Student apartment in Podgorica for university accommodation

When a child starts university in Podgorica, one of the first questions many parents ask is where they will live for the next few years.

This dilemma is especially relevant for families from Nikšić, Berane, Bijelo Polje, Pljevlja, Herceg Novi, and other Montenegrin towns, as a large number of students relocate to Podgorica for their studies. In most cases, the decision comes down to two options: renting an apartment or purchasing a smaller property for the duration of university.

At first glance, renting seems like the simpler solution. However, when you look at the numbers over four or five years, the picture often changes. That is why more and more families are considering whether owning a student apartment in Podgorica could be a smarter long-term choice than paying rent for several years.

How Much Does Renting Cost During University?

According to current market data, the monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Podgorica typically ranges between €400 and €700, depending on the location, condition, and age of the building.

If we use an average monthly rent of €550, the numbers look like this:

€550 per month
€6,600 per year
€26,400 over four years of study

If the student completes a five-year degree or continues with postgraduate studies, the total cost can easily exceed €30,000.

At the end of that period, the property remains in the landlord’s ownership, while the family is left without an asset that can be sold, rented out, or used in the future.

When Does Buying a Student Apartment Start Making Sense?

Purchasing a smaller apartment requires a larger initial investment, but it also creates opportunities that renting simply cannot offer.

The student benefits from stable accommodation throughout their studies, without moving from one rental property to another or dealing with changing lease conditions. After graduation, the property can remain in the family, be rented out, or eventually be sold.

Neighbourhoods such as Preko Morače, City Kvart, Zabjelo, and parts of Stari Aerodrom continue to attract strong demand from students and young professionals, making them particularly interesting for long-term ownership.

It’s Often About More Than One Student

Many families are not planning only for the next four years.

When one child graduates, a younger brother or sister may eventually attend university in Podgorica as well. In those situations, a property originally purchased for one student can continue serving the family for many years.

There are also families who use the apartment during visits to Podgorica for business, medical appointments, or other personal reasons. For many, the property retains practical value long after university is over, making the decision more about long-term family planning than student accommodation alone.

Buying Is About More Than the Purchase Price

When parents consider buying a property, the purchase price is usually the first thing they focus on. In reality, several other factors deserve attention as well.

It is worth considering:

whether the purchase will be financed through cash or a mortgage
how long the student is expected to use the apartment
whether the property could be rented out after graduation
the level of demand in that part of the city
ongoing maintenance and ownership costs

If you are exploring financing options, you may also find our blog Cash or Mortgage: How Property Buyers Make Decisions Today useful.

What Happens After Graduation?

This is often the question that makes the biggest difference between buying and renting.

If the student decides to stay in Podgorica after graduation, the apartment can become their first independent home. If they move abroad or relocate to another city, the property can be rented out or sold.

There is also the possibility that another family member will use the apartment in the future. As a result, the same property may provide value far beyond the university years, significantly changing the overall financial equation.

Buying or Renting Depends on Your Family’s Plans

There is no universal answer that works for every family.

For some, renting offers greater flexibility and requires a smaller upfront investment. For others, buying represents a long-term decision that provides additional security and the potential to retain value well beyond the student years.

That is why the calculation goes far beyond the monthly rent. Many parents try to assess what that decision will look like five, ten, or even more years down the road.

The Best Decision Comes from a Long-Term Perspective

When you look at the entire four- or five-year period, the difference between buying and renting becomes much clearer.

The question is no longer just how much accommodation costs during university. It is equally important to consider what remains afterward and what opportunities that property may create in the future.

For the latest market data and property price trends, you can also review the reports published by MONSTAT.