As the second-largest city in Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette stands out for its vibrancy, young population driven by the University of Luxembourg, and a thriving cultural scene with shops, a theater, and a cinema. Close to the French and Belgian borders, it offers more affordable housing compared to Luxembourg City while remaining easily accessible. Planning to move there? This article covers everything you need to know about housing in Esch-sur-Alzette.
Esch-sur-Alzette in brief
Esch-sur-Alzette is a town with a mix of commerce and academia. Regarding housing, the local government has formulated a range of initiatives that target urban, social, economic, and environmental progress. These encompass a strategic blueprint to cater to the requirements of students, young residents, and working professionals considering moving to Esch-sur-Alzette. Several housing and neighborhood development projects are underway, including the Rout Lëns and Metzeschmelz projects. They aim to accommodate approximately 10,000 additional residents in the coming years.
It's important to mention that Esch-sur-Alzette is the second-largest city in the Grand Duchy, trailing only behind Luxembourg. Situated just a 20-minute drive from the capital via the freeway, it boasts excellent connectivity through a well-established public transportation network, which, like everywhere else in Luxembourg, is free. Additionally, the tramway is set to be extended to Esch-sur-Alzette by 2030, reducing the travel time to the capital to just 15 minutes. It is also possible to travel by bike between all the cities in the south of the country thanks to the Vël'Ok electric bikes available for self-service. Their use requires registration but is entirely free.
Rental prices in Esch-sur-Alzette
While Esch-sur-Alzette constantly grows and benefits from various factors that foster competitiveness in the rental property sector, it maintains affordable housing options for the country. In November 2024, the average costs for residential properties in Esch-sur-Alzette are €7,207 per square meter for sales and €25.39 per square meter for rentals. In contrast, these figures stand at €12,048 per square meter for sales and €33.95 per square meter for rentals in Luxembourg.
Esch-sur-Alzette and its neighborhoods
The city of Esch-sur-Alzette is made up of 18 neighborhoods: Raemerich, Universitéit, Sommet, Bruch, Zaepert, Fettmeth, Lankelz, Lalleng, Wobrecken, Dellhéicht, Uecht, Park, Grenz, Brill, Al-Esch, Schlassgoard, Neiduerf and Belval.
Belval stands out as the renowned district within Esch-sur-Alzette. Situated on the western side of the municipality, it has become the focal point of an extensive revitalization initiative. In Belval, you'll find a diverse array of housing options, ranging from apartments to roomy studios offering vistas of the blast furnaces and contemporary houses – ensuring there's something to accommodate various preferences and, notably, different budgets. Additionally, this district boasts proximity to schools, prominent retail outlets, thriving enterprises, and the university.
The Universitéit district hosts both a business incubator and the science faculty of the University of Luxembourg. This vibrant area also proudly features an array of cultural and historical treasures, such as the Rockhal concert hall and the national archives. This neighborhood is an ideal locale for the city's students.
Esch-sur-Alzette's neighborhoods serve as a testament to urban planning and growth. With the ongoing projects, the city is gearing up to embrace an increasing number of residents in the foreseeable future.
Finding accommodation in Esch-sur-Alzette
When searching for a residence in Esch-sur-Alzette, your best approach is to refer to local newspapers and utilize online real estate platforms. It is also possible to go through a real estate agency, with agency fees equivalent to one month's rent plus 17% VAT, split equally between the tenant and the landlord. Moreover, relocation agencies extend their assistance to new expatriates in Esch-sur-Alzette. These agencies offer comprehensive support, aiding not only in locating a suitable home but also in handling other essential matters like identifying schools for children and managing specific administrative tasks to ensure a smooth transition and settlement within the city. Finally, note that since August 1, 2024, rental deposits in Luxembourg have been capped at a maximum of two months' rent.
Useful links:
Expat.com's Real estate in Luxembourg
Belval
At Home
Wortimmo
Appartager
Immotop
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
