Over the past 2 years of living in Libya, we have found that it is very hard to know how long it will take to find a place to live. Because the market is so fluid, it normally takes around 7 – 10 days to find the perfect place. It is possible to find a rental property in a day but that would be a rare case OR if you have an unlimited budget.
As you prepare to start looking for a rental property in Libya, here are a few thoughts to consider about how long it might take to find the right place.
Realistic Expectations – What are you looking for?
The first thing to consider is what you are looking for. Do you have realistic expectations for what the market is offering? Are you looking for something that just does not exist in Libya? Before you start looking for a place, you should decide on what are you non-negotiables for your property.
- Do you require a furnished place?
- Do you need to be in a certain location?
- Do you require good security?
Once you have developed your list of “must haves”, then you can begin to think about your optional features like swimming pools, etc.. Once you have your list completed, you are ready to start looking for the right place.
Finding the property – Are you connected?
The second tip to finding the right property quickly, is by using someone who is very connected in the real estate market. Make sure that you choose an agent that has access to properties all over the city or country. If you decide to find a property by yourself, you will need to make sure you develop a wide connection of people who can help you find the right place.
You may want to contact the real estate agent by email before you even meet to see if they are responsive and have the types of properties that you are looking for.