There is a great variety in the types of apartment you can find in Kazakhstan; from homes by the river in the old town of Almaty to the new, modern high-rises that are springing up in the centres of all the major cities. Most of the population who live in the cities reside in flats, but it is possible to find detached houses and cottages when you head a bit further out into the suburbs, which can often work out a bit cheaper too.
Real estate suffered during the global crisis and house prices plummeted, along with rent prices. The market has picked up significantly since, but landlords still compete for tenants, particularly for premium units, and are quite flexible in letting terms. It’s not unusual to be able to rent on a month by month basis or even rent for 30 days periods, which is ideal if you need to pack up and leave quickly for work.
Most apartment buildings will come fully furnished and some of the more expat-orientated accommodation will also come with bills included. The apartment buildings will usually have a secure-entry phone system, underground parking, an on-site shop and a children’s play area. If your apartment is unfurnished, many landlords are also willing to provide block furniture if you plan on staying for a while.
The easiest way to search for apartments is going through online property websites and the housing section of newspapers - you can also check out the Just Landed housing portal. A lot of expats seek assistance from real estate agents, who usually speak English and of who many are specially tailored for expat needs. You should expect to pay more if go down this route, however.