Expat apartments in Bucharest - how to make the best housing decision

Around 30 thousand foreign workers are registered in Romania in 2019. Even though most of them are working in restaurants and constructions, there are still a lot of expats who have been transferred here, in management positions, at the same international company.

If you are an expat (foreign worker) and you are interested in finding a flat on your own, without the help of a residential agent, then you should read our recommendations below.

There are two main sites where you can start your search: imobiliare.ro and olx.ro. Bucharest is a popular city thanks to its low cost of living and stunning sights, nice and affordable apartments, so you have to consider a few aspects in choosing the right apartment: location, how much you are willing to pay, facilities around and easy access to the subway, taxi.

Choose one of Bucharest beautiful areas like Baneasa, Dorobanti, Floreasca, Spring, Cotroceni, Unirii, Victoriei Square, Romana Square, University Square, locations that will give you a good connection to the city center. Even if it is in the far north, take into consideration the Pipera neighborhood, as this is where most of the international schools in town are located.

Even if you might be tempted by the low price, choose an apartment in a new building, as the ones older than 1990, are poorly maintained. Choose a flat in an area good for expat living.

Facilities: decide what facilities you would like to have near your home and start searching from here. If you are a family with kids, maybe you would like to have a kindergarten or a good school nearby. In this case, the best place would be in District 1 (Baneasa, Aviatorilor, Exhibition, Victoriei). If you are single, the best area would be around  University, Victoriei, Herastrau, Baneasa.

Transport: the areas mentioned above are near subway stations (Ştefan cel Mare, 1st of May, Domains, Moşilor, Timpuri Noi, Decebal, Titulescu or Eroilor) and that is a huge advantage as you will be moving faster from one place to another, especially on those days when traffic jam can double your usual time of travel. Also, when you need a taxi, choose Uber or Yango, as these are affordable options to go in the city.

Our best advice: choose a house within walking distance from your office, if possible, close to a park and a mall. It is easy to understand why: you need to be close to your office, close to a supermarket and some services, but also close to a recreational green area.