What are the top factors to keep in mind when searching for a place to live in your city?

  • The characteristics of the neighborhood
  • Traffic (for security and noise level)
  • Parking availability
  • Proximity to public transport, schools, work, shops, cinemas, churches, etc.

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What are the most popular neighborhoods in your city for expats?
Most expats live in Bel-Air and Limpertsberg where there is a great choice of studios, apartments, houses or villas.
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Do expats tend to buy or rent their homes?
Expats tend to rent. However, rents in Luxembourg City can be expensive and is comparable to rental rates in Paris; hence it is not uncommon to discover that some Luxembourg workers commute daily from Belgium, France and Germany, where housing costs are lower. Most property in Luxembourg is rented out unfurnished. Expatriates who are looking for furnished accommodation should be prepared to pay a premium for furnishings. The inventory and condition report (etat des lieux) will list the state of the fixtures and fittings that are included in the apartment.
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Typically, will I be required to pay additional money up front (such as a deposit) before moving into leased housing? If so, how much is common?
A guarantee is usually required. It may take three possible forms:

  • A payment in cash with receipt.
  • A bank guarantee covering the deposit, in which case the bank will also require pay slips or a deposit of the same amount or a guarantee from the employer. This is the most common form of deposit.
  • In exceptional circumstances, a guarantee from the State.

The refundable deposit (caution or dépôt de garantie) is generally paid into an interest-bearing account in the tenant's name, which is remunerated at the minimum legal interest rate, published on a regular basis in the Official Gazette. This account requires authorization from the landlord and the tenant before the money can be released.

The deposit amount cannot exceed three months’ rent and must be paid upfront when signing the lease agreement together with the first month's rent and the agency commission, if applicable.

Most property owners in Luxembourg City will ask for a deposit. This can range from one to three months' rent. In Luxembourg, tenants' rights are well-protected under the lease agreement and eviction of tenants is a difficult process for property owners. Be prepared for the property owner to ask to verify your employment and residency status, and in some cases, even your income level, before they decide to lease the property to you. Most rental agreements are for a fixed term and there are guidelines if expatriates ask to terminate the lease early. If you will be living in an apartment, take note of any house rules, such as storing of bicycles or noise, or the moving of bulky items, parking by guests, and so on.
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Are utilities generally included in the price of rent, or are they extra?
Take note that apart from the basic rent charge, there are other monthly contributions toward common charges (maintenance and repair of common areas, such as lobbies and lifts, and the cost of hiring a concierge or building manager). In some apartments, if there are shared utilities, such as heating or hot water, these are included as common charges. Common charges can add up to 20 per cent to the basic rent. In some apartments, laundry is done in allocated rooms (usually the basement of the apartment building) and the use of the laundry rooms may or may not be included in the basic rent. Garages, parking spaces and additional storage rooms may or may not be included in the basic rent.
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Are there special security concerns I should be aware of in regards to my home or choice of neighborhood?
There aren't really any security concerns in Luxembourg, though it is always a good to get input from friends and colleagues who are familiar with the city.
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I’m not sure if I should bring my appliances. What is the electric current, Hz and plug shape in your city?
Electric current: AC 220-240 volts
Frequency (Hz): 50
Compatible with electrical appliances from the UK. Appliances from the USA (110 volts/60 Hz) need a step-down transformer.
Plug shape: standard two-pinned type. Plug adapters can be bought in most electrical shops.
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Do you have any other accommodation information that might help me?
Rental property in Luxembourg can be difficult to find, particularly at short notice, and rents are generally high.

Most houses and apartments are unfurnished, although a few furnished properties are available. In general, furnished properties are for short-term rentals. Unfurnished properties usually have a fully equipped kitchen, including cooker and oven. When visiting a property, check with the landlord or the agency regarding furnishings that are provided and make sure this is included in the contract.
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IMPORTANT NOTE:
Crown Relocations has made every effort to present accurate information. However, regulations, rates and other variables are subject to change and Crown Relocations cannot accept responsibility for the errors that might result. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact your local Crown representative.