Current Rental Prices
The rental market in Bishkek, according to realtors, is most active in the segment of one-bedroom apartments.According to Alla Zinovieva, a real estate specialist, the rental price for a one-bedroom apartment ranges from 45,000 to 55,000 soms.
As for two-bedroom apartments, their rental starts from 55,000 to 70,000 soms, depending on the area and size, while three-bedroom apartments can be rented from 85,000 soms. The final price depends on the condition of the housing and its location.
Demand for Housing Covers All Areas of the City
Realtors note that the demand for rental apartments is observed in any area of the capital, whether it be "Jal," "Tunguch," or the city center. The main criterion for renters is convenient access to workplaces, educational institutions, and kindergartens.Cheap Options Disappear Instantly
The main problem lies in the lack of affordable apartments.Experts report that inexpensive rental options leave the market very quickly, sometimes within an hour. "Many are striving to find more affordable housing, but under high prices, this is becoming increasingly difficult," says Zinovieva.
Reasons for High Rent
Property owners are increasingly viewing their apartments as investments. After purchasing, they invest money in renovations and try to recoup their costs through rent. "With the rising prices of building materials, even a one-bedroom apartment after renovation cannot cost less than 35,000-40,000 soms. Therefore, owners set higher prices to recover their investments," shares Zinovieva's opinion.Fraud Amid Housing Shortage
The situation in the market leads people to react to any enticing advertisements. This opens the door for scammers who post offers for apartments at suspiciously low prices, such as 30,000 soms. Usually, such advertisements request communication only via messengers, and after transferring a "deposit," these "landlords" disappear. Experts recommend never transferring money in advance and meeting the owner in person to check documents.Many social media users are struggling to find housing and share their stories.
"Searching for an apartment in Bishkek is like going through seven circles of hell: inflated prices, deposits, scammers, and renting temporary housing for 20,000 soms," writes one city resident.
"The prices are outrageous, and the quality of the apartments leaves much to be desired. Moreover, the deposit is equal to the rental cost. Some landlords ignore messages, while agencies simply provide access to inactive Telegram channels," shares another capital resident.
"I've even heard that someone is renting out a kitchen. A kitchen! What is happening in Bishkek?" writes a Kyrgyzstani.
Students Under Pressure
Students, including foreign students, are particularly hard hit. They face the necessity of paying not only for rent and transportation but also for their education. A contract for studying at universities can cost around 100,000 soms per year, which is a significant burden for many families.Students most often look for the cheapest options or shared housing and often become victims of fraud. Foreigners also report difficulties in finding housing.
Discussion of the Problem in Parliament
High rental prices have become a topic of discussion in the Jogorku Kenesh. Deputy Bolot Saginayev proposed creating a student campus with affordable housing. In turn, Deputy Saltanat Amanova suggested revoking the licenses of universities that do not have their own dormitories.She noted that during the Soviet era, students were provided with places in dormitories and could focus on their studies, whereas today many are forced to work and spend a large part of their income on rent.
Currently, the situation remains the same: rental prices in Bishkek continue to put pressure on the financial situation of residents, and affordable housing remains unattainable for many.
