Studio Flat for 380 Euros with Utilities Included Divides Zagreb
An ad for an apartment in Peščenica was rented out in four days, but photos and comments reveal how different tenants' tastes and expectations are.
An ad for an apartment in Peščenica was rented out in four days, but photos and comments reveal how different tenants' tastes and expectations are.
Finding a rental apartment in Zagreb has become a real nightmare for many. With an average price of 15 euros per square meter, studios and smaller apartments up to 30 square meters range from 350 to 500 euros, while a two-bedroom apartment of 60 to 70 square meters requires between 600 and 900 euros. In such an environment, an ad for a studio flat in the eastern part of the city at 380 euros with utilities included caused quite a stir on social media.
The landlord stated in the ad that the apartment is available immediately and is located in a quiet neighborhood in Peščenica-Žitnjak. "Available immediately. Top price, only 380 EUR per month, and utilities are included. Close to bus, tram, and train, all within a 5-10 minute leisurely walk in a quiet neighborhood," reads the description. The apartment is intended exclusively for one person and is fully furnished: it features a kitchen, oven, refrigerator, washing machine, and gas heating. WiFi internet is included and available 24 hours a day. Nearby, there is also the City Center East, Žitnjak shopping mall.
Good transport connections were also emphasized. "Bus is a 3-minute walk away, train less than 10 minutes on foot, Borongaj campus a 15-minute walk," the landlord specified. It seems the combination of price and location was a winning formula, the apartment was rented out in just four days.
Although the apartment quickly found a tenant, the photos triggered an avalanche of comments. While some praised the value for money, others were merciless towards the interior design style. "This is top for me. With a bit of creativity, you can make it a dream. For little money, you can separate the sleeping area and everything," read one positive comment. Another user shared a similar opinion: "For two people working towards a better life and their own property in the foreseeable future, it's a dream."
On the other hand, there were those who were bothered by the decor. "My eyes hurt from the kitsch," one commenter briefly said. Another offered concrete advice: "Look, just to fix it up a bit, to move this table out of the middle of the living room and instead of the uncomfortable pull-out sofa, get a low-profile bed from IKEA. You can do something with this, but like this, for almost 400 euros, it's too much."
Counterarguments also arrived, putting things into the broader context of Zagreb's real estate market. "Apartment prices are abnormal, and then when you can get decent accommodation for a decent amount, the criticism and arrogance start. Go ahead and pay 800 euros or more for an apartment, then demand top locations and designer furniture. Pathetic, people, pathetic," one user said, defending the 380-euro offer.
This case vividly illustrates the reality of rental demand in Zagreb. While many complain about high prices, any ad with a somewhat acceptable price and a solid location disappears within days. Aesthetic preferences take a backseat when the budget is limited, as confirmed by the speed with which this studio flat found a new tenant.
