and houses in Latvia without significant restrictions. However, if the house is located on a land plot, purchasing the land may require additional approvals. In such cases, it is necessary to obtain permission from the local government.

Buying land plots

The acquisition of land plots by foreigners is more strictly regulated:

Agricultural and forest lands: Foreign citizens are prohibited from purchasing agricultural and forest plots.

Lands in border areas and on the coast: Foreigners are not allowed to purchase lands in border areas, on the coast of the Gulf of Riga, and in the dune zone of the Baltic Sea.

The procedure for obtaining permission

To purchase a land plot, a foreign citizen needs to:

Submit an application: Apply to the local authority with a statement of intent to acquire the land plot.

Provide documents: Submit the necessary documents confirming identity and intentions.

Wait for a decision: Application review may take up to two weeks.

Obtaining a residence permit

The acquisition of real estate amounting to 250,000 euros can serve as a basis for obtaining a temporary residence permit in Latvia. This allows free movement across the Schengen area and offers several benefits.

Taxes and fees

When buying real estate by foreigners, standard tax rates and fees apply, similar to those for Latvian citizens. However, it is recommended to familiarize yourself in advance with tax obligations and possible benefits.

In Latvia, real estate insurance is not a mandatory requirement for owners. However, there are situations where obtaining an insurance policy becomes necessary or strongly recommended.

Mortgage lending

When obtaining a mortgage loan, banks usually require compulsory insurance of the purchased real estate.

Real estate rental

In rental agreements, property owners may stipulate mandatory insurance of the property by tenants. This serves as an additional guarantee of property protection against possible damages or unforeseen situations.

Recommendations for Property Owners

Despite the lack of a legislative requirement, property insurance is a prudent step to protect assets from various risks. Insurance companies in Latvia offer a variety of policies covering damage from fires, natural disasters, theft, and other unforeseen events.

Utility payments in Latvia have their own characteristics, which are important to consider when planning a budget and organizing payments.

Latvia has a well-developed utility infrastructure.

Electricity: The power supply in Latvia is reliable and stable. The largest electricity supplier is the state-owned company "Latvenergo", which meets most of the country's needs. The electricity market is liberalized, allowing consumers to choose from various suppliers and tariff plans.

Water supply and sewage: In Latvian cities, water supply and sewage systems are organized at a high level. The quality of drinking water meets European standards. In rural areas, the infrastructure may be less developed, but the government is actively working to improve these systems, ensuring access to quality water and modern sewage services.

Internet and communication: Latvia is known for having one of the fastest internet networks in the world. Major internet providers such as "Lattelecom" and "Baltcom" offer high-speed internet access throughout the country. Mobile communication is developed and covers practically the entire territory of Latvia, with the rapid introduction of 4G and 5G technologies.

Heating: In Latvia, especially in cities, centralized heating systems are widely used. The largest provider of thermal energy is the company "Rīgas siltums", servicing the capital and adjacent areas. In rural areas, individual heating systems, such as gas or solid fuel boilers, are more commonly used.

Gas supply: Gas supply in Latvia is provided both through centralized networks and using liquefied gas in cylinders, especially in remote areas. The main natural gas supplier is the company "Latvijas Gāze".

This section provides the necessary information to help you make an informed choice and successfully adapt in Latvia.

 

The Composition of Utility Services

Utility payments in Latvia usually include:

Heating: In apartment buildings, heating is mostly centralized. Heating rates may vary depending on the region and service provider.

Cold and hot water supply: Water charges are calculated based on the readings of individual meters in the apartment. If meters are absent, calculations are made according to consumption standards.

Electricity: Paid based on the readings of individual electricity meters.

Gas supply: In homes with gas stoves or gas heating, payment is made according to the readings of gas meters.

Waste removal: The fee for the removal of solid household waste is set by local authorities and depends on the volume and frequency of removal.

House maintenance: Includes expenses for the maintenance of common areas, repairs, cleaning, and other services provided by the management company.

Payment Methods

Utility payments can be made in various ways:

- Bank transfers: Via internet banking or at bank branches.

- Payment terminals: Terminals for bill payments are installed in supermarkets and shopping centers.

- Post offices: Payment is possible through "Latvijas Pasts" offices.

- Online platforms: Some service providers offer the option to pay through their websites or mobile apps.

Payment Deadlines and Penalties

Utility bills are usually issued monthly. Payment deadlines are indicated on the bills and may vary depending on the provider. In case of late payment, penalties or fines may be applied.

Government Support

For households with low income levels, government support in paying utility bills is provided. To obtain such support, it is necessary to contact the social service at the place of residence.

Living in apartment buildings in Latvia is regulated by a number of rules and regulations aimed at ensuring comfortable and safe coexistence for all residents.

Rights and Responsibilities of Apartment Owners

According to the law "On Apartment Ownership," apartment owners have the following rights:

Use of property: Own and use the apartment at their discretion, without infringing on the rights of other residents.

Participation in house management: Participate in owners' meetings, vote on management and maintenance issues of the house.

The responsibilities of owners include:

Property maintenance: Treat their apartment and common property of the house with care, comply with sanitary and fire safety standards.

Payment of expenses: Timely payment of utilities, taxes, and maintenance expenses for common property.

Compliance with rules: Follow the established rules for the use of common areas and ensure that occupants of the apartment also adhere to them.

Rules for the Use of Common Areas

Common areas include staircases, corridors, basements, attics, and other parts of the house intended for shared use. The main rules are:

Cleanliness and order: Residents must maintain cleanliness in common areas, not clutter passages, and not leave personal belongings in common use areas.

Safety: It is prohibited to store flammable or dangerous substances in common areas.

Use: Common areas are intended for shared use; their use for personal purposes (e.g., for storing personal belongings) is allowed only with the consent of all residents or the management company.

Noise and Quiet Restrictions

To ensure comfortable living for all residents, the following norms are established:

Quiet time: From 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM, creating noise that might disturb neighbors is prohibited.

Repair work: Performing noisy repair work is recommended to be agreed upon with neighbors and carried out during daytime hours.

Domestic Animals

Keeping domestic animals is allowed under the following conditions:

Safety and hygiene: Animals should not pose a threat to other residents; owners must clean up after their pets in common areas.

Compliance with rules: Owners must comply with local regulations regarding animal maintenance, including registration and vaccination.

Parking and Use of Adjacent Territory

The adjacent territory is intended for common use, and its use is regulated by the following rules:

Parking: Parking of vehicles is only allowed in designated areas.

Development: Any changes or improvements on the adjacent territory (e.g., installation of a playground) must be coordinated with the general meeting of residents or the management company.

House Management and Decision-Making

Issues related to the management and maintenance of the house are decided at general meetings of apartment owners.

Adherence to these rules contributes to creating a comfortable and safe environment for all residents of a multi-apartment building in Latvia.

The Latvian real estate market is characterized by several features important for potential buyers and tenants.

Volume of New Construction

In recent years, active construction development has been observed in Latvia, especially in the capital, Riga. Modern residential complexes are being developed, meeting European quality and energy efficiency standards. New constructions offer improved layouts and modern technologies, attracting both local and foreign investors.

Comfort of Housing Offered for Rent and Sale

The quality of housing in Latvia has significantly improved. New real estate projects are equipped with modern amenities: underground parking, security systems, playgrounds, and green zones. The rental market is diverse: from budget apartments in Soviet buildings to luxury apartments in modern complexes. Housing offers a high level of comfort, meeting various needs and budgets.

Prices by Region

Riga: The highest real estate prices, driven by developed infrastructure and economic activity. The average price per square meter in new constructions can reach 2,000–3,000 euros.

Jurmala: A popular resort region with high prices, especially near the Baltic Sea coast.

Other regions: In cities like Daugavpils and Liepaja, prices are significantly lower, often ranging from 500–1,000 euros per square meter.

Types of Residential Real Estate

Apartments: The most common type, available in various segments—from economy to premium class.

Private Houses: Popular in suburban areas and rural locations, offering more space and privacy.

Townhouses and Duplexes: Becoming increasingly popular among those seeking a compromise between a city apartment and a country house.

Market Demand and Supply Balance in the Housing Market

The real estate market in Latvia is generally balanced. However, there is an increased demand for quality housing in Riga and Jurmala, which sometimes leads to shortages in these segments. The rental market is dynamic, especially in the capital, due to the influx of students and foreign specialists. In other regions, supply often exceeds demand, creating favorable conditions for buyers.

The cost of living in Latvia varies depending on the region, lifestyle, and individual needs. Let's examine the main expenses faced by residents of the country.

Housing

Rent: In Riga, the capital of Latvia, renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averages 393 euros per month, while on the outskirts, it costs about 273 euros. Three-bedroom apartments will cost 740 euros in the center and 491 euros on the periphery.

Purchase: The cost per square meter of housing in the center of Riga is approximately 1,870 euros, and outside the center about 1,200 euros.

Groceries

 

Prices for basic groceries in Latvia are as follows:

Milk (1 liter) — 1.14 euros

Bread (500 g) — 1.32 euros

Eggs (12 pcs.) — 2.57 euros

Chicken fillet (1 kg) — 6.64 euros

Potatoes (1 kg) — 0.77 euros

Local cheese (1 kg) — 9.90 euros

Bananas (1 kg) — 1.64 euros

Apples (1 kg) — 1.33 euros

Transport

Public transport: The cost of a single ticket is 1.50 euros. A monthly pass will cost 30 euros.

Taxi: The fare per kilometer is about 0.85 euros.

Fuel: The price per liter of gasoline is approximately 1.70 euros.

Utilities

For an 85 m² apartment, monthly utility expenses amount to about 304.64 euros. This includes heating, electricity, water supply, and waste disposal.

Communication and Internet

Mobile communication: The average cost is 17.16 euros per month.

Internet: High-speed connection costs approximately 15.83 euros per month.

Entertainment and Leisure

Fitness club: A monthly membership costs about 38.50 euros.

Cinema: A ticket for a session is approximately 8 euros.

Restaurant: A meal in an inexpensive establishment costs 10 euros, while dinner in a mid-range restaurant is about 20–40 euros.

Overall Expenses

According to data, for a comfortable life in Latvia, one person requires about 1,100 euros per month.

Thus, Latvia offers a relatively affordable standard of living compared to other European Union countries, making it attractive for living and working.

In Latvia, there are several government support and subsidy programs aimed at improving the quality of life for the population and stimulating various economic sectors. Here are the main ones:

Housing Acquisition Support

The "Balsts" Program: Provides non-refundable subsidies for families with children and families raising a child with a disability to reduce the initial contribution when obtaining a mortgage loan. The subsidy amount ranges from 8,000 to 10,000 euros, depending on the housing acquired.

Government Guarantees: Offered to young professionals, families with children, and military personnel to ease the conditions of obtaining a mortgage loan. The guarantee can cover up to 20% of the loan amount.

Entrepreneurship Support

Grants and Financial Support: Aimed at facilitating the creation of new companies and the implementation of innovative ideas. Funding can reach up to 200,000 euros over three years.

EU Structural Funds Programs: Entrepreneurs can attract funding from the European Union structural funds to enhance the competitiveness of their enterprises.

Social Support

Housing Subsidies: Provided to low-income families to cover rental housing costs. The amount of the subsidy depends on the family composition and income level.

Heating Allowances: Available during the heating season to cover heating and fuel purchase expenses. The recipient base has been expanded to encompass more households.

Support in the Transport Sector

Subsidies for the Purchase of Electric Vehicles: The government provides subsidies for the purchase of new and used electric vehicles, as well as plug-in hybrid vehicles. The subsidy amount can reach up to 4,500 euros for new electric vehicles.

For detailed information and application submissions, it is recommended to contact the relevant government agencies or use official online resources.