How to Find a Place to Live?

 

As can be expected, the city center is the most expensive district of Yerevan. It is known as Kentron, where the vast majority of repats currently reside, according to a survey put up on our group. Other districts with higher costs to their sqm include certain parts of Arabkir and Avan, as well as Norq Marash. The further away from the center, the more affordable the lands are. Residence complexes or gated communities are often more expensive due to their common amenities. These could include pools, tennis courts, parks, gardens, etc. Vahakni and Vanahovid are better known housing complexes, while others are up and coming. Yeraz residential complex is comprised of high-rise buildings, but also includes a large park, restaurant, children’s shopping center, and multiple other projects and programs under its name. This is in no way inclusive of all possible complexes. Please consult on the Armenian Repatriates Network for new developments and a better understanding of available options.

 

Your apartment hunting experience in Yerevan will be similar to any other big city, lots of listings, real estate agents, and things moving fast. High season starts late spring and spans early fall when droves of tourists - and people who are preparing for more long-term stays - flood the city. Expect much higher prices and many landlords who refuse to give up daily rent opportunities, no matter how much you offer to pay per month during this period.

How do you go about looking for a place to live?
- Start on Repat Armenia’s integration group - the Armenian Repatriates Network. Ask for what you are looking for and wait for the responses. You can also check apartment listings by other members on Repats&Expats: Real Estate in Armenia. The prices and types of listings vary considerably.

- Constantly keep up to date on new listings on specific websites:
www.list.am

www.redgroup.am 
www.realtors.am
www.tunmun.am
www.bars.am
www.redgroup.am
www.alex-r.am
www.goldenhouse.am
www.proinfo.am
www.vivarealty.am
www.elate.am
www.safehouse.am
www.hayrealty.com
www.sreal.am
www.senyak.am

- Contact a reliable real estate agent. You can pick between local and repat. Feel free to ask in the Armenian Repatriates Network or Repats&Expats: Real Estate in Armenia for recommendations. It’s important that you find someone you’re comfortable with, so don’t feel pressured to work with anyone who seems like they’re taking you for a ride.

 

There are good agents out there. If they seem to be attentive and responsive, it’s a good indication that they’ll put your interests first.

 

NOTE: You’ll come across buildings built in different time periods: Stalinkas, panel buildings, monoliths, and newer constructions.

NOTE: There is no need to hurry up when buying a home. It is advised by many to first rent for at least 6-12 months, preferably in different regions, in order to better understand what you like.

 

PRO TIP: Take an inspector with you before buying the house. They might find problems you ad not initially considered. Building facades might be easily broken, walls too thin, leaks, etc.

PRO TIP: Prices for both property sales and rentals go up around May and drop around October. It would be best to find a long-term rental or buy a place in the low season.

 

Rental prices differ by region, building type and size. Overall, apartments range from $180 to $3,000/month. Houses are cheaper on a sqm basis. Rentals outside Yerevan are harder to f ind, but more affordable. Of course, renovation costs should be taken into account. For a better idea of rental properties in the area you are interested in, take a look at the listings on any of the websites listed below.

 

NOTE: if your work requires good internet, double check to make sure the apartment or house has the plan you want, or internet at all.  

 

NOTE: ALWAYS have a contract (ideally notarized)  that is written down and signed by both parties. It could be with a notary, but not necessary. Make sure all the information is included beforehand, including information about who will be in charge of fixing things in what circumstances.