In all likelihood, your employer will assist you in finding
an apartment in Malé. If you’re single and working in a travel
agency/hospitality company, chances are you’ll share accommodation with a
couple of colleagues. If you’re coming with family, you’ll be guided towards
1-, 2- and 3-bedroom apartments.
However, if finding a place to stay is your own
responsibility, try the websites below:
- http://www.ibay.com.mv/apartments-houses-for-rent-b25_0.html
- http://www.e-apartments-for-rent.com/MV/x/Male.aspx
- http://www.pathcity.com/flatrent-Male-in-Male/
- http://premv.com/
My husband and I found our apartment through iBay. The
particulars were handled by the company and we have the apartment on a company
lease – I recommend this for anyone who can manage it, as the hassles of
payment, paperwork and currency will not fall on your shoulders! If a listing on a website catches your eye, give the listed
number a call, set up a time and go see it.
Here are a few things to look out
for when you’re looking to rent a place in Malé :
- Are the bedrooms large enough? Many builders try to squeeze in an extra bedroom to up the value of the place. If they’re too small, keep looking!
- Are there functional geysers/air conditioners?
- Are there enough plug points?
- Is there a gas connection?
- Garbage pickup and security are typically included in the rent amount. Negotiate this into your agreement.
- If the flat is already furnished and you need something more/want to change something, request your landlord to do so. Some of them will oblige.
- Check whether the water in the bathrooms is “clean” or well-water. The latter can give your loo a weird smell.
- Check all taps, flushes and switches. One of the taps in our bathroom came out in my hand when I tried to use it! The landlord should fix anything that’s not working before you move in.
- See if the bathroom and kitchen fixtures meet your requirements. Towel racks, shelves, toilet roll holders, etc. Ask the landlord to add anything that’s missing.
- See the apartment in the day – is there enough light and ventilation? Lots of windows mean lots of fresh air, especially if you or your spouse/kids are going to be home during the day.
- Check whether you need to pay the electricity and water bills yourself, or if the landlord will do it and you will pay him. Put a system in place to avoid unpleasantness later.
- What currency are you expected to make payments in?
- Can the landlord recommend or help you with the cable and internet connections if you want them?
If your ideal home means serenity, space and silence, you
may want to explore options in Hulhumalé, a reclaimed island meant to ease the
real-estate pressure in the capital city. The island is a short 20-minute boat
ride away from Malé, and is home to a number of expats. Regular ferries operate
between the two islands from 6 AM to 11 PM. A one-way ride costs MVR 5 (approx.
USD .32 or 32 cents). Speedboats are also around for those in a hurry –
although these leave more sporadically.
The upsides of staying in Hulhumalé: The island is more
organised, cleaner and more spacipus than Malé. There’s a lovely accessible
beach. Rents are lower and you could stay in a bungalow for the kind of money
you would spend on a small apartment in Malé. You also have linked to the
international airport island through a direct link road.
The downsides of living in Hulhumalé: It may be TOO quiet
for some. Also, if your work is in Malé, you’ll have to take a boat to and back
from the city every day. Remember, you also have to get to and back from the
jetty at both ends! Also, you’ll be hard-pressed to find many places to shop
and eat out. All the hustle-bustle of city life is in Malé.
