Where do prices for rented accommodation grow from?

In our apartment there is no bed and no washing machine either. The initial cost of the apartment - $ 230. Euroradio has decided to rent a very simple one-room mythic apartment with the help of the leading real estate agency in the capital, and see who else is fueling the real estate rental market.

The agent of "Your capital" agrees that the price is normal, but she suggests we could rent the apartment for a little bit more expensive on the condition that we will bring the washing machine.


"If you bring in a washing machine, you can rent your flat for $250, which is much better."

It was the most appropriate bargaining. A washing machine plus properly maintained plumbing, plus windows, even without the bed - and you can ask for $ 250, or just leave your $ 230.

I call the agency "Housewarming" pretending I'm worried if I rent an apartment for a price which is too high.

"That’s normal price. I would recommend you raise the price to $250. I can say a little more, right? $ 20? Can we make it $250? "- a very careful pressing from my female real estate agent.

The lady in the agency "Malnar" is not embarrassed by the simple decoration and absence of a bed and a washing machine, or the fact that one window has not been replaced. The agent calmly offered me to rent an apartment for $ 300, and says it will attract customers today.

"We can bring you many clients even with $300... and they will rent it".

And these people say that the average apartment rent if $300 when they answer the phone!

However, the next offer looks even more attractive. A modest flat in the Soviet-style house, with a cosmetic decoration, can be easily rented for $350 in the agency “Square Meter”!

"I offer you to rent an apartment for $ 300, let's put it $ 300. If you had more beds and a washing machine, I could rent it for $350 easily "- suggests a girl in the "Square Meter".

If there is no bed or household appliances, the agents will teach you where to get them.  

"We can rent it for $250 the way it looks now. When you find any kind of a washing machine, and a sofa, we can get higher price. You know, you can choose a second-hand sofa with free delivery in the Internet, for $ 50-70 - and you will immediately be able to rent an apartment for at least a hundred more! " - kindly recommends an agent in the agency "Arriva".

"Will anyone rent it?" — I say, surprised. Where will the agency take the fools who will pay such tremendous money for an ordinary, not European-style flat? 

"We have good people ... they will make it. We will rent it. I strongly recommend: Let's stop on $ 250, and the people will be grateful to you. We have worked for 20 years, and we never deceived anyone.

Some proprietors can raise the price till $400, when they see such made-up prices, can't they?