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Planning to move to Serbia or experience Balkan life for a few months? Either way, get ready for decadent flavors, amazing coffee, and countless opportunities to make new friends and learn the language. Before the good stuff kicks in, though, you’ll probably need to rent an apartment in Serbia.
We know — dealing with landlords and agencies can feel like a full-time job, even for locals. That’s why we’ll guide you through the process, break down the lingo, share insider tips, and reveal what landlords really mean in their listings. Ready to snag your new pad without losing your cool? Let’s jump in.
Before you can find the perfect place, you’ll need to figure out what type of apartment fits your needs. Here’s a quick guide to the most common kinds of properties in Serbia.
Students and single people sometimes opt to rent a room (soba) instead of an entire apartment. The obvious perk is cheaper rent. There’s a trade-off, of course. Namely, you can’t expect much privacy since you’d likely share the kitchen, bathroom, and other communal spaces with flatmates.
Still, if your budget’s tight and you’re up for meeting new people, renting a room could be a smart move.
Garsonjera is a classic studio. In other words, your bedroom doubles as a kitchen, living room, and dining area — a true all-in-one setup. Thankfully, the bathroom is almost always separate in Serbia, so you won’t need to take a shower in your kitchen.
Admittedly, studios here can feel a tad snug, but look at the bright side — less space equals less cleaning. All in all, if you live solo, travel light, and don’t mind brewing your morning coffee practically in bed, a garsonjera might be just right for you.
Jednosoban stan usually comes with one bedroom, a separate living room, and a kitchen that might be its own space or open to the living area. You’ll get a bit more breathing room than a studio, and, as you might expect, it usually comes with a slightly higher price tag.
Dvosoban stan steps things up with two bedrooms in addition to a living room and kitchen. That extra space makes it ideal for couples, small families, or anyone who wants a home office without crowding the bedroom. Naturally, more room comes with a steeper rent, but the comfort and flexibility usually make it worth it.
If you have a big family — or just like having space to spread out — larger apartments are the obvious choice. Trosoban stan comes with three bedrooms, and četvorosoban stan adds an extra one. More rooms mean bigger living areas, multiple bathrooms, and typically at least one balcony. Perfect if you want room for guests, a home office, or just the luxury of not tripping over each other every morning.
Salonac doesn’t represent a particular size. Instead, it’s a type of apartment you’ll find in some older buildings. In short, it comes with high sealings, parquet floors, an old-style vibe, and a sense of nostalgia.
Sometimes, you’ll find ads for entire houses. That said, they are much rarer than apartments, especially in a city center.
Once you’ve got the type of property settled, you need to zero in on essential details.
First off, does the place have a parking space or garage? In some cases, you’ll get those for free. In other instances, you’ll need to pay more to park your vehicle. So, if you have a car, it’s best to clarify that.
Next, the floor level matters. For example, apartments on the top floor often get hotter in summer and colder in winter than units on lower floors.
On the flip side, many people feel unsafe or exposed living on the ground floor.
On a related note, check if the building has an elevator, because climbing the stairs can be a good exercise, but dragging suitcases to the, say, fifth floor isn’t everyone’s favourite pastime.
Also, most apartments in Serbia are partly or completely furnished. That said, you can find plenty of unfurnished places, if that’s what you’re after.
Ready to look for the perfect apartment in Serbia? Here’s how to do it, step by step.
For the initial stage, you can use websites like Halo Oglasi or Nekretnine. You can narrow down your search by selecting the type of apartment, location, and other details.
Alternatively, you can reach out to agencies and let them search.
In any case, knowing exactly what you want will help you find the right place without wasting your time.
You should always get a good look at the place before renting. Check every detail and ask as many questions as necessary to decide if the apartment is a good fit.
Before you move in, you’ll need to seal the deal with a contract. Some property owners might suggest keeping it a simple handshake agreement, but we strongly advise against that. A signed contract protects your deposit, your rental terms, and your peace of mind.
As you may expect, prices vary wildly depending on the size, location, and how modern the apartment is. Of course, rent in Belgrade will cost much more than a place in a small town.
Roughly speaking, a one-bedroom apartment in Belgrade will set you back €300–€600 in a decent area. But, if you want to live in a trendy neighborhood, prices can be €700 or higher.
At the same time, a similar apartment in Kragujevac can cost between €200 and €450.
Other fees to consider are the utility bills and the deposit. The deposit typically amounts to a month’s rent, and you’ll get it back once you move out (if the apartment is in good condition).
If you’ve ever tried to rent an apartment in Serbia, you know landlords have a… creative way of describing apartments. Here’s how to read between the lines so you know what you’re really getting:
Reading between the lines is part of the rental adventure — but nothing beats seeing the apartment yourself. That way, you can dodge any surprises and know right away if it feels like home.
Finally, here’s a mini dictionary to help you rent an apartment in Serbia without getting lost in translation. A few local words go a long way — and who knows, using them might even help you score a better deal.
Serbian | English |
stan | apartment |
kuća | house |
soba | room |
kirija | monthly rent |
računi | utility bills |
depozit | deposit |
iznajmljivanje | lease/rent |
izdavanje | renting out |
sprat | floor (e.g., prvi sprat – first floor) |
potkrovlje | attic apartment / loft |
podrum | basement |
dvorište | yard |
namešten / nenamšten | furnished / unfurnished |
lift | elevator |
balkon | balcony |
klima uređaj | air conditioner |
provizija | agent’s commission |
Apartment hunting can be tricky — but hey, finding your perfect nook is worth it. Follow our guide, and you’ll know how to rent an apartment in Serbia that feels just right.
And you know what? You don’t need to wait until you move here to start mastering Serbian. All you need are our group lessons and an internet connection. Our teachers and fellow learners will help you stay focused and motivated while learning in a fun environment. Join us today!
Planning to move to Serbia or experience Balkan life for a few months? Either way, get ready for decadent flavors, amazing coffee, and countless opportunities
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