Medellín, the second largest city in Colombia, has a large population of foreigners and is also popular with digital nomads and short-term visitors, so there are many people looking for an apartment to rent there.
The good news is that there is something for almost every budget in the city, with some very cheap deals to take advantage of, as well as some high-end options for those willing to spend the money. But how do you really find an apartment in Medellin, and what things should you take into account? Keep reading to know more.
Furnished or unfurnished?
The decision to look for a furnished or unfurnished apartment may depend on how long you plan to stay, but even if you plan to be in the city for as little as six months, looking for unfurnished apartments could be a good option. a lot of sense since the price difference is considerable.
Other priorities
Once you’ve made up your mind about the condition of the furnishings in your future apartment, it’s a good idea to list any other requirements you have, as this will help you narrow down your search. Some common features that can be found at apartments in Medellin include a balcony, gym access, a shared pool, a washer/dryer, and air conditioning.
Do you also have specific requirements for the location of the apartment? Should it be close to public transportation, in a quiet area, close to shopping, nightlife, or restaurants? Think before you start searching as the range of options is wide and this will give you a framework to build your search.
choose a neighborhood
Perhaps the most important question you should ask yourself when looking for an apartment in Medellin is where you want to live.
The different neighborhoods of the city have different shades, advantages and disadvantages to take into account. These are some of the most popular neighborhoods for immigrants, as well as their advantages and disadvantages.
El Poblado
it is probably the most exclusive and prosperous neighborhood in the city and, consequently, it is the most expensive place to rent. It’s where many of the city’s fanciest hotels and restaurants are located, and it’s an easy place to live if you don’t speak Spanish, as most people who work in the area will be able to communicate in English.
Laurels/Stadium
it’s a leafy residential area next to the football stadium, hence the name, with plenty of outdoor areas for sports nearby, if that’s your thing. It’s good for shopping and nightlife, but still quiet and peaceful for the most part.
Ciudad del rio
it is still on the rise and offers fantastic views of the mountains. It’s full of high-rise apartments and has fewer good restaurants than other areas, but it’s affordable and gets more desirable by the minute.
Envigado
it is probably the most relaxed and quiet neighborhood you could choose in Medellin. The buildings are quite low-rise and it has many picturesque parks and plazas around it, as well as great dining options. It also has the advantage of being close to El Poblado without having the typical tourist atmosphere of that neighborhood.
Should you hire an agent?
Obviously, the main advantage of hiring an agent as a foreigner is that they will speak Spanish, so this is a must if you arrived in Medellin and don’t speak the language. However, even if you do, having an agent show you places will greatly increase your options, as most rentals in the city are not listed online, which means searching on your own can be frustrating.
However, it’s important to compare agents, as some may try to take advantage of the fact that you’re new to town and charge you an “outsider” price.
Dealing with the Bondsman situation
While making a security deposit is not the norm in Colombia, most Medellin apartments for rent will require you to have a guarantor, which can be a difficult requirement to meet if you have just arrived in the country and are looking for a place to live.
There are generally three ways to get around the need for a guarantor when renting.
Find an agent who does not require you to have a bondsman. There are only a few of these, and if you speak Spanish (or have someone who can translate for you), you’ll have a better chance of finding one. Also note that these agents will ask you to pay your rent in advance.
If you can contact your landlord directly, you may have an agreement with them that doesn’t require you to have a guarantor, but again, you’ll likely need to be willing and able to pay your rent up front.
Being sponsored by a company will satisfy most agents rather than having a guarantor, but this of course only works for those people who are moving to Medellin for work and are therefore in a position to ask you for this favor. to your employer.
