Accommodation in Romania

Over the past years, Cluj Napoca has lived a massive increase in property prices. There are lots of students who are coming here, as well as foreigners. They are aware that the actual cost is still more affordable than in the rest of Europe. However, related to the cost of living in Romania, Cluj is one of the most expensive cities to live in. For making the best decision, here is the information about the best neighbourhoods, the cost of rent, as well as the procedures for renting a house or flat in the Transylvanian city. 

Types of accommodation in Cluj 

When looking for accommodation in Cluj, you are more likely to find lots of apartments, rather than villas or houses. The city hosts a large number of old buildings, with both residential spaces and also public and commercial ones. You will find grocery stores, cafes or pharmacies on the ground floor. 

However, many of these old buildings were demolished and replaced with modern and comfortable buildings. Some were preserved and maintained in their initial state and now are inhabited. 

The best neighbourhoods in Cluj

Cluj is divided into 16 neighbourhoods in total, from which there are some that really stand out. In the top 3 neighbourhoods in Cluj, consider Andrei Muresanu, the most elegant one, with beautiful old houses. This area of the city is also the most expensive one. 

The second one is Gheorgheni, with lots of green spaces and a little quieter, while the third one is Grigorescu. The last one has lots of old blocks, and very few new buildings and the people are more elderly.

Then come the Marasti and Manastur neighbourhoods, which are the most crowded and full of people from all walks of life. Zorilor is another old neighbourhood but very appreciated, due to the new investments and also the proximity to the centre and the major universities in the city.

For those who want to live in a new, modern residential, they should consider the Buna Ziua neighbourhood, which is not more than ten years old. 

Towards the extremities of the city, you end up with more industrial or rural life, with lots of houses and villas. 

Transportation in Cluj

Cluj Napoca's public transportation is one of the safest and modern in the country. Wherever you need to go, there is a precise schedule, with all the lines and hours. Also, the administration has included electric buses, new trams, and trolleys, to encourage people to use public transportation. 

Even though it is still in progress, Cluj Napoca is planning to bring self-driven buses in 2020. Also, there is a discussion of building a subway system, and studies are underway.

Rent prices in Cluj

The rent prices in Cluj are high. After Bucharest, Cluj Napoca is the most expensive city in the country in terms of accommodation. If you are looking for an apartment in the proximity of the centre or the big universities, the rent will increase. For instance, you can pay for 2-bedrooms flat, in a central area, 500 euros or more. Moreover, after some time, the owners might want to change the amount of money and ask for more. 

The city is in continual development, the salaries in Cluj are above the average in the country, a reality that reflects in the rent prices.

However, if you are ok with living in Floresti, or Baciu, which are adjacent villages to Cluj, the rent prices will decrease significantly. 

Where to find accommodation in Cluj

Due to the real estate growth, there are lots of possibilities for expats to look for accommodation to suit their needs. Therefore, the easiest way to do it is by searching on the internet. There are online portals where you can filter the type of accommodation you are looking for, based on your budget, number of rooms, as well as the area of the city.

There are lots of real estate agencies that can help you find the flat/house you want. Keep in mind that this option is also the most costly one, as you will need to pay half of one rent to the real estate agent.

Last but not least, if you have little Romanian skills, you can look in the local newspaper, where the owners are posting their renting options.

Lease conditions and procedures in Cluj

Typically, the rental contract is consistent, and they ensure the property owner that the tenants will not abuse their ability to stay at their property. Also, the contract will offer you the safety of your deposit and prevent any unexpected rent increases. 

Now, although not everybody declares the rental contract to the state, so they will not pay so many taxes, it's always better to have an agreement. However, make sure you have at least a contract of loan use, where you will both establish the amount of money you will pay per month, together with the clauses you are interested in. 

 Useful links:

Cluj Napoca xyz Magazine 
CTPCJ
Imobiliare.ro
Edil
Welt Imobiliare
Erasmus
Max Intermedia