Accommodation Romania

Typically, the choice of housing in Romania depends on how long you plan to stay in the country. If your stay is short-term, the quickest way to find accommodation is through well-known sites like Airbnb and Booking, which offer options for hostels, hotels, and apartments to suit any taste and requirement. If you need to rent housing for a long term (usually more than 3 months), it’s best to refer to popular Romanian websites like olx.ro or imobiliare.ro, where you can find options not only from real estate agencies but also directly from owners (set the Proprietar filter; you can write to them in English and thus get the necessary information. A simpler method is through realtors (the commission is usually from 50% to 100% of the monthly rent cost).

If after meeting with a realtor or owner and viewing the apartment you make a positive decision, the further procedure is quite simple: you sign a rental contract, pay an advance for the first month and as a deposit for the last month. Keep in mind, property owners do not always register the rental agreement officially, it depends on your agreements. However, a rental agreement may be required for you: to confirm your residence address (in a bank, migration service, for registration with a family doctor).

Unlike in many countries, in Romania, housing is rented with furniture, a fully equipped kitchen, and necessary household items. We advise checking for the presence of an air conditioner in the residence, as it can be hot in the summer. A crucial issue when renting a home is parking since practically in every Romanian city, cars fill both the roads and yards (a positive aspect of such visual dissonance is safety, as you can usually leave the car without worrying that it will disappear or someone will damage the windows). However, some homeowners have their own parking spaces – this is an additional detail to clarify.

Romania today is a popular country for real estate investment. However, there are nuances when purchasing real estate, for example, a person without an EU passport cannot buy land; with each apartment, a symbolic plot of land on which the multi-story building stands is sold. To properly resolve issues related to buying an apartment, house, land, etc., we recommend cooperating with professional realtors. They not only know the market offers well but will also provide qualified support for drafting a legally correct contract and obtaining the necessary documents. Many realtors speak English!

Yes, in Romania, property insurance is mandatory. According to the law, property owners must purchase an insurance policy covering damage from natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and landslides. This requirement has been in force since 2009. The cost of a mandatory insurance policy varies from 10 to 20 euros per year, depending on the type of housing. Despite this, a significant portion of housing in the country remains uninsured. When renting a home, we advise clarifying this nuance with the owner, especially if the apartment is in a multi-story building; insurance can also protect against unforeseen life situations, such as if neighbors on the upper floor cause flooding.

Most often, utility payments are made separately, according to the meter readings, the payment of the housing association, and the tariffs of Internet and television providers; when signing the contract, we recommend agreeing with the owner on mandatory payment amounts and estimated meter bills. Amounts may vary depending on the season, especially in winter due to heating costs or in summer due to air conditioning. The simplest option is the 24Pay or Pago applications, which easily allow you to pay any bill, save the payment method in advance, and generally simplify interaction with this life aspect.

Living in apartment buildings in Romania is regulated by a set of rules and norms aimed at ensuring the comfort and safety of all residents. Here are the main ones:

Quiet hours: Observance of quiet hours during specific times (usually from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM) and on weekends.

Cleanliness and order: Residents are required to maintain cleanliness in common areas, such as staircases, corridors, and elevators. Garbage disposal must be carried out in designated areas, and waste sorting is mandatory.

Use of common areas: Common areas, such as parking lots, basements, laundry rooms, and smoking zones, are intended only for building residents. Violation of this rule may lead to conflicts and sanctions from the residents' association.

Safety: Observing fire safety regulations, closing entrance doors and gates, and not allowing strangers.

Renovations: Conducting noisy renovation works during designated hours (usually on weekdays from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM). Any renovation works or structural changes in the apartment must be agreed upon with the residents' association and neighbors. This applies to both internal and external changes.

Pets: Compliance with pet regulations, including walking them and cleaning up after them. Pet owners must also monitor noise levels.

Relations with neighbors: Respectful behavior towards neighbors, resolving conflicts peacefully and through the management company if necessary.

These rules aim to create a comfortable and safe environment for all residents of apartment buildings.

The real estate market in Romania shows positive trends despite some fluctuations. The main characteristics of the market include:

Growth in real estate sales: In the first half of 2024, the number of houses and apartments sold in the country increased by 16% compared to the same period in 2023. In Bucharest and Ilfov County, growth was 25%. The city of Iasi became the second most important regional real estate market after Bucharest, with an increase in sales by 71%.

Economic growth and urbanization: Economic development in the sectors of technology, services, and manufacturing increases demand for housing, especially in major cities. More people are moving to cities in search of jobs and better living conditions, which increases demand for urban housing. In particular, demand is growing for modern apartments and houses with amenities.

Investments and infrastructure projects: Significant investments in infrastructure and construction contribute to market development. In 2024, the volume of transactions in the Romanian real estate market amounted to 419 million euros, more than double the previous year's figures. Infrastructure projects, such as new roads and public transport, make certain areas more attractive and increase their value.

Rental and commercial real estate market: The rental and commercial real estate market also shows stable growth. Vacancy rates remain low, especially in the office real estate sector, indicating high demand for quality commercial spaces.

Attractiveness to foreign investors: Romania's status as an EU member attracts significant foreign investment, especially in popular areas and tourist zones, such as Transylvania. Stable income and profitability make Romania attractive to investors in the residential and commercial segments.

Housing programs and policies: Government programs, such as "Prima Casa" (First Home), offer state guarantees on loans with favorable conditions, contributing to an increase in home ownership among locals. Periodic changes in property taxes and subsidies directly affect the market, making home buying and renting more accessible.

Long-term trends

Rise in property prices: Continued economic growth, especially if it outpaces the construction of new housing, will contribute to increased property prices.

Demographic changes: An aging population and urbanization increase demand for small, easily manageable apartments in cities, stimulating interest in modern apartments with amenities and energy-saving technologies.

Thus, the Romanian real estate market is characterized by significant sales growth, large investments in infrastructure, and sustained demand for rental and commercial properties.

The cost of living in Romania remains relatively low compared to most Western European countries and the USA.

Food and Drinks

A meal in an inexpensive restaurant will cost about 45 lei ($9.80), and dinner for two in a mid-range restaurant – about 200 lei ($43.50).

Groceries are also cheap: a liter of milk costs about 8 lei ($1.75), a dozen eggs – about 14 lei ($3), and a kilogram of apples – about 5.42 lei ($1.20).

Housing

Renting an apartment: In the city center, the cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment is about $450 per month, while outside the center – about $300. Renting a three-bedroom apartment in the city center will cost approximately $650 per month.

Utilities: The average cost of utilities for an 85 m² apartment is approximately $150 per month.

Transport

Public transport: A ride on public transport costs about 5 lei per ticket, and a monthly pass – about 90 lei.

Cars: A liter of gasoline costs approximately 8 lei ($1.70).

Other Expenses

Internet: High-speed internet (1 Gbps) is available for $10 per month.

Fitness Club: Membership in a fitness club costs about $50 per month.

Average Salary: The average salary in Romania after taxes is about $800 per month, which is enough to cover basic expenses but may not be enough for comfortable living if renting housing.

General Overview

Romania remains a relatively affordable country to live in, especially compared to Western European countries. Housing, groceries, and transport are significantly cheaper, making it attractive for expats and tourists.

Thus, for comfortable living, a single person would need about 1,000-1,200 euros per month, and a couple – about 2,000 euros per month, including rent, food, and basic expenses.

Energy subsidies: Households with low electricity consumption may receive subsidies to reduce electricity costs. This includes subsidies for electricity and fuel bills for low-income families. Vouchers for the renovation of residential buildings and energy audits are also provided, which can be used to improve housing energy efficiency and install solar panels and other renewable energy sources.

Social and economic measures: The government has launched a package of measures aimed at assisting low-income families and stimulating economic growth. The program includes vouchers for purchasing food and school supplies, as well as subsidies for low-income families.

Subsidies for hiring employees from vulnerable groups: Employers hiring unemployed individuals from vulnerable categories (persons over 45 years old, single parents, long-term unemployed, and youth) can receive a monthly subsidy.

Subsidies for students: Government scholarships for foreign students include payment for tuition and accommodation in student dormitories, facilitating access to education for youth from different countries.

Agricultural support: Programs provide financial support for growing vegetables and other agricultural crops. The amount of subsidies varies depending on the type and area of the crops grown.

The programs provide significant support for both individuals and businesses, contributing to economic growth and improving the quality of life in Romania.