AZE.US
Many university students who leave the capital of Azerbaijan during the summer continue paying rent for apartments that remain empty, fearing that they may struggle to find affordable housing when the new academic year begins.
As AZE.US reports, landlords in Baku generally refuse to offer discounts during the summer and require full payment regardless of whether tenants remain in the apartment.
One student said that after returning from their home region last year, they were unable to find suitable housing in Baku. To avoid facing the same problem in September, the student decided to keep the apartment and continue paying rent throughout the summer.
Demand for rental housing typically begins to rise in August as students return to the capital. Market participants say it may nearly double compared with previous months.
An apartment rented for 500 manats (about $294) during the last academic year could cost 600 manats (about $353) in the new season. Some students negotiate reduced summer payments with landlords, while others agree to pay the full amount to keep their homes.
Experts warn that if housing supply remains unchanged while the number of students seeking apartments increases, rental prices could rise further.
For many students, paying for an empty apartment during the holidays may therefore be cheaper than searching for a new one in September.
AZE.US