Finding suitable accommodation can be a problem in some parts of Luxembourg, depending on your requirements and your financial resources.
Housing costs in Luxembourg reflect the general level of prosperity the Duchy has enjoyed, and rentals can be difficult to find, particularly in Luxembourg City. Many of the Duchy’s workers (over half, in fact) commute each day from neighbouring Belgium, France or Germany, where housing costs are generally lower.
Home ownership is popular and on the increase. Around three-quarters of Luxembourgers own their own homes, often building their dream home on a purchased plot of land.
If you’re coming to live in Luxembourg for less than five years, you’ll probably find that renting is the easiest (and in some cases, the most economical) solution. It’s also the answer for those who don’t want the trouble, expense and restrictions associated with buying property. Even if you’re likely to be staying in the region indefinitely, it’s wise to start in rented premises until you’ve got to know the customs and legalities of buying and owning property.
Rental property in Luxembourg can be difficult to find, particularly at short notice, and rents are generally high. The expatriate community is a good source of information on houses and apartments for rent, especially if you want to avoid estate agency fees, which amount to as much as two or three months’ rent. Estate agencies are open only limited hours and very often aren’t open at all at weekends. If you do use agencies, make sure you keep track of the properties you’ve seen; if you view the same property twice with a different agency and decide to rent it, you could end up paying two agency fees! Unfortunately, you can’t find a house for rent (or for sale) in Luxembourg by ‘sign hunting’, as owners don’t normally post signs on available properties.
Most property in Luxembourg is rented unfurnished, which may mean there’s a kitchen sink, but not much else. You must normally provide your own carpets, curtains, curtain rods, light fittings and most kitchen appliances. If you view a house or flat before the old tenants move out, you may be able to arrange to buy their appliances and fixtures. Furnished rentals are available (at higher rents) and include everything you need, right down to crockery, kitchen utensils and bed linen. If you rent a furnished property, make sure you understand who’s responsible for insuring the contents.
This article is an extract from Living and Working in Holland, Belgium & Luxembourg.