Idlib – Samah Alloush
Mohammed al-Razouq is struggling to find a house in Idlib city with a rent not exceeding 100 US dollars per month (1.1 million Syrian pounds), which is his maximum financial capability, after his current landlord gave him a two-month notice to vacate and hand over the property.
Al-Razouq works in a sewing workshop with a monthly wage not exceeding 170 dollars, which barely suffices for his family’s needs, as he currently pays 60 dollars in rent, which is low compared to current rents because the house is a basement where moisture and mold have spread within its walls and ceilings.
The homeowner wants to refurbish the property for investment and is seeking a higher rent, after having hesitated and been afraid to pay any amount for that. However, the rental market has shifted, demand has increased, and rents have become a “stock exchange,” according to tenants interviewed by Enab Baladi.
In 2024, home rents in Idlib rose by 70% compared to the previous year, while they increased by 20% after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, with expectations of further increases, which do not align with the living and economic conditions, and are linked to supply and demand, the return of expatriates and refugees, in addition to the availability of some services compared to other provinces.
20% increase
According to Ayman, a real estate office owner in the city, rents have increased by 20% at the beginning of this year, considering it to be beyond the capability of tenants with limited incomes, most of whom are displaced and refugees who lost their homes in their original cities due to shelling, which has prevented them from returning and kept them reliant on renting.
Mahaoud Hamdoun, a real estate worker in Idlib, told Enab Baladi that the lack of laws or price lists that define the minimum or maximum rental values and bind landlords to them, according to the number of rooms, area, region, or floor, and ensure the rights of both parties, has led some to exploit tenants and raise rents due to increased demand recently.
Return of expatriates contributed to the increase
According to Enab Baladi‘s monitoring, the return of some expatriates has contributed to rising property prices, both for purchase and rent, leading to increased demand. Landlords consider them to be “prey” for high rental prices, as they can pay promptly without delay and sign contracts that do not exceed six months, allowing landlords to increase the rent and change the contract value once it expires and they wish to renew it.
On the other hand, the return of some expatriates who own properties has negatively impacted tenants, who in turn suffer the hassle of searching again for a suitable home and bear the expenses of securing and commission (real estate office fees) and transport costs, among others.
Rents parallel those in Turkey
Before the return of Hamza Jumaa’s family from Turkey, he began searching on social media and real estate groups for a house to rent to settle in Idlib city, but he was shocked by the rents, which exceeded those in Kayseri province where he currently resides, as he pays approximately 115 dollars per month (4500 Turkish lira).
After continuous searching, the rent for a somewhat acceptable house with three rooms and amenities amounts to between 150 and 200 dollars in Idlib, not including the deposit requested by the landlord and the commission or fee charged by the real estate office for this service, which is equivalent to half a month’s rent.
Meanwhile, the rent for four rooms or more ranges between 200 and 250 dollars or possibly more, depending on the furnishings and available services in the house, such as electricity, lighting, and water heaters.
Idlib governorate has become a focal point for Syrians due to the availability of many life necessities there, which are lacking in other provinces, such as water, electricity, internet networks, and diverse markets.
Furthermore, rents for shops, especially in main markets, have increased; a clothing shop owner said he used to pay 250 dollars a month, but the landlord has asked for a new contract worth 400 dollars, which negatively impacts customers and consumers primarily, as shop owners raise prices for customers to be able to pay rent and achieve a profit margin that secures living expenses.
Home rents rise by 20% in Idlib Enab Baladi.
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