What's the best neighborhood for expats in Dhaka?

Gulshan is the most popular expat neighborhood — it has embassies, international restaurants, shopping malls, and enhanced security. Baridhara is more exclusive and quieter (diplomatic zone), while Banani offers a more vibrant atmosphere at slightly lower prices. Uttara suits families wanting airport proximity.

Do apartments come furnished in Bangladesh?

Both furnished and unfurnished apartments are available. Furnished options are more common in expat-heavy areas like Gulshan and Banani but command a 30–50% premium. Most unfurnished apartments include kitchen fixtures and bathroom fittings but nothing else.

How reliable is electricity in Bangladesh?

Power cuts (load shedding) are a regular occurrence, especially during summer months when demand peaks. Most apartment buildings in expat areas have generator backup, but verify this before signing a lease. An IPS (Instant Power Supply) or UPS for sensitive electronics is also recommended.

Should I hire a real estate agent?

Yes, especially for your first apartment. Agents know the local market, can negotiate in Bengali, and help navigate paperwork. The standard commission is 1 month's rent. Ask colleagues or fellow expats for agent recommendations — quality varies widely.

Can foreigners buy property in Bangladesh?

Foreign nationals generally cannot purchase land in Bangladesh. However, foreigners of Bangladeshi origin can buy apartments. For most expats, renting is the practical and recommended option. Some expats invest through local business partnerships, but this requires careful legal advice.

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🇧🇩 Bangladesh

Housing

$300–$600/mo

1-BR Gulshan

Furnished, central

$500–$1,200/mo

3-BR Gulshan

Family apartment

$200–$400/mo

1-BR Chittagong

Khulshi/Nasirabad

2–3 months

Deposit

Standard requirement

Last updated: March 2026

Overview🏙️Dhaka ⚓Chittagong

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Overview

Housing in Bangladesh is remarkably affordable. Furnished apartments in Dhaka's premier Gulshan area cost $300–$800/month, while Chittagong's best neighborhoods offer similar quality for $200–$400. Landlords may charge higher rents to foreigners, especially those with employer housing allowances, so negotiation and using local contacts is key.

Key Takeaways

Furnished 1-BR apartment in Gulshan: $300–$600/month
Real estate agents: commission is typically 1 month's rent, paid by the tenant
Electricity: ৳2,000–৳5,000/month ($18–$45) — variable depending on AC usage

Housing Market Overview

Bangladesh's rental market is heavily localized, with most apartment hunting done through real estate agents, Facebook groups, and personal connections rather than online platforms. In Dhaka, the expat housing market is concentrated in Gulshan, Banani, and Baridhara — areas with better infrastructure, security, and proximity to embassies and international offices. Furnished apartments are available but unfurnished is more common.

Furnished 1-BR apartment in Gulshan: $300–$600/month
Furnished 3-BR apartment in Gulshan: $500–$1,200/month
Unfurnished apartments are 30–40% cheaper but require significant furniture investment
Landlords often charge 20–50% premium for foreign tenants — negotiate firmly
Deposits: typically 2–3 months rent, paid upfront
Lease terms: usually 1 year with 2–3 months notice for termination
Utilities (electricity, gas, water) are typically extra — budget ৳4,000–৳8,000/month

How to Find an Apartment

The apartment search process in Bangladesh is less formalized than in Western countries. Real estate agents are the primary channel, though expat Facebook groups and word-of-mouth are increasingly effective. It's strongly recommended to visit apartments in person, as photos can be misleading. Having a local colleague or friend assist with negotiations can save significant money.

Real estate agents: commission is typically 1 month's rent, paid by the tenant
Facebook groups: 'Expats in Dhaka,' 'Dhaka Housing,' and embassy community groups
Bproperty.com: Bangladesh's largest online property platform — listings in English
Always visit in person: check water pressure, electricity backup (generator/IPS), and neighborhood noise
Negotiate: initial asking price for foreigners is often inflated — aim for 15–25% reduction
Check generator backup: power cuts are common — ensure your building has a reliable generator
Verify the landlord's ownership documents before signing any agreement

Utilities & Internet

Utility costs in Bangladesh are very low, but reliability can be an issue. Power cuts are common, making generator backup essential. Internet service has improved significantly, with fibre broadband available in most urban areas at speeds of 50–100 Mbps. Mobile data coverage is good in cities with 4G networks from Grameenphone, Robi, and Banglalink.

Electricity: ৳2,000–৳5,000/month ($18–$45) — variable depending on AC usage
Gas (cooking): ৳1,000–৳2,000/month ($9–$18) — metered in modern buildings
Water: ৳500–৳1,000/month ($5–$9) — WASA (Water and Sewerage Authority)
Internet (fibre): ৳800–৳1,500/month ($7–$14) for 20–100 Mbps — providers include Dot, Link3, Amber IT
Mobile SIM: Grameenphone has the best coverage — 4G data packs from ৳200/month
Generator backup: essential — most modern apartment buildings include this
Air conditioning: significantly increases electricity bills — budget ৳3,000–৳8,000 extra during summer

FAQs