Apartments vs. Villas

In Laos, both apartments and villas offer a variety of wonderful living options. From fully-furnished modern styled apartments to spacious villas filled with lush gardens and natural shade from the hot, tropical climates. Both rentable apartments and villas are highly accessible in Laos.

You will find that villas can be just as affordable as apartments! Villas tend to be more spacious and private, making them an ideal choice for families or long-term renters. While apartments are usually fully-serviced and fit for one person, couples, and small families. By the end of this article, you will know the main differences between the two, and what might be most suitable for you and your needs!

So what are some key differences between rentable villas vs. apartments?

Apartments

There are numerous apartment styles throughout Laos from wooden Lao styled architecture to french colonial to modern, contemporary apartments. Apartment sizes and prices vary depending on the building, location, amenities, and services. Check out our full guide for renting an apartment in Laos here. 

Apartments are a fantastic option if you are looking for more privacy, a higher level of security, and a flexible lease agreement. 

Here are a few key things you should know about living in an apartment in Laos:

Fully-Serviced:

Most apartments in Laos are fully-furnished with WIFI, and usually cleaning twice a week. In case of any problems, you can easily contract the landlord or front desk for help.

Rental Agreements:

Many apartments offer flexibility with month by month rental agreements, but renting long-term can get you awesome discounts with the landlords.

Inclusive bills:

Your monthly rent includes cleaning services, WIFI, garbage pickup, and water bills.

Separate bills:

The electricity bill is separated, but some landlords offer tenants the option to pre-pay a set amount within their first deposit until that money is opted out.

Amenities:

Many apartments offer a variety of amenities that can range from having a pool, gym, community rooftops, 24/7 security, weekly cleaning, and laundry services.

Security:

Most apartments have great security systems which can include:

- 24/7 security guards at the main entrance.

- CCTV throughout the complex.

- Front gates that are locked at night.

- Key cards for the front entrance and/or apartment room.

Renting apartments in Laos is incredibly convenient whether you are here short-term or long-term. With fully-serviced apartments, it is a lot easier to move to the next place without worrying about buying new furniture and home goods.

Villas

In Laos, there are many options and styles for houses; from traditional wooden Lao villas to contemporary modern styles, to French architecture the possibilities are vast. Villas are perfect if you are looking for a balance of nature and city life.

They are usually much more spacious than an apartment and offer gardens or backyards for tenants to relax in. Because of a more natural atmosphere, you might spot more wild-life and insects such as lizards, geckos, and frogs. In addition, you will feel like you are living like a local. Some of your neighbors might even invite you over for a drink to get to know you.

Keep in mind, if you want to rent a villa, most landlords ask for long-term tenants only. Commitment is key! Check out our full guide for renting a villa in Laos here.

Villas are ideal also if you have a family, pets, and/or want a spacious private space. If you plan to have a car or have one already, make sure to look for places that have big enough parking spaces. Although there are many cars in Laos, they are still relatively new in comparison to nearby countries. That being said, the infrastructure in many neighborhoods still has small, narrow roads making it a challenge to drive or park a car.

Amenities:

Because villas are private properties owned by the landlord, amenities are unique for each property. Some amenities can include yard space, private parking, washing machine, balcony, air conditioning, hot water, and more.

Pets:

Most villas are more flexible with pet policies, especially if there is a yard. So if you have a furry friend or want one, villas are the way to go.

Rental Agreements:

Most landlords require a long-term rent agreement that is paid in advance. This can range from 6 to 12 months.

Separate Bills:

Unlike apartments, bills are usually a completely separate cost from the rent. The main bills you will need to consider for villas are electricity, water, garbage, cable, pickup, and internet bills. Notice that unlike apartments, cleaning is also not included.

Security:

Again, the security system usually depends on the landlord, so each place is different.

- Front Gate with padlock

- Proximity to landlord

- Check out CCTVs for sale here.

Handyman Services:

If something breaks in your villa, you can call on your landlord to help, but many renters have needed to reach out to a handyman themselves. 

Renting a villa can require a bit more maintenance than an apartment, but with long-term rent plans, the price for a villa can be more affordable than an apartment. If you want more in-depth details about renting a villa in Laos.

Finding and renting the right accommodations in Laos for you and your needs is important. We know that it can be a tough decision choosing between apartments or villas. There are loads of options as the market is expanding every day. Make sure to check out our listings of unique villa properties. If you need a real estate agent contact us here today.  

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