Housing in Tunisia
Whether or not you intend to buy a house in Tunisia, you will most likely begin by renting. This article is all about renting and housing in Tunisia.
Renting in Tunisia
You may start your housing search online. Depending on the duration of your visit, distinguish between short-term and long-term rentals on the various housing websites.
Additionally, you might try your luck with house advertisements in local newspapers and with local real estate agents. When using the services of a real estate agency, you will be required to pay agency fees equal to 5% of the annual rent.
If you are already in the country, it is recommended that you do a preliminary study of the neighborhoods in your selected city. This will help you to “get a feel” for the neighborhood you’re considering for a long-term rental and check that all the amenities you need are within easy reach. It is also essential that you feel at ease in the intended community and can maintain your preferred lifestyle.
After locating the appropriate dwelling, you will need to sign a lease with the owner. There is no standard lease agreement in Tunisia. Consequently, the document will depend on what you and the owner have negotiated. Note that:
- Lease is concluded on a yearly basis
- It is not recommended to give a departure notice to the owner before the end of the first year; otherwise, you will have to continue paying rent unless you find another lessee at the end of the notice. Typically, the departure notice is three months long, but this can be negotiated with the owner prior to the signing of lease documents.
- The owner may terminate the lease contract by providing the lessee with three months’ notice prior to the expiration of the lease contract.
- If the rent price is not specified in the lease contract, it is assumed that both parties have agreed to the area’s current rent prices, and both parties are expected to comply with any applicable taxes or rates.
- Regarding rent, the landlord or real estate agent may request that the tenant pay annually, quarterly, or monthly. The security deposit equals one or two months’ rent and cannot exceed this amount under any circumstances.
Important:
Before signing the lease contract, undertake an on-site inventory, whether accompanied by the owner or a real estate agent. Feel free to photograph the property and ask any questions.
Additionally, it is recommended to always have a third party present when signing a lease. This might be a real estate agent, a real estate attorney, or even a Tunisian coworker or friend. They will serve as witnesses when you sign the lease and may also be able to assist you if you have any queries for the landlord.
Worth knowing:
Never sign a contract written in a language you do not comprehend. If your contract is written in French or Arabic, you can request an English translation that has been authenticated. Alternately, have a French- or Arabic-speaking individual translate the contract and explain each clause in detail. Never sign anything you don’t fully comprehend, and double-check with the agent or attorney if there are sections in the contract that are unclear or don’t seem correct.
How to Secure a Lease in Tunisia?
To rent a property in Tunisia, you must have the following:
- Three original copies of the lease contract
- Five certified photocopies of the lease, along with the notarization of your signature and the owner’s signature at the local municipality.
Notify the Recette des Finances that 2 originals and 5 certified copies must be submitted for authentication.
According to the rent price, fees vary. You must then return to the Recette des Finances to retrieve the identical documents.
You are required to save your rent receipts, as the administration may request them upon your departure from Tunisia.
READ ALSO: Moving to Tunisia? Here’s Everything You Need to Know
The Cost of Rent in Tunisia
In general, rents in Tunisia are substantially less expensive than in the majority of European nations. Nevertheless, the final cost is highly dependent on the location, type, and duration of the rental.
Depending on the location and apartment type, the monthly rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center (in large towns such as Tunis or Sfax) can range from roughly $300 to over $1,000.
Now, if you choose to rent a luxury villa or townhouse with a lawn or pool, you may expect to pay upwards of $3,000 per month (in Tunis).
Suggested Read: Life in Tunisia: What It’s Really Like — The Pros and Cons
Buying Property in Tunisia
If you are a foreigner and buying your first property in Tunisia, you may find that the process is slightly different than what you would expect in your home country.
Foreigners in Tunisia who wish to purchase a home in a residential zone must get permission from the Governor of the area where the home is located. Foreign individuals are therefore required to submit a file to get an authorization. There’s also a need for a permission from the Governor before selling the actual property.
- Identifying, Choosing and Evaluating the Property. There are many websites and real estate agencies that provide both new and second hand properties. Be careful who you deal with and make sure, when dealing with brokers, that they are licensed properly.
- Negotiation. Know the market and the neighborhood. Understand the pros and cons of the property and remember – not every property is a good fit for you. If the price is not right, be ready to walk away. You will find other properties!
- Financing the Deal. The first step in applying for a mortgage is determining how much you need. In order to apply for a loan, an amount of up to 20% of the actual property should be provided.
- Signing a Contract. Like any other substantial contract, we recommend you consult with a lawyer to cover the legal aspects of the deal.
- Registration. If you already have a lawyer, he should handle the registration of the apartment and transfer the property deed (apartment) under your name
- Move In and Enjoy! 🙂
Keep in mind that there are no laws that allow foreigners to buy a house in Tunisia for permanent residency, citizenship, or a Visa.
Tunisia’s rent prices on average depend on the city you live in and the type of home you choose. In pricey neighborhoods, it is not unheard of to pay up to 4000 Dinars (1.300 USD) per month for a standard four-room Villa. However, you can also find minimum apartment rental fees in Tunisia for as low as 450 (140 USD).
Planning a trip to Tunisia? Check out our guide: Tunisia Travel Information.
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