Looking for an apartment in Addis Ababa can feel confusing, especially with so many choices and rising prices. Whether you’re buying for the first time, moving to a new area, or investing for the future, it’s important to know what matters most. Addis Ababa is growing fast, and apartments come in all types and prices. This guide gives you simple and clear steps to help you choose the right apartment that fits your needs and budg
1. Know Your Needs and Budget
Before you start looking, ask yourself: What kind of house do I want? How much can I really afford?
Things to Think About:
- Size and Space: How much room do you need? Think about the number of people in your family and your daily life.
- Bedrooms and Bathrooms: In Ethiopia, many apartments have 2 to 4 bedrooms. This is usually good for small or medium families.
- Outdoor Space: Some apartments have balconies or shared gardens.
- Good Side: You can relax, spend time with family, or invite friends.
- Downside: It needs cleaning and care.
- Storage: A place to keep your things is important.
- Good Side: Keeps your home tidy, neat, and nice to look at.
Location Matters:
- Close to Work or School: Saves time and transport cost.
- Nearby Services: Like restaurants, cafes, gyms, or supermarkets.
- Safety and Neighborhood Feel: Is the area safe and comfortable? Knowing this helps you feel more at peace.
Money Matters:
- Down Payment: Usually between 10% and 40% of the house price.
- Taxes: There are many kinds of taxes in Ethiopia when buying a home:
- Property tax (0.2% to 1%), capital gain tax (15%), VAT (15%), stamp duty (2%), and others like “Ashura”
2. Check the Neighborhood
Every area in Addis has its own feeling and benefits. One popular area is Bole.
Why Bole is Popular:
- Easy Access: It’s near Bole International Airport, great for travelers.
- Modern Roads and Services: The roads are good, and many new buildings are built.
- Shops and Restaurants:
- Malls like Friendship, Medhanialem, Morning Star, and Mafi City.
- Hotels like Ethiopian Skylight, Best Western, Ramada.
- Local food at Yod Abyssinia or Habesha 2000; international options like Istanbul Restaurant or Chinese and Korean spots.
- Health & Fitness:
- Hospitals: Washington Medical Center, Ethio Istanbul Hospital.
- Gyms: Bole Rock, Platinum Fitness.
- Spas: Dagi Spa, Boston Spa.
- Security: Most buildings have guards day and night.
- Lively Area: There are many cafes, nightclubs, and shopping spots. Great for people who enjoy a busy lifestyle.
3. Check for Utilities
Make sure the apartment has:
- Electricity: Power cuts happen, so check for backup generators.
- Water: Some places have water shortages. A tank helps.
- Internet: Good internet is very important now. Ethio Telecom and Websprix provide fiber internet in some areas.
- Parking: If you have a car, ask if there’s parking.
- Lift (Elevator): Needed if you live on higher floors or with elderly family members.
4. Visit Before You Decide
Even if you see pictures or videos online, nothing beats seeing the place in real life. Pictures may not show problems like noise or poor condition. Visiting helps you feel the space and check if everything is really good.
Finding the right apartment in Addis Ababa takes time and careful thought. Be clear about your needs and your budget. Check the area well, confirm that basic services are available, and always try to visit the apartment in person before making your final decision. Trust your feeling and take your time to choose a place that fits your lifestyle and family need
Explore your investment options today – Dema Hope Real Estate has multiple ongoing projects, including our high-end apartments around the Signal area, which are 100% complete and ready for occupancy, and our mixed-use development near Bole Medhanialem and Adey Abeba Stadium Stadium in Bole, offering both residential and commercial units. If you’re ready to take the next step toward homeownership or investment, contact us at +251 951515174 or send us an email info@demahoperealestate.com to learn more.
