Sarbet, Addis Ababa

Sarbet is a central residential area in south-western Addis Ababa, between Mexico Square and Old Airport. It is close to the African Union headquarters. The area mixes older villas on large compounds with new apartment buildings. Many diplomats, NGO staff and professionals live here.

Living in Sarbet

Sarbet is calmer than Bole but still close to the center. Cafes and restaurants have opened along the main roads in recent years. The International Evangelical Church is a well-known landmark. The African Union headquarters brings many international staff and visitors to the area.

The city rebuilt the road from Mexico Square to Sarbet under its corridor development project. The prime minister opened the renovated route in June 2024. The works added wider sidewalks, bicycle lanes and green spaces. A later corridor links Sarbet with German Square and adds more green space and bicycle routes.

Wikipedia lists Sar Bet as a neighborhood of Kirkos sub-city. The area borders Nifas Silk-Lafto, so some addresses may fall under that sub-city. Check the title deed.

Property types and prices

Sarbet offers:

• Villas and G+1 houses on walled compounds
• New apartment buildings from private developers
• Furnished apartments for diplomats and NGO staff
• Office and shop space along the main roads

Several developers build in Sarbet. Metropolitan Real Estate builds apartments here and in nearby Bisrate Gebriel. Jenboro Real Estate has a flagship apartment project in Sarbet.

Sarbet is one of the more expensive areas in the west of the city. Its prices are close to those of Old Airport. We do not have enough reliable data to give a price range. Compare current apartments for rent with houses for rent nearby.

Rental demand in Sarbet is steady. International staff often sign long leases for furnished apartments and villas. Some landlords ask for several months of rent in advance. Agree on the rent, the payment schedule, the deposit and the repair terms in writing before you pay.

Getting around

Mexico Square is a short trip away. Mexico station serves both light rail lines, so trains run east to Megenagna and Ayat and south to Saris and Kaliti. Minibus taxis and buses run along the main roads. The rebuilt corridor makes walking to Mexico easier. Trips to Bole and the airport cross the city center and can be slow at peak hours.

Who Sarbet suits

• Staff of the African Union, embassies and NGOs
• Families who want a central, calm area with villas
• Professionals who work around Mexico, Kazanchis or the center
• Investors who rent furnished units to international tenants

Buying or renting in Sarbet

Visit the property at peak hours to check traffic on the main road. Ask about backup power and water storage. For older villas, check the state of the roof and plumbing. For new apartments, check the developer's delivery record and the building permit. Visit finished buildings by the same developer, and talk to people who live there. Our guide on renting an apartment in Addis Ababa lists questions to ask a landlord.