The case for renting first before committing to a property purchase in Montenegro. Pros, cons, and practical advice.
Thinking of buying property in Montenegro? Here's why you might want to rent first.
Montenegro is small but diverse. What sounds perfect online may not suit your lifestyle:
Rent in 2-3 different areas before deciding where to buy.
Most buyers visit in summer when Montenegro looks its best. But:
Rent through a full winter to see the reality.
Rental gives you time to:
Buyers who rented first make better decisions.
While renting you can:
Your network saves money on your eventual purchase.
Renting keeps your capital:
Liquidity has value, especially in uncertain times.
Montenegro property prices have increased 8-12% annually in prime areas. Waiting could cost more than renting saves.
Long-term rental quality varies. Many nice properties only do short-term holiday rentals, leaving long-term renters with lesser options.
Setting up a rental, then buying and moving again is double the effort and cost.
Buying forces commitment and integration. Renters sometimes remain in "temporary" mindset indefinitely.
Best of both worlds:
This gives you market knowledge without missing good opportunities.
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (good area) | €500-800 | €6,000-9,600 |
| Utilities | €80-150 | €1,000-1,800 |
| Tourist tax (if applicable) | €30-60 | €360-720 |
| Total | €610-1,010 | €7,360-12,120 |
Long-term rentals can be harder to find than short-term:
Tips: - Longer lease = better price (6-12 months ideal) - Furnished usually included - Bills typically extra - Deposit usually 1-2 months rent
Rent first if: - You've never lived in Montenegro - You're not sure which area suits you - You have flexibility on timing - You want to test remote work viability
Buy directly if: - You've visited Montenegro many times - You're confident about the area - Prices are rising fast in your target market - You've found a specific opportunity - You're buying for rental income (not residence)
| Phase | Duration | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Research visits | 2-4 trips | Initial exploration |
| Rental period | 3-6 months | Deep experience |
| Active search | 1-3 months | Finding the right property |
| Purchase process | 2-3 months | Legal and financial completion |
| Total | 9-18 months | From first visit to ownership |
There's no universal right answer. Renting first reduces risk but costs time and money. Buying directly works if you're confident and well-informed.
What's certain: rushed decisions lead to regret. Whether you rent first or buy immediately, take time to understand what you're getting into.
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Ready to start exploring? Search Montenegro rentals on DOMA to find your test home.
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