At the heart of daily life in Senegal , one question predominates: how to save on rent ? A large portion of household income is dedicated to it, and despite a diligent search for the most suitable accommodation, the expense related to rent remains substantial. Consequently, to achieve financial security and build savings for future projects, particularly real estate, it is crucial to reduce the amount of rent . This detailed guide offers you a series of 6 tips to save on your rent in Senegal .
Take advantage of shared accommodation to save on your rent in Senegal
a flat is an excellent way to lower your rent and significantly reduce your housing costs. This practice involves sharing accommodation with one or more flatmates, thus splitting the expenses.
Let's take an example: if your rent is 250,000 FCFA per month, sharing your accommodation with another occupant could reduce this amount to 125,000 FCFA. In this specific case, you save 50%. If three people share the accommodation, the savings are even greater.
In this way, shared accommodation allows you to save a substantial part of your rent, an amount that you can put aside for the purchase of your first house or the acquisition of land.
Choose affordable neighborhoods
Rental costs in Senegal vary widely from city to city and neighborhood to neighborhood. Before signing a lease, take the time to research rental rates in different areas .
Prestigious residential areas like Almadies , Point E , Plateau , etc., are known for their high rents. Conversely, more modest neighborhoods like Medina, Liberté 6, etc., offer housing at more affordable prices.
Find your apartment for rent in Dakar.
Choose a home that is the right size for your needs.
There's no need to rent a large apartment if you live alone or have a small family. Choosing accommodation that perfectly meets your needs is an excellent way to lower your rent. For example, a single person doesn't need a three-room apartment; a studio is perfectly adequate. Similarly, for a small family, a two-bedroom apartment can be more than enough.
These adjustments to the size and type of accommodation can lead to significant savings on rent. And if moving isn't an option, consider subletting part of your unused space. This will allow you to generate additional income and offset potentially high rent.
Find your house to rent in Dakar.
Sublet your accommodation while you are away
A major drawback of renting is having to pay rent even during extended absences, such as vacations. To avoid paying for an unoccupied property, consider subletting it during these periods. This way, you can cover your rent and even make a profit. However, be sure to obtain your landlord's permission before subletting your property.
Optimize your expenses to reduce your overall costs
In addition to rent, electricity, water, and other housing-related expenses can significantly increase your monthly costs. Optimizing your energy consumption is an effective way to reduce these expenses.
Adopt simple habits to save energy: turn off electrical appliances when they are not in use, remember to turn off the lights when leaving a room, avoid leaving the air conditioner on all day…
Find your room / studio for rent in Dakar .
Negotiate your rent with the landlord
Although it may seem daunting, it is entirely possible to negotiate your rent with the landlord. This can be done when signing the lease or upon renewal. Be tactful and diplomatic, and you may be able to secure a reduction.
So now you're ready to optimize your monthly payments and save on your rent in Senegal.