How to Find Ideal Accommodation for Seasonal Workers? Prices, Locations, and Tips

The search for accommodation for seasonal workers becomes especially intense during peak seasons. Workers employed in hospitality, construction, retail, and agriculture are the most frequent users of this type of housing.

Given the scale of projects and seasonal jobs, the real estate market adjusts to these needs, leading to large differences in prices and supply across different parts of Serbia.

Belgrade – Surčin and surrounding areas

The capital is a major hotspot for seasonal employment, with the municipality of Surčin standing out in particular. The reason is a strong investment cycle, including preparations for the international EXPO exhibition. In this part of the city, functional apartments and houses for larger groups of workers are in high demand.

Monthly rental prices in Surčin range from around €120 to €800 depending on size and amenities, while houses with a capacity of 23–25 places can cost up to €3,500 per month—roughly €150 per person including utilities. In practice, for collective accommodation, the price per person is usually between €100 and €200 monthly.

The supply of houses for rent in Surčin is currently modest; research shows that only about a dozen properties were listed, with prices starting around €600 for an 80 m² house and rising to several thousand euros for properties near the highway. Apartments for workers are usually simply furnished with multiple beds, adapted for collective living.

Real examples show that employers sometimes rent houses with 20 beds on the outskirts for €1,500–€2,000, and if breakfast or dinner is included, the price per person increases by another €5–€10. Due to major EXPO 2027 construction sites, workers are mainly accommodated in Surčin, Ledine, Jakovo, and Progar.

Some landlords see this as an opportunity for extra income: they rent their houses to workers and move themselves into city apartments. However, for everything to be legal, workers’ residence must be registered with the police and rental contracts signed in accordance with the law.

Zlatibor and tourist centers

Mountain and spa resorts also attract a large number of workers, especially in winter, but also during summer with the expansion of construction and hospitality activities.

On Zlatibor, apartments for hospitality workers cost between €200 and €350 per month, depending on distance from the center and size.

Construction workers usually opt for older houses due to lower prices, paying €4–€5 per day for overnight stays. The supply of apartments adapted for larger worker groups is limited; most properties are intended for families, couples, or students, while collective housing develops more slowly.

As a result, companies often take over direct rentals to maintain control over living conditions.

What influences the price of worker accommodation?

The cost depends on several factors. Distance from the workplace is crucial—closer accommodation reduces transport costs and travel time.

The size of the property and number of beds determine how many workers can stay and how the per-person price is calculated. Larger apartments with fewer beds offer better conditions but also higher prices.

Apartments with multiple bedrooms and a well-equipped kitchen are more desirable than studios, as they provide more privacy and the option of cooking.

Additional services also affect pricing. Some houses offer organized meals, regular cleaning, and linen changes, which raise the cost but make living conditions easier. Reports show that houses with 20 beds generate €1,500–€2,000 monthly, while meals add €5–€10 per person.

Collective worker housing generally does not strongly affect the regular rental market, as it involves simpler, lower-cost properties, often similar to hostels.

Tips for finding and renting

Timely search is critical, especially when workers are hired for large projects or in popular tourist areas. Employers should research in advance, compare conditions and prices, and book accommodation early. Proximity to the workplace should be a top priority, as long commutes increase fatigue and reduce productivity.

Before signing a contract, it is important to visit the property, check its equipment, number of beds, bathroom and kitchen conditions, as well as parking and internet availability.

Workers value clean and safe housing; therefore, employers often take responsibility for payment and maintenance to ensure the accommodation meets basic standards.

In hospitality, hotels sometimes provide staff rooms, while in agriculture workers may improvise by sleeping in vans or returning home to avoid spending wages on rent.

In all cases, transparency matters: a signed contract, registered residence, and clearly agreed conditions protect both workers and landlords.

Seasonal workers make up a significant part of the workforce in Serbia, and demand for their accommodation is growing. Belgrade, particularly Surčin, and Zlatibor are among the most sought-after locations due to major projects and developed tourism.

Prices vary from a few hundred euros per month for apartments to several thousand for multi-bed houses, with collective housing being the most affordable option.

Careful evaluation of location, size, and services, along with compliance with legal procedures, ensures a pleasant stay for workers and provides employers with a stable labor force.

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