How to Find the Perfect Nomad Apartment (And Avoid the Nightmares)

 

Author: Milo Kent

Category: Logistics / Housing

Focus Keyword: digital nomad housing

---

We’ve all seen the horror stories. The "luxury studio" that turns out to be a basement with no windows. The "high-speed Wi-Fi" that can’t load an email. The landlord who demands a 6-month cash deposit upfront.

Finding a place to live is the single most stressful part of being a digital nomad. You aren't just looking for a bed; you are looking for an office, a sanctuary, and a home base in a city you barely know.

If you rely solely on Airbnb, you will go broke. If you rely on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace without a system, you will get scammed.

After living in 12 countries in 4 years, I’ve developed a strict protocol for finding long-term housing. Here is how to find a hidden gem and avoid the lemons.

1. The "Airbnb Buffer" Strategy

Never, ever book a long-term rental (1+ months) sight unseen.

• The Mistake: Booking a month on Airbnb to "save money" with the monthly discount.

• The Risk: If the internet is bad or the street is noisy, your entire month is ruined.

• The Fix: Book a hotel or hostel for your first 3-7 days. Use this time as a "reconnaissance mission" to view apartments in person.

2. Get Off the Tourist Path

Airbnb is for tourists. Local real estate sites are for residents. You want to pay "resident" prices.

• Action: Find the local equivalent of Zillow/Rightmove for your country.

  • Portugal: Idealista

  • Thailand: DDproperty or Facebook Groups

  • Mexico: Inmuebles24

• Pro-Tip: Use Google Translate to send messages in the local language. It instantly signals you are a serious tenant, not a confused tourist.

3. The "Wi-Fi Audit" (Non-Negotiable)

"Fast Wi-Fi" means nothing. To a landlord, 5 Mbps is "fast" enough for Facebook. To you, it’s unusable.

• The Fix: Never sign a lease without running a speed test inside the unit.

• The Tool: Use the Speedtest app on your phone during the viewing. If it’s under 30 Mbps down / 10 Mbps up, walk away. No exceptions.

4. The "Noise Check"

Photos don't show noise. A beautiful apartment might be right next to a construction site or above a karaoke bar.

• The Fix: Visit the street at 10 PM on a Friday or 8 AM on a Monday. Listen. Is there a rooster? A nightclub? A jackhammer? You need to know before you move in.

5. The "Video Call" Vibe Check

If you must book before arriving (not recommended), demand a live video tour.

• The Test: Ask the host to turn on the shower (to check water pressure) and flush the toilet while on the video call.

• Why: A scammer using fake photos can’t do this. A real landlord will understand.

---

Don't Sign Until You Check This List.

I have walked away from "perfect" apartments because the cell signal was weak or the outlets weren't grounded. These small details determine your daily happiness.

To help you inspect properties like a pro, I’ve created the Apartment Hunter's Checklist. It’s a printable 1-page sheet you take to every viewing. It reminds you to check the water pressure, count the outlets, and test the internet before you hand over a deposit.

Click here to download my free "Apartment Hunter's Checklist".

Don't leave your home base to chance. Inspect it, verify it, and then sign.

And if you want my complete system for negotiating rent, finding local guarantors, and setting up your home office in 72 hours, check out the full Landing Kit.

Happy hunting,

Milo Kent

Founder, Waypoint Kit