Housing

Yes - there are no restrictions on foreigners renting property in Mongolia. You'll need a valid passport and visa. Landlords may ask for 1–2 months deposit upfront. Most transactions are informal by Western standards - a basic rental agreement in Mongolian (and sometimes English) is standard.

The most effective methods are: (1) Facebook expat groups ('Expats in Mongolia', 'UB Housing'), (2) the Unegui.mn classifieds website, (3) local real estate agents, and (4) word of mouth from other expats. Arrive with temporary accommodation booked and spend your first week viewing apartments in person.

In central Ulaanbaatar, district heating (supplied by the city's thermal power plants) is generally reliable and keeps apartments warm even at -40°C. Newer buildings have better insulation. Occasionally, heating system maintenance or breakdowns occur - having a portable electric heater as backup is wise.

Foreign nationals cannot own land in Mongolia but can own apartments and buildings on leased land. Apartment purchases are possible with a valid long-term visa. The process involves a notarized purchase agreement and registration with the Property Registration Office. Consult a Mongolian lawyer before purchasing.

Prioritize: (1) heating system quality, (2) building age and insulation (newer is better for winter), (3) floor level (higher floors have better air quality in winter), (4) proximity to your workplace or main activities, (5) internet connectivity, and (6) distance from major roads (air pollution). Zaisan and newer central buildings offer the best quality of life.