Accommodation in Luxembourg is generally of high quality, and you’ll find a range of options when you move here. Most expats rent at first to get to know the country’s different areas. Renting is the usual choice for a short stay, but it’s expensive, so expats who plan to settle here for the long term often look into buying instead.
Many expats will rent in a neighbouring country such as France, Germany, or Belgium, where rentals are often cheaper, and then commute across the border.
Types of accommodation in Luxembourg
Locals usually own their homes, while expats tend to rent in Luxembourg. The vast majority of rentals are apartments rather than family homes. That said, you can also find townhouses, semi-detached houses, single-family homes, and villas in Luxembourg, although most are for sale rather than rent.
You’ll find houses more easily in small towns and the countryside, while apartments are far more common in city centres.
Furnished vs unfurnished
Most rentals in Luxembourg are unfurnished. If you prefer furnished accommodation, a few specialised companies offer it. Furnished properties are pricier than unfurnished ones and can cost up to double the monthly rent. Weigh up the cost of shipping your belongings over, buying new furniture and appliances in Luxembourg, or renting a furnished place. For some properties, it works out cheapest to rent furnished.
If you go for furnished accommodation, make sure the landlord gives you an inventory of the furnishings and their condition before you move in. If you’re relocating with a cat or dog, check in advance whether the property is pet friendly.
Short lets
There are several kinds of short lets available across Luxembourg. Bed and breakfasts (B&Bs) are the traditional option, and you’ll also find Airbnb rentals and serviced apartments for a more homely stay. These short-term lets are typically fully furnished, and utilities such as electricity, water, heating, and internet are usually included in the rent.
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Finding accommodation in Luxembourg
When finding accommodation in Luxembourg, most newcomers go through an estate agent, and the agency fee is split equally between you and the landlord. You can also search online property portals, agency websites, expat social media groups, and classified listing sites.
When you search, weigh up the cost, how close a place is to your workplace and your children’s schools, access to public transport, and the length of your commute if you plan to live across the border. An estate agent who knows the area can be a real help here.
You may also want to hire a relocation company. They can handle much of the move for you: finding accommodation, arranging shipping, helping you settle in, and even enrolling your children in school.
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Renting accommodation in Luxembourg
Making an application
Once you’ve chosen a rental property, there are a few steps to complete before you can move in. You’ll submit an application to the landlord or rental agent and provide several supporting documents. A landlord will most likely ask for proof of identity and a work visa, your employment status, your income level, and possibly references from previous landlords.
Leases
Tenants and landlords usually agree on a fixed term for the rental contract, which must be in writing to be valid. A standard lease in Luxembourg is between two and three years, but you can negotiate a shorter one if you won’t be staying that long.
Contracts are usually drawn up in French, and if you’re not fluent, it’s wise to bring a translator to help you negotiate and sign the lease.
Deposits and fees
Deposits are legally capped at two months’ base rent. It’s usually paid into a blocked bank account for the duration of the lease, and it should be returned at the end as long as there’s no damage or unpaid rent. There are deadlines and penalties for the landlord if they’re late to return it.
An entry inventory is carried out when you move in. Without it, the landlord can’t withhold your deposit for damage. On top of the deposit, you’ll usually need annual liability insurance too.
Terminating the lease
To end your lease, you must give three months’ written notice. Send it by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt, so there’s a clear record. A landlord in Luxembourg has to give six months’ notice and can only end the lease on legitimate grounds, such as wanting to move in themselves.
If the initial fixed term has ended, the lease is automatically renewed indefinitely, and either side can end it with the required notice. If you need to leave sooner, it’s easiest to find a replacement tenant for the landlord.
Utilities in Luxembourg
In Luxembourg, utilities in rental properties are often already set up and included in the rent. If so, make sure you know exactly what you’re paying for each month. If they’re not included, you can usually take over the existing connections in your name or sign up with a different supplier.
Electricity
Luxembourg’s electricity market is deregulated, so you will need to choose your supplier. The easiest option is to take over the existing contract, but if you’d rather choose your own supplier, the main options are Enovos, Leo, Electris, and Sudstroum.
Gas
Luxembourg has only a handful of natural gas suppliers, and some rural areas have no access to the gas network at all. As with electricity, the simplest option is to keep the existing supplier and move the account into your name. Take a photo of the meter when you move in so you’re not billed for the gas the previous tenant used.
Water
Luxembourg’s tap water is high quality and safe to drink. The water supply will be overseen by your commune (the local municipality). When you move in, you must register with your commune as a new resident and ask to be connected to its drinking-water network.
You’ll get water bills each quarter, plus a final statement once a year. If you’ve paid more than you used, you get money back, and if you’ve used more, you cover the difference.
Bins and recycling
General household waste is usually collected weekly, although some communes do fortnightly or monthly pickups. When you register with your commune, you’ll receive a set of bins for separating your waste at home. Grey or black bins are usually for non-recyclable household waste, and separate containers (often blue) are for recycling. Each commune uses its own colour scheme, so check what applies where you live.
For bulky items, you can request a special collection from your commune, usually for a fee. Free recycling centres are also dotted around the country if you’d rather drop off sorted waste yourself.
Internet
Luxembourg has some of the fastest, most reliable internet in Europe. Most homes are connected by fibre (FTTH), and where fibre hasn’t reached yet, cable and 5G home internet are common alternatives. The main providers are POST, Orange, Tango, and Eltrona.