Housing

Lusaka's rental market is the most relevant for expats, with the majority of international residents clustering in the eastern suburbs — Kabulonga, Roma, Woodlands, Ibex Hill, and Sunningdale. Most expat-quality housing comes in the form of standalone houses with gardens in secure compounds, or modern apartments in newer developments. In Livingstone, options are more limited but significantly cheaper. Rent is typically paid monthly in USD or ZMW, with a security deposit of 2–3 months' rent required upfront.

The best way to find housing in Zambia is through property agents, expat community Facebook groups, and word-of-mouth within the international community. Online listings are available on Property24 Zambia and Facebook Marketplace, but the most desirable properties are often found through personal connections. Most expats visit Lusaka first on a short-term rental before committing to a long-term lease.

Living in Zambia comes with some practical realities that you'll need to plan for — most notably, electricity reliability and water supply. Most expat-quality properties come with backup generators and water tanks (boreholes), but always verify this before signing a lease. Security is also a key consideration, with most expat areas featuring guarded compounds and security fencing.