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General Category => Off the Record => Topic started by: Syt on January 22, 2014, 04:26:32 AM

Title: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: Syt on January 22, 2014, 04:26:32 AM
Including utilities (gas, electricity, water) I pay ca. €700.- for my apartment, or €535 without electricity/heating. With internet it's €750.-. For Ca. 55 m² (ca. 590 square feet). It's an old building, badly insulated, and the heating system is not the newest, which is why I pay out the nose for gas/electricity.

It's in a lower middle class area of town, loads of immigrants (Vienna in total has 23% immigrants, ca. 40% with immigrant background; the numbers are significantly higher in my part of town).

I'm looking for a new apartment, but the hunting is slow and painful. Austria has the highest increase in real estate prices in Europe in recent years, mostly driven by Vienna.

The average price for a lease has gone up 33% since 2005, or 80% in case you're looking to buy. On top of that, 2/3 of lease contracts are limited to 3-5 years. Which means every couple years you have to move around unless you find an unlimited contract (which I currently have).

Going through an agent for an apartment lease is expensive: the agent gets 2 or 3 months rent (depending on duration of contract) plus ca. 1 month's rent in fees. The fees are paid by the person who rents the apartment, NOT the owner (who pays nothing to the agent).

Additionally, you pay 3-6 months worth of rent as deposit for the new apartment (but you get the one from the previous apartment back unless your landlord is an asshole and bills you for supposed damages you left behind).
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: Maladict on January 22, 2014, 04:33:05 AM
My rent is €700 excluding utilities for about 100 m2 in the centre of a city of about 200,000 people.
The apartment is fine, but the complex and street it's in are a bit run down. Still, being able to walk everywhere I need to go and still having plenty of space for a low rent, I'm not complaining.
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: katmai on January 22, 2014, 04:40:30 AM
No rent, but Gas, Electric, Water, Garbage, cable comes out to about $550-700 a month. Higher in winter when heat is so much more vital.
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: Josquius on January 22, 2014, 05:32:14 AM
At my old place 60,000 yen a month rent plus maybe under 10,000 in water/electric/gas.
Renting in Japan is a total PITA. Even getting a place costs several months rent. Moving is tough.
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: jimmy olsen on January 22, 2014, 05:45:01 AM
My school pays 90% of my rent.
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: dps on January 22, 2014, 06:22:41 AM
No rent, but the mortgage payment is $200 a month.  Utilities run about $350-$450 a month or so.
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: Tamas on January 22, 2014, 06:24:58 AM
You don`t want to know how much I am paying for a flatshare, but it is not uncommon in these parts and well worth it.
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: MadImmortalMan on January 22, 2014, 07:17:14 AM
Do you have to supply your own appliances, Syt? Lots of the moving abroad shows have properties in your part of the world with no stove, fridge, etc.
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: Josquius on January 22, 2014, 07:21:08 AM
Isn't that normal?
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: Syt on January 22, 2014, 07:48:27 AM
Most apartments in Vienna will have stove top, stove, refrigerator, sink. Some may include dish washer (maybe 50/50). Occasionally a washing machine is there, but that's the exception rather than the rule. And many apartment buildings will have a joint laundry room.

Occasionally you may have a case where someone put a new kitchen into an apartment that they rented and that they will either take it with them when they leave, or expect some money out of you to recover some of their investment.
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: Grey Fox on January 22, 2014, 08:06:30 AM
Quote from: Tyr on January 22, 2014, 07:21:08 AM
Isn't that normal?

Not really. Apparently the norm is to have them included.

I am always befuddled when a couple on some Property show is claiming no deal because of the appliances. Just Buy new ones ffs. That an on-suite bathrooms.


Also, my mortage + taxes + electricity = ~1400$ a month on average. I don't pay electricity on a monthly basis & it's significantly higher in the winter since my house is heated by electricity.
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: Brazen on January 22, 2014, 08:23:04 AM
My mortgage is £480 a month for a two bedroom flat. When I used to rent the same flat it cost £775 a month - an identical flat downstairs has just been leased for £1,100 a month.

Utilities, phone/broadband/TV, TV license, council tax and service charge total £360.

So that's around £840 a month in total which is €1026 or US$1390.

After previous "size of property" discussion, an estate agent site usefully informs me it is 44.3 sq m, or 476.8 sq ft.
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: Brazen on January 22, 2014, 08:24:24 AM
Quote from: Tamas on January 22, 2014, 06:24:58 AM
You don`t want to know how much I am paying for a flatshare, but it is not uncommon in these parts and well worth it.
I do! I'm guessing £500 a month.
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: Tamas on January 22, 2014, 08:28:57 AM
Quote from: Brazen on January 22, 2014, 08:24:24 AM
Quote from: Tamas on January 22, 2014, 06:24:58 AM
You don`t want to know how much I am paying for a flatshare, but it is not uncommon in these parts and well worth it.
I do! I'm guessing £500 a month.

:lol: 1.5 times that. ALTOUGH that includes every cost, and it is a nice en-suite in a brand new building, in the town center,  3 minutes walking from my workplace, and literally next to the train station with direct trains to central London (30-40 minutes) (plus a bus stop I never use), so it is a fair deal I think, when compared to what else is out there around here.
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: Brazen on January 22, 2014, 08:36:47 AM
Quote from: Tamas on January 22, 2014, 08:28:57 AM
:lol: 1.5 times that. ALTOUGH that includes every cost, and it is a nice en-suite in a brand new building, in the town center,  3 minutes walking from my workplace, and literally next to the train station with direct trains to central London (30-40 minutes) (plus a bus stop I never use), so it is a fair deal I think, when compared to what else is out there around here.
Yeah, for all-in that's not bad - half the bills would total around that extra £250.
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: Syt on January 22, 2014, 08:46:11 AM
Well, I just received an email from my landlord that the annual increase this year is EUR 15.- per month according to the official statistical data (which is a legal basis for automatic lease price increases).
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: Brazen on January 22, 2014, 08:56:31 AM
I forgot about landholder lease prices. Mine used to be £50 every six months, but there wasn't long left on the lease so we clubbed together and extended it for 90 years at a cost of £8,000. It sounds like terrible value for money, but it's almost impossible to sell a flat in the UK with a lease of less than 80 years.
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: KRonn on January 22, 2014, 09:37:35 AM
My mortgage is $700 monthly including property tax, and I pay $900 towards my mortgage. (Property taxes are billed quarterly, which comes to about $250 monthly).  Utilities cost about $160 monthly (gas/heat, water, electric).
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: Sheilbh on January 22, 2014, 09:52:06 AM
£600 a month for my part of the flatshare. It is a nice flat though  :blush:
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: MadImmortalMan on January 22, 2014, 09:53:50 AM
Quote from: Tyr on January 22, 2014, 07:21:08 AM
Isn't that normal?

I don't even think it's legal where I live.
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: Sheilbh on January 22, 2014, 09:55:08 AM
Quote from: Tyr on January 22, 2014, 07:21:08 AM
Isn't that normal?
I thought the norm was that white goods are included.
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: garbon on January 22, 2014, 10:25:21 AM
None of your damn business. :angry:
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: katmai on January 22, 2014, 10:26:20 AM
My suspicions confirmed!
Garbo is a squatter!
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: Barrister on January 22, 2014, 10:27:53 AM
Since no one else has said it...

I lise in a free-standing house, not an apartment, like any civilized person should.  :cool:
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: garbon on January 22, 2014, 10:29:18 AM
Quote from: katmai on January 22, 2014, 10:26:20 AM
My suspicions confirmed!
Garbo is a squatter!

I wish. I'd be saving up a storm!
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: The Brain on January 22, 2014, 10:41:55 AM
I'm not telling you.
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: Grey Fox on January 22, 2014, 11:34:20 AM
Quote from: Barrister on January 22, 2014, 10:27:53 AM
Since no one else has said it...

I lise in a free-standing house, not an apartment, like any civilized person should.  :cool:

but it's only free standing by a 2 feet wide gap between you & your neighbors.

:mad: For shame, mister Uppermann lake.
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: Capetan Mihali on January 22, 2014, 12:59:12 PM
$745/month (=£450, €550) for a spacious 1 bedroom ground-floor apt. in the center of town; electric, water, and most importantly heat all included.  :)  It's the best digs I've had.

But back when I lived in a real city, I paid $666.66/month for a room in a dingy three-decker apt., with heat and electric bills split with two roommates that could easily surpass $100/person during the winter months, despite it being frigid inside.  And that was a very good deal.

On the other hand, I rented rooms in South Philly for $350 a month...
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: Ed Anger on January 22, 2014, 01:20:10 PM
I liked your demonic living costs.
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: Liep on January 22, 2014, 01:45:05 PM
Around $800 with everything included for a 60 m2 (650 square feet) close to the central station.
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: Barrister on January 22, 2014, 02:16:33 PM
Quote from: Grey Fox on January 22, 2014, 11:34:20 AM
Quote from: Barrister on January 22, 2014, 10:27:53 AM
Since no one else has said it...

I lise in a free-standing house, not an apartment, like any civilized person should.  :cool:

but it's only free standing by a 2 feet wide gap between you & your neighbors.

:mad: For shame, mister Uppermann lake.

Actually, getting a really big lot was a priority for us - neighbor on one side is 10-12', other side more like 30'.

What else did we compromise on though?  Well we do back onto high power lines, and beyond that a clear view of Edmonton's ring road :(
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: The Brain on January 22, 2014, 02:18:40 PM
Ringu road?
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: Grey Fox on January 22, 2014, 02:43:45 PM
Quote from: Barrister on January 22, 2014, 02:16:33 PM
Quote from: Grey Fox on January 22, 2014, 11:34:20 AM
Quote from: Barrister on January 22, 2014, 10:27:53 AM
Since no one else has said it...

I lise in a free-standing house, not an apartment, like any civilized person should.  :cool:

but it's only free standing by a 2 feet wide gap between you & your neighbors.

:mad: For shame, mister Uppermann lake.

Actually, getting a really big lot was a priority for us - neighbor on one side is 10-12', other side more like 30'.

What else did we compromise on though?  Well we do back onto high power lines, and beyond that a clear view of Edmonton's ring road :(

but your close to Big bear park too.
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: Barrister on January 22, 2014, 02:45:40 PM
Are you stalking me? <_<
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: Grey Fox on January 22, 2014, 02:47:01 PM
Quote from: Barrister on January 22, 2014, 02:45:40 PM
Are you stalking me? <_<

No, well maybe, I just remember from your moving thread.

Plus you know, facebook friends.
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: Ed Anger on January 22, 2014, 05:02:15 PM
Gay fox being a nosy creepy little fuck.   :yucky:
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: Admiral Yi on January 22, 2014, 05:04:50 PM
Lay off the Frenchican.  :mad:
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: Ed Anger on January 22, 2014, 05:08:44 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on January 22, 2014, 05:04:50 PM
Lay off the Frenchican.  :mad:

*shove*

Make me.
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: Admiral Yi on January 22, 2014, 05:10:28 PM
Watch out or I'll sweep the legs.
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: Ed Anger on January 22, 2014, 05:12:53 PM
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.wikia.com%2Ftheinternetbox%2Fimages%2Farchive%2F9%2F9b%2F20120310162435%21Watch-out-we-got-a-badass-over-here-meme.png&hash=72979dc5a9252ca09757da77cd6cbf572f072a09)
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: Malthus on January 22, 2014, 05:24:14 PM
We had a great deal when we were renting - the top floor of a duplex, two bedrooms, big kitchen, living room, library, parking space outside - $850 all included, just north of Bloor West Village. Rent never increased, for a decade.

The reason: the elderly landlords/homeowners lived downstairs, and they mostly spoke Ukrainian - very little English. They just loved my wife to bits (she speaks fluent Ukrainian) and were, apparently, terrified of having to rent to someone who they could not communicate with - or worse, someone who was "challenging" in any way from the POV of elderly, religious Ukranians. Particularly if they were (say) a sarcastic, irreligious, Black gay guy or something.  Garbon, their worst nightmare!  :ph34r:

Anyway, their fear of having to rent to someone like Garbon kept them from ever even mentioning a rent increase.
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: Habbaku on January 22, 2014, 05:30:20 PM
Some things are worth more than a few dollars of a rent increase.  Sounds like your elderly landlords got a good deal also, Malthus.
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: Malthus on January 22, 2014, 05:35:40 PM
Quote from: Habbaku on January 22, 2014, 05:30:20 PM
Some things are worth more than a few dollars of a rent increase.  Sounds like your elderly landlords got a good deal also, Malthus.

Yup, it worked out well for them. My wife, in her typical fashion, liked to help them out with stuff and to gossip with them. What finally forced us to buy our own place was having a kid. Mostly, because the apartment had no laundry facilities - that was a dealbreaker.
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: MadImmortalMan on January 22, 2014, 06:05:08 PM
The last time I lived in a place with shared laundry facilities, my clothes were constantly being stolen by Mexicans. I would literally see my damn shirts on other dudes the next day. I'll never live someplace again with that setup.
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: Capetan Mihali on January 22, 2014, 06:15:45 PM
What about shared sunglasses-washing facilities?
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: Ideologue on January 22, 2014, 06:42:08 PM
$650 a month, no utilities included, which amounts to between $100-$200 a month.

I live in a two bedroom though.  It was a lot nicer before--surprise, surprise--the cats fucked it up.
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: Admiral Yi on January 22, 2014, 06:51:52 PM
Quote from: Ideologue on January 22, 2014, 06:42:08 PM
$650 a month, no utilities included, which amounts to between $100-$200 a month.

I live in a two bedroom though.  It was a lot nicer before--surprise, surprise--the cats fucked it up.

Have you considered getting a bunkie?
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: Malthus on January 22, 2014, 07:05:00 PM
Quote from: Ideologue on January 22, 2014, 06:42:08 PM
$650 a month, no utilities included, which amounts to between $100-$200 a month.

I live in a two bedroom though.  It was a lot nicer before--surprise, surprise--the cats fucked it up.

How can your cats fuck up a place totally devoid of furniture?  :hmm:
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: CountDeMoney on January 22, 2014, 07:07:52 PM
Quote from: Malthus on January 22, 2014, 07:05:00 PM
Quote from: Ideologue on January 22, 2014, 06:42:08 PM
$650 a month, no utilities included, which amounts to between $100-$200 a month.

I live in a two bedroom though.  It was a lot nicer before--surprise, surprise--the cats fucked it up.

How can your cats fuck up a place totally devoid of furniture?  :hmm:

Over 2.5 million house cats are surrendered and needlessly euthanized each year in this country, because their caretakers can't learn how litter box discipline.
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: Ideologue on January 22, 2014, 07:34:31 PM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on January 22, 2014, 07:07:52 PM
Quote from: Malthus on January 22, 2014, 07:05:00 PM
Quote from: Ideologue on January 22, 2014, 06:42:08 PM
$650 a month, no utilities included, which amounts to between $100-$200 a month.

I live in a two bedroom though.  It was a lot nicer before--surprise, surprise--the cats fucked it up.

How can your cats fuck up a place totally devoid of furniture?  :hmm:

Over 2.5 million house cats are surrendered and needlessly euthanized each year in this country, because their caretakers can't learn how litter box discipline.

Maybe you can learn me how litter box discipline.
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: CountDeMoney on January 22, 2014, 07:35:08 PM
Don't fuck with me right how, man.
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: Ideologue on January 22, 2014, 07:36:51 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on January 22, 2014, 06:51:52 PM
Quote from: Ideologue on January 22, 2014, 06:42:08 PM
$650 a month, no utilities included, which amounts to between $100-$200 a month.

I live in a two bedroom though.  It was a lot nicer before--surprise, surprise--the cats fucked it up.

Have you considered getting a bunkie?

Yes, it's actually the reason I got a two-bedroom in the first place.  But my old roommate decided he'd rather stay and live with his mommy.  C'est la vie.  I like the space.  That's the room that's most obviously wrecked anyway.
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: Ideologue on January 22, 2014, 07:38:19 PM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on January 22, 2014, 07:35:08 PM
Don't fuck with me right how, man.

I'm not, but I'd like a little credit for not surrendering and/or euthanizing my cat when she pissed on my box of MAD Magazines from 1989-1994.
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: CountDeMoney on January 22, 2014, 07:40:02 PM
MAD hasn't been decent since 1982, man.  The piss was deserved.
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: Caliga on January 22, 2014, 07:41:58 PM
I'm a big fan of the Fold-Ins.
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: Fate on January 22, 2014, 11:00:32 PM
Currently looking at apartments in downtown Boston. ~$2000/mo rent for a one bedroom.  :yucky:

Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: Monoriu on January 23, 2014, 03:01:42 AM
Management fee (includes security, management of public areas, trash collection): US$270
Electricity: US$100
Property taxes: US$140
Town gas (cooking and bathing): US$25
Water: US$10
Internet: US$25
Phone: US$15
Property insurance: US$5

So around US$600 per month.
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: Richard Hakluyt on January 23, 2014, 04:35:30 AM
Interestingly low water bill Mono. Is it subsidised or is the water company really efficient?
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: Monoriu on January 23, 2014, 04:45:25 AM
Quote from: Richard Hakluyt on January 23, 2014, 04:35:30 AM
Interestingly low water bill Mono. Is it subsidised or is the water company really efficient?

Subsidised.  There is no water company, just the government water supplies department.  In theory, the HK government runs the water supplies on a full cost recovery basis.  But any price hike requires approval from the Legislative Council whose members are elected.  Ever since there were elections 20 years ago, it is basically impossible to raise water prices.  It doesn't help that the HK government runs huge and embarrassing fiscal surpluses year after year, and the fiscal reserves have piled up to never before seen levels. 

The government tried to privatise water supplies but it is again impossible due to fear of an increase in water prices and objection from the civil service unions. 
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: LaCroix on January 23, 2014, 06:51:18 AM
$750/month 2 bedroom with all utilities except electric included. it's actually kind of expensive, but it's located right next to an elementary school and there's a large playground as part of the facilities. it definitely doesn't feel like a $750 apartment :(
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: Grey Fox on January 23, 2014, 10:29:04 AM
Quote from: Ed Anger on January 22, 2014, 05:02:15 PM
Gay fox being a nosy creepy little fuck.   :yucky:

How's your giant tv inherited from previous owner?
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: Ed Anger on January 23, 2014, 10:30:21 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on January 23, 2014, 10:29:04 AM
Quote from: Ed Anger on January 22, 2014, 05:02:15 PM
Gay fox being a nosy creepy little fuck.   :yucky:

How's your giant tv inherited from previous owner?

You can't even get things right either.
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: Grey Fox on January 23, 2014, 10:33:26 AM
Quote from: Ed Anger on January 23, 2014, 10:30:21 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on January 23, 2014, 10:29:04 AM
Quote from: Ed Anger on January 22, 2014, 05:02:15 PM
Gay fox being a nosy creepy little fuck.   :yucky:

How's your giant tv inherited from previous owner?

You can't even get things right either.

Yeah, that's what someone like you would say.
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: Ed Anger on January 23, 2014, 10:35:48 AM
http://languish.org/forums/index.php/topic,1130.msg50247.html#msg50247

Dingleberry.  :rolleyes:
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: Admiral Yi on January 23, 2014, 10:43:15 AM
Quote from: Ed Anger on January 23, 2014, 10:35:48 AM
Dingleberry.  :rolleyes:

:o

Beyond the Pale.
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: Grey Fox on January 23, 2014, 10:46:29 AM
Not that one. The Vagina Wall House TV.
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: Ed Anger on January 23, 2014, 10:51:53 AM
Wut?
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: Ed Anger on January 23, 2014, 10:52:36 AM
I miss the vagina wall.  :(
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: Grey Fox on January 23, 2014, 10:57:53 AM
Quote from: Ed Anger on January 23, 2014, 10:52:36 AM
I miss the vagina wall.  :(

It's most awesome feature of any house I've ever heard of.
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: Ed Anger on January 23, 2014, 11:00:43 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on January 23, 2014, 10:57:53 AM
Quote from: Ed Anger on January 23, 2014, 10:52:36 AM
I miss the vagina wall.  :(

It's most awesome feature of any house I've ever heard of.

I still see a few around in the older 60's-70's housing developments.

Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: Grey Fox on January 23, 2014, 11:03:41 AM
How do basement windows look in a Ranch style home constructed in a region that requires basements? Or is Ohio hot enough?
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: Ed Anger on January 23, 2014, 11:09:06 AM
Those tiny little windows look fine from the outside, but are shitty otherwise. Hello, leaks.
Title: Re: So, how's your apartment costs?
Post by: Eddie Teach on January 23, 2014, 01:07:04 PM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on January 22, 2014, 07:40:02 PM
MAD hasn't been decent since 1982, man.  The piss was deserved.

Hypothesis: MAD's decency varies based on the age of the reader rather than the "quality" of the writing.