Finding Housing in Germany
Germany's housing market is competitive, bureaucratic, and can be frustrating for newcomers. Preparation and persistence are key.
The German Rental Market
Key challenges:
- Housing shortage in cities (215,000 new apartments in 2026 vs higher demand)
- Prices rose 8% in major cities (2025-2026)
- Competitive viewings with 20-50 applicants
- Strong tenant protections (good once you're in!)
- "Unfurnished" means NO kitchen, sometimes no light fixtures
Where to Search
Main platforms:
- ImmobilienScout24.de - Largest, most listings
- Immowelt.de - Second largest
- WG-Gesucht.de - Shared apartments, sublets
- eBay Kleinanzeigen - Some gems, many scams
- Facebook groups - City-specific expat groups
Alternative options:
- Temp agencies: Wunderflats, Coming Home (furnished, expat-friendly)
- Company relocation: Ask if employer offers support
- Sublets: Easier first step while you search long-term
Application Requirements
Must-have documents:
- SCHUFA credit report (Selbstauskunft)
- Last 3 payslips or employment contract
- Copy of passport/ID
- Previous landlord reference (Mietschuldenfreiheitsbescheinigung)
- Proof of income: 3x rent minimum
- Completed application form (Selbstauskunft Mieter)
Pro tip: Prepare a professional dossier in German with all documents - stands out from competition.
Rent Prices (2026)
| City | 1BR Central | 1BR Outskirts | 2BR Central |
|---|---|---|---|
| Munich | €1,800-2,500 | €1,200-1,600 | €2,500-3,500 |
| Frankfurt | €1,500-2,000 | €1,000-1,400 | €2,000-2,800 |
| Hamburg | €1,400-1,900 | €900-1,300 | €1,900-2,600 |
| Berlin | €1,200-1,700 | €800-1,200 | €1,700-2,400 |
| Cologne | €1,200-1,600 | €800-1,100 | €1,600-2,200 |
| Leipzig | €800-1,100 | €600-850 | €1,100-1,600 |
Additional costs (Nebenkosten): €150-300/month for utilities, garbage, building maintenance
Lease Terms
Standard details:
- Contract: Unlimited (unbefristet) preferred
- Deposit: 2-3 months rent (Kaution)
- Notice period: 3 months
- Rent control: Exists in cities (Mietpreisbremse) - limits increases
- Furnished: Rare, 20-30% premium
Unfurnished means:
- No kitchen (sink/plumbing only)
- No light fixtures (bring your own!)
- Sometimes no flooring
- Budget €2,000-5,000 for kitchen
Registration (Anmeldung)
Critical: Must register address within 14 days at Bürgeramt (citizens office)
Needed for:
- Bank account
- Health insurance
- Residence permit
- Everything else
Landlord requirement: Must provide Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (landlord confirmation)
Tenant Rights
Germany heavily favors tenants:
- Very difficult for landlords to evict
- Rent increases limited (15-20% over 3 years)
- Can't be evicted for owner moving in (mostly)
- Repairs landlord's responsibility
Tips for Success
Before arrival:
- Join Facebook housing groups
- Contact relocation agencies
- Consider temp housing first month
During search:
- Attend viewings early (first 2-3 get advantage)
- Speak German or bring translator
- Professional appearance matters
- Offer higher deposit if able
- Write personal introduction letter
Red flags:
- Requests for money before viewing
- Too good to be true prices
- Landlord not meeting in person
Pro Tips
- •Get SCHUFA report before starting search - landlords always ask
- •Budget €2,000-5,000 for kitchen in unfurnished apartments
- •Prepare application dossier in advance - speed matters
- •Consider temp housing (Wunderflats) while searching
- •Smaller cities offer better value and less competition
Have questions about housing in Germany?