How To Avoid Common Pitfalls in the Athens Housing Market
/9 Tips for Erasmus Students
Moving to a new country for your Erasmus studies can get tricky...
Especially when it comes to finding suitable accommodation!
With its rich history and vibrant culture, Athens is a fantastic place to spend your Erasmus year.
However, the local housing market can present some unique challenges.
In this blog post, we'll provide valuable insights and actionable tips to help you navigate the Athens housing market and avoid common pitfalls.
By the end of this guide, you'll be well-equipped to find the perfect home away from home.
1. Start Your Search Early
Begin your accommodation search at least three months before your arrival.
We've seen many Erasmus students who start looking for accommodation a month before their departure to Athens...
Just to quickly realize that... many of the best options had already been taken!
Starting your search early gives you a wider selection...
Which allows you to avoid settling for less desirable options...
Early planning also reduces stress, enabling you to focus on other aspects of your move...
2. Prioritize Safety
Choose accommodations in safe neighborhoods and check the security features of the property.
When evaluating potential apartments, look for features such as secure entry systems, well-lit entrances, and proximity to police stations or security patrols.
Some areas near universities might not fancy you from a safety point of view.
In such cases, you're better off finding another accommodation in a central area with better security measures, which will provide you with peace of mind.
3. Verify Lease Agreements
Highly Important: Ensure the lease agreement is clear, transparent, and legally binding.
Some students have faced issues with unclear or unofficial lease agreements.
To avoid this, take our leases as an example:
All the main points are stated in both Greek and English, clearly outlining all terms and conditions.
Plus, Greek authorities must legally bind and accept leases, which is crucial for your visa and bank account applications.
4. Budget Wisely
Consider all costs associated with renting, including utilities, internet, and maintenance fees.
Unless you choose an all-inclusive rental, like the one we offer at roomsAthens, make sure that your initial budget isn't focused solely on rent.
Your expenses would be higher than anticipated after factoring in additional costs like electricity, water, internet, and maintenance.
To manage your budget effectively, create a comprehensive list of all potential costs and ensure they fit within your financial plan.
5. Visit the Property in Person (if possible)
If you can, visit the property before signing the lease to ensure it meets your expectations.
Virtual tours and photos can be misleading.
There are countless cases where students relied on photos.... only to find the apartment was much smaller and less well-maintained than presented...
If an in-person visit is impossible, ask a trusted friend or colleague in Athens to visit on your behalf.
Alternatively, request a live video tour to get a more accurate sense of the property.
6. Understand Local Rental Laws
Familiarize yourself with Greek rental laws to protect your rights as a tenant.
Greek rental laws can differ significantly from those in your home country.
Take the time to understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant in Greece.
This knowledge will help you navigate lease agreements and avoid potential legal issues.
Resources such as local expat forums and legal aid organizations can provide valuable information on this topic.
7. Be Wary of Scams
Stay vigilant and avoid deals that seem too good to be true.
Scammers often target international students with attractive offers that turn out to be fraudulent.
So, whenever you receive an offer for a beautiful apartment at an unusually low price...
Become suspicious and investigate further!
To avoid scams, only send money or personal information after verifying the legitimacy of the offer and the landlord.
8. Use Trusted Platforms and Agencies
Utilize reputable housing platforms and agencies that specialize in student accommodations.
Those cheap listings on Facebook groups might be tempting, but they are hardly trustworthy.
Better turn to a specialized platform catering to Erasmus students.
And even more importantly, seek out verified listings... and support throughout the rental process.
Using trusted platforms can save time and reduce the risk of scams or unreliable landlords.
9. Build a Support Network
Connect with other Erasmus students and local resources to share experiences and advice.
Join Erasmus student groups on social media, where you can find valuable advice and support from peers who have already navigated the Athens housing market.
These connections provide recommendations for reliable landlords and tips on making the most of her stay in Athens.
Building a support network can enhance your overall experience and help you feel more at home.
In conclusion
Navigating the Athens housing market as an Erasmus student can be challenging, but with the right approach and resources, you can find a comfortable and secure place to call home.
By starting your search early, prioritizing safety, verifying lease agreements, budgeting wisely, and using trusted platforms, you can avoid common pitfalls and ensure a smooth transition to your new life in Athens.
If you found these tips helpful and want reliable, move-in-ready accommodation in Athens, check out Rooms Athens' listings.
We offer furnished and equipped apartments explicitly designed for Erasmus students, with transparent rental rates and exceptional support.
Contact us today to find your perfect home in Athens!
