Baku, September 15, 2025
The start of the academic year has triggered a sharp rise in Baku’s rental housing market, with apartment prices surging by 25–30% compared to the summer months.
According to real estate expert Elnur Azadov, cited by KhazarTV, geography plays a decisive role. Areas near universities and with strong transport links have seen the steepest hikes.
“The most in-demand apartments are near the metro stations Elmler Akademiyasi and Insaatcilar. Also popular are the zones around Icherisheher, Sahil, and 28 May. At present, a one-bedroom in these districts costs at least 500–550 manats, a two-bedroom 700–800, and three-bedroom units start at 800,” Azadov said.
The city’s White City district, a showcase redevelopment zone, has emerged as the second-most popular area after the central core. There, one-bedroom flats now start at 700–800 manats. Prices fall further toward the outskirts, where rentals average around 300 manats.
Dormitories Under Pressure
With rental rates climbing, many students are turning to university dormitories, which remain far more affordable but severely limited in capacity.
Baku State University operates a modern five-story dormitory with 220 places at 75 manats per month. It includes laundry facilities, internet, a reading hall, sports grounds, and a medical unit. However, priority is given to children of martyrs, veterans, orphans, and vulnerable groups, leaving many students without options.
Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University has five dormitories, but four still house 443 internally displaced families (1,603 people). Only one dormitory with 200 places is available for students, at 85 manats per month.
Dormitory prices vary across institutions: Azerbaijan University of Languages (30 manats), Azerbaijan State University of Oil and Industry (34), Medical University (60–80), Baku Engineering University (100), and Khazar University (120–140).
Ministry Figures
The Ministry of Science and Education reports that Azerbaijan’s higher education system includes 48 dormitory buildings, of which only 15 (3,859 beds) are fully operational. Eleven require capital repairs, while 27 remain occupied by former IDPs. The ministry says these will gradually be returned to students under the “Great Return” program.
In contrast, regional universities face fewer shortages, with most dormitories functioning normally.
