Accommodation in Nice
Long-term accommodation in Nice is known to be expensive, mostly as the supply is limited as the majority of housing is used for short-term vacation rentals or as second homes for city dwellers.
Some expats are lucky enough to have their employers provide housing options, a housing allowance, or a contact from which it’s possible to negotiate a loan or payment plan. On the other hand, others must secure accommodation themselves, and if this is the situation there are some important points to consider.First and foremost, prices vary depending on location, and can be a lot more expensive in the centre of the city, the old town, and along the port. These are popular areas for expats to move to because they are centrally located and close to multiple forms of transportation, like the tram and train station.
Expats choosing to live in these areas should realise that these apartments are typically smaller, and do not offer the same amenities as apartments in the suburbs. What’s more, many of the buildings are older, and do not have elevators or have only very narrow stairs. However, most buildings do have central heating, which is nice in the winter when the temperature can dip below 50°F (~10°C) at night.
As you move farther from the city centre, there are options for larger apartments and houses that will give you more space for less money. These suburbs are easily accessible via the local bus service, so expats need not worry about being isolated even if they’re carless. Two of the most popular suburbs are Fabron and Cimiez, where the Matisse museum and ancient ruins are located.
Average prices for renting accommodation in Nice
- Studio in City Centre (30 sq. m) 600 Euro
- 2-Bedroom in City Centre – 1000 Euro
- House in Fabron – 1,500 Euro (3 room/2-bedroom)
Aside from financial concerns, expats may want to choose accommodation in close proximity to their workplace, in a place that offers them a certain lifestyle, or in a place that makes getting around easy (if you don’t have a car). Since traffic can build up in the evenings, you can avoid getting stuck for a few hours by living closer to where you work.
Finding accommodation in Nice
When looking to rent an apartment in Nice, there are a few resource options. Before you start searching though, keep in mind that you’ll need to learn the lingo for the different kinds of properties.
Pièce refers to the number of rooms, and chambres refers to the number of bedrooms. So a two pièces, one-chambre listing would mean a one-bedroom apartment with a salon or kitchen.
Web sites with rental listings
- Pap.fr
- Colocation.fr (also good for flatsharing)
- Appartager.com (also good for flatsharing)
If you don’t have time to go apartment hunting or would like assistance, leasing agencies can be a helpful option. It’s possible to simply walk into a leasing office with an idea of what you are looking for, and they can then guide you in the right direction.
Agencies can give a better idea of the types of apartments available in the city, and can even provide tours. These service providers usually charge a finder’s fee that is equivalent to one month’s rent. The finder’s fee does not include the cost of the security deposit that is due upon move in. Most apartments charge a security deposit equivalent to one month’s rent, but some can ask for up to three month’s rent.
A few things to take into consideration whether searching for a place to live alone or with the help of an agency are the length of the lease, utilities, and the current condition of the apartment.
Leases can vary depending on the landlord, and usually require a one-month notice before moving out. Some rentals include utilities, like electricity, heat, cable and Internet.
Most apartments in the centre of the city are furnished, but not all apartments have air conditioning, an oven, and a washer and dryer.
When viewing an apartment, make sure to note any issues or changes that you would like made before moving in. It is also necessary to have housing insurance in France, whether you own or rent. Insurance can be purchased at a bank and will vary depending on each situation, whether you’re a renter or owner, how many rooms, the size, etc. A copy of a lease and proof of address are usually required.
Some expats ship their furniture over, depending on the length of their stay and their budget. Others take advantage of the variety of decorating options, like modern furniture stores and antique markets all over town and by the port.
