15+ of The Best Places to Find Housing in Germany as a Foreigner - Life in Germany (2023)

Finding housing in Germany is not the easiest of tasks when it comes to moving to Germany, but there’s good news! I’m here to help you make sure you find the apartment of your dreams… even if it takes a few months.

PS: If you aren’t yet familiar with what makes a rental contract valid, what you need to ask for before you sign that lease, or how to legally get out of a contract you’re not happy with… you’ll learn all this and more in the Welcome Program. I’d highly suggest doing this research before renting out any apartment!

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Before you start looking for an apartment, you’re going to need to know…

  • How much are you hoping to pay? (if you’re not sure what a fair price range is, we go through these estimates in the Welcome Program)
  • Are you looking for a furnished flat or a non-furnished flat?
  • Would you like to share an apartment and rent out an individual room? (we go through the pros and cons of this in our program too!)
  • Do you know which neighborhood you’d like to look at?
  • Know the important facts about renting a flatbefore you start contacting landlords

TIP: If you don’t already have a bank account in Germany, it’s time to get one! Make sure you have a European bank account and IBAN number before you start looking for apartments. Also make sure you have already transferred money to the new account so you can immediately make that rental deposit (using a transfer service like Wise or CurrencyFair is a great idea).

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THE BEST WEBSITES TO FIND HOUSING IN GERMANY (IN ENGLISH)

The following websites are useful for sourcing a short-term and/or furnished flat in Germany. These websites will be excellent resources if you’re focused first on simply getting into the country and obtaining a residence permit.

TIP: Looking for a short-term furnished flat is a great way to get into Germany, settle into the city, and also allows you the time to look in person at a longer-term unfurnished flat for your future.

START YOUR APARTMENT SEARCH IN ENGLISH NOW

THE BEST WEBSITES FOR LONG-TERM APARTMENT RENTALS

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As I mentioned, if you want to pay the same prices a German speaker might be paying for an apartment, then it’s important to do some local research. The websites listed below are all run and operated in the German language, but are great resources to find affordable rental options in Germany.

TIP: Don’t forget to scroll down and study up the popular rental vocabulary. This will help you navigate through the above websites. We also have a detailed section about rental terms in our Welcome Program as well as other small fees that you need to watch out for in a rental contract before signing that legal paper!

THE BEST SOCIAL MEDIA SITES TO FIND APARTMENT RENTALS

Believe it or not, social media is often one of the best places to find available apartments (especially if you’re looking for a last-minute rental). My tip would be to join as many different local Facebook groups as you can and ask around to see if anyone is renting their apartment out. There are many people coming and going in all major cities around Germany, so you may even get the opportunity to take over a lease that was previously rented by another expat just like yourself.

THE BEST WEBSITES FOR STUDENT APARTMENT RENTALS

If you’re up for sharing an apartment with others, these are often considered as “WG” in Germany. Here are a few websites where you’ll find some great shared spaces around Germany:

NOTE: You do not always have to be a student in order to share an apartment. Simply read the rental description for more information.

15+ of The Best Places to Find Housing in Germany as a Foreigner - Life in Germany (1)

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RENTAL VOCABULARYWORDS YOU NEED TO KNOW

Now it’s time for a little German language lesson, or simply sticky note these words to the side of your laptop while you’re doing your apartment search in the German language.

Once you’ve found a few apartments you’d like to view, it’ll be time to contact the landlord to inquire about taking a look at the apartment (if you’re currently in Germany of course).

TIP: If you have a German friend, family member, or colleague that can help you out, I would highly recommend bringing them along for the apartment viewing.

German Term English Translation Meaning
KaltmieteCold RentCold rent is the actual cost of the living without any added costs like heating, electricity, etc.
WarmmieteWarm RentWarm rent is the cost of the rent plus all “side costs” like heating, chimney cleaning, garbage disposal, etc.
Wohngemeinschaft “WG”Shared livingA shared living space in which every renter will have their own bedroom, but often share common rooms such as the kitchen, living room, and bathroom.
Nebenkosten Additional CostsThese “side costs” are all the added expenses that would be in addition to the cold rent (heating, chimney cleaning, garbage disposal, etc.)
EinbaukücheBuilt-in KitchenMany apartments in Germany do not come with a kitchen. If the posting says “mit Einbauküche”, then you’re in luck, the apartment comes with a kitchen.
UmkreisDistanceThe distance (in km’s) you are willing to look for apartments.
Bezugsfrei ab…Vacant from...The available move-in date
Etage (.OG)Floor levelThe floor level in which the apartment is located on the ground floor is (EG) the first floor up is 1 OG., the second floor up is 2 OG., etc.
Erdgeschoss (EG)Ground level (not 1st floor)-
PreisPrice-
Zimmer (Zi.)Rooms-
WohnflächeSize of living space-
MietenTo rent-
KaufenTo buy -
WohnungApartment-
AltbauOld build-
NeubauNewly built-
StellplatzParking spot-
VollmöblierteFully furnished-


HOW TO MAKE SURE YOU’RE PREPARED TO RENT IN GERMANY

You’re already likely well aware that it’s not always very easy to find an apartment, especially in the larger cities. Not to mention, if you don’t speak German you’re at even more of a disadvantage. So, let’s make sure that you have everything completely prepared so we can avoid running into any unnecessary issues.

The landlord may or may not ask you for the following documents:

  • Identification: A copy of your passport and/or ID
  • Proof of income: A copy of your last 3 payslips (if you’re new to Germany, bring the payslips from your international job or a printout of the amount you have in your bank at the moment)
  • Proof of good credit rating: aka. SCHUFA Score – which you can easily order online for free (good news! If you’re new to Germany you will have a perfect SCHUFA score)
  • Completed application form: this would only be applicable if the apartment was listed by a real estate agency, in this case, they would provide you with this form in advance


In some cases, you may also be asked for:

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  • Meitschuldenfreiheitzbescheinigung: a document that proves you owe no money to a previous landlord (you must obtain this from your previous landlord – or you can use this template)
  • Mietbürgschaft: a document that confirms that a parent, friend, or guardian can support you financially if you don’t pay your rent on time (use this template)
  • Proof of private liability insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung) in the event you cause damage to the property/building
  • Proof of home contents insurance (Hausratversicherung) in the event that something causes damage to your property in the apartment (eg. water damage to your wardrobe)
  • A deposit: If you are already quite sure that you will be renting the apartment you’re viewing, you can bring the deposit money that will be required upon signing the rental contract (typically 3 months of cold rent)

MORE TIPS ON HOW YOU CAN IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES?

  • Have all your documents prepared and ready to go on the first day, this shows them you’re serious
  • Come dressed to impress (I know it’s not an interview for a job, but treat the apartment viewing it as if it were one)
  • Bring someone with you who can speak German and translate for you
  • Don’t assume that everyone speaks English
  • Call ahead of time to talk to the landlord (you can also send an email, but giving them a call shows you’re really interested)
  • In your email message, attach a photo of yourself (and your family if applicable) and tell them a little bit about who you are, where you’re working, what your level of German is, etc.
  • Leave the pets at home! It’s much easier to find a flat if you don’t have any pets (including mice, hamsters, rabbits, etc.)

Still don’t think you can do this on your own? Here are some real estate agents

I get it, it’s hard, and it’s okay to ask for help. You may have to pay a little bit for the support, but sometimes hiring a real estate agent is the only option you have. Whether it’s your lack of German language skills, your lack of time or lack of interest, a real estate agent (Makler in German) can help find you find housing in Germany quickly.

You can search for a local real estate agent in your city in English over on athome.de

Ready to start BUYING your furniture for your new apartment?

There are tons of amazing places to buy furniture affordably here in Germany, and nowadays, most online shops offer free shipping as well.

Here are a few of my favourites:

If you’re looking for secondhand furniture, then look no further than:

FAQs

How do I find housing in Germany? ›

There are various websites you can search, immobilienscout24.de, immowelt.de and deutsche-wohnen.com being some of the more popular ones. Also keep an eye on social media sites as people often post rooms or apartments to rent there.

Is it hard to find housing in Germany? ›

Finding an apartment in Germany is not easy, let alone if you are not German and can hardly speak the language — and two years of global pandemic haven't made things easier either.

Can I buy a house in Germany as a non resident? ›

Unlike in other countries, such as Denmark and Switzerland, there are no restrictions to foreigners to purchase real estate in Germany. Currently, many foreign purchasers acquire properties in large German cities such as Berlin, Frankfurt and Munich.

Is it better to rent or buy a house in Germany? ›

There is ample evidence that buying a house leads to greater wealth, especially in Germany 1. Those that own their own home in Germany are far better off.

How much is rent in Germany? ›

On average, to cover your living expenses in Germany you will need around 934 euros per month (around $906 US dollars) or 11,208 euros per year (around $10,876 US dollars).
...
Which region has the highest cost of living in Germany?
Rent
Munich1,094.30€ -1
Berlin795.90€ – 4
Hamburg838.94€ – 3
Frankfurt868.91€ – 2
9 more columns

Is moving to Germany a good idea? ›

All in all, Germany is a country where you can find both the fast city life or the quiet sub-urban experience, all from a position of safety, security and stability. In short, the country's safety, highly developed infrastructure and robust economy allow Germany to offer you a very stable reason to move to the country.

What does 2.5 rooms mean in Germany? ›

E.g. two bedrooms, living room and dining room. 2 1/2 ZKB = 2.5 rooms. The half room is usually a room that due to its small size cannot be counted as a full room. The term "Studio" is seldom used in German advertisements. More often you find 1 Zimmer Apartment or 1 Zimmer Wohnung.

What is cold rent in Germany? ›

Cold rent means that you pay basic rent for the residence and there are no extra costs included in your monthly payment. Warm rent means that your monthly payment includes the basic rent for the residence and additional costs - called Umlagen or Nebenkosten.

How do I get an apartment in Germany? ›

What documents do I need to rent a flat in Germany?
  1. A copy of your ID or passport. ...
  2. Salary confirmation or bank statements. ...
  3. Credit record documentation (Schufa record) ...
  4. A guarantor. ...
  5. Renting through an estate agent. ...
  6. Available online property portals. ...
  7. Renting through word of mouth.

How much does a flat cost in Germany? ›

The average purchasing price of a house in Germany is around 320,000 EUR. On average, people spend about 354,000 EUR on buying a home. The average price per square meter for an apartment in Germany is 3,065 EUR in 2021 across the country.

How long does it take to buy a house in Germany? ›

Around six to 10 weeks after signing the purchase contract, you will receive a bill from your local tax office requesting payment of the property transfer tax (Grunderwerbsteuer). Once you have paid this, the notary will instruct the land registry to transfer the property ownership to you, making you the legal owner.

What is the average cost of a house in Germany? ›

What is the price of housing in Germany? Purchasing a property is not nearly as common in Germany as it is in the US, France, or the UK. The average price for property in the city center of a German town or city is around €5,430 per square meter, rising to €6,995 per square meter in Berlin and €11,759 in Munich.

Is buying a house in Germany worth it? ›

Good and stable investment

For self-living property, you can sell it without paying the 25% capital gain tax. If you sell your investment property after you own it for 10 years, you also do not have to pay the capital gain tax. This makes buying a house in Germany an attractive long term investment.

Is it easy to buy house in Germany? ›

Yes, buying a house in Germany is possible for anyone, regardless of nationality. However, your residency status may affect your chances of getting a mortgage. The 'safer' your status the more likely it is. So having a permanent residency is better than having a temporary residency or Blue Card.

Which is the cheapest city to live in Germany? ›

Cost of living in Berlin

Despite being the capital, Berlin is one of Germany's cheapest cities. Rental prices vary massively, but as a rule of thumb, the west remains much more expensive than the east. You can rent a one-bed flat in Berlin for €00 upwards.

What's a good salary in Germany? ›

A good annual average salary in Germany is between €64,000 to €81,000. This gross salary (salary before taxes or social contributions) depends on your profession, industry, and education.

Is 1500 euros enough in Germany? ›

It depends on where and how you want to live. With that income you pay almost zero tax. A room in a shared apartment will cost you anything between 250 Euros in a small town that is not so attractive to 500 Euros or even more in Munich. Food will set you back about 200 Euros.

Which is the most English speaking city in Germany? ›

Knowing a few phrases in German will make living in Germany a bit easier. In Hamburg, you can expect people to speak a basic level of English and you'll make it through your day to day life without speaking German.

What are the disadvantages of living in Germany? ›

The Cons:
  • You'll have to tackle a lot of bureaucracy. ...
  • Lack of digitalisation and modernisation. ...
  • High tax and insurance contributions. ...
  • Germans can seem unfriendly. ...
  • The language barrier can be a struggle. ...
  • It can be hard to find a place to live. ...
  • Not everyone is a fan of the weather. ...
  • Things have to be done a certain way.
5 Jul 2022

Can you survive in Germany with English? ›

There's no doubt that you can survive in Germany without knowing German. Every German usually studies English from the age of 5 and especially the younger generation watches British or American series.

Is AC illegal in Germany? ›

For non-administrative areas such as residential housing, the policies allow for air conditioning only in locations where the dry bulb temperature is 80 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer during the warmest six months of the year for 650 hours or more.

How do you pay rent in Germany? ›

What is included in the rent in Germany? Your rental contract will set out exactly how much rent you are expected to pay. It will usually specify a payment date and a preferred method of payment. The most common way of paying your rent is by transferring it to your landlord's bank account.

Why do Germans live in apartments? ›

The cost of buying a house is so expensive in Germany that a single, childless person earning an average income cannot afford to buy an average home in Germany. People earning an average wage will usually have to turn to more rural areas, like those in Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt.

How much is the average electric bill in Germany? ›

Electricity Price in Germany averaged 51.89 EUR/MWh from 2000 until 2022, reaching an all time high of 699.44 EUR/MWh in August of 2022 and a record low of -56.87 EUR/MWh in December of 2012. This page includes a chart with historical data for Germany Electricity Price.

Can I move to Germany without a job? ›

Can I Move to Germany Without a Job? If you are a non-EU national, you cannot live in Germany longer than three months, unless you are working or studying. However, if you meet the requirements, you can apply for a job-seeker visa which allows you to stay in Germany for up to six months as you look for employment.

How do you pay for water in Germany? ›

You can pay by bank transfer (in-branch or online), using your banking app, or setting up a direct debit. Nebenkosten are usually paid directly to the landlord. Do you pay for water in Germany? This depends on whether you are a tenant or a homeowner and under which contract type you are renting a property.

How do I get a flat to rent in Germany? ›

Whether you're looking for temporary housing in Berlin or buying a home in Frankfurt, you can find it on Immowelt. Immonet: Another good website for finding rental properties is Immonet. Here you can search for apartments, rooms, and houses to rent in all of the major German cities.

How much is salary in Germany? ›

According to Statista, in 2021, the average gross annual salary in Germany was 47.700 euros a year, or 3.975 euros a month. The numbers above are for all of Germany. However, the average gross salary will depend greatly on your location, professional experience, education, size of the company, and gender.

Can foreigners rent apartments in Germany? ›

You'll need the following required documents for renting in Germany as a foreigner: Your ID or passport. A Mietschuldenfreiheitsbescheinigung—a document to prove you don't owe previous landlords money. Your potential landlord might not ask for this but it's best to have it if possible.

Where do most foreigners live in Germany? ›

Berlin is, of course, the number one place to find expats in Germany. For many, many years, Berlin has been home to international artists. But in recent years, the development of the tech industry has seen a growing number of expats move there.

Which city in Germany is best for foreigners? ›

The Best Big Cities in Germany for Expats
  • Berlin. Berlin is an obvious choice because it is the largest city in Germany. It is also one of the best cities for expats for many reasons. ...
  • Munich. Munich is another great city for expats. ...
  • Hamburg. Hamburg is an excellent option for internationals.

Which city is good for immigrants in Germany? ›

1. Expats Love Berlin. Berlin is Germany's capital and the country's biggest city. It also has a large population of expatriates.

How much is a car in Germany? ›

Car Prices In Germany

The average price of a new car in Germany is around 36.300 euros, while the average price of a used car in Germany is around 18.750 euros. But, of course, these numbers vary highly, depending on the car's make, model, and configuration.

Is German health care free? ›

Yes, all Germans and legal residents of Germany are entitled to free “medically necessary” public healthcare, which is funded by social security contributions. However, citizens must still have either state or private health insurance, covering at least hospital and outpatient medical treatment and pregnancy.

How much tax do you pay in Germany? ›

Income tax in Germany is progressive. Rates start at 14% and incrementally rise to 42%. A top rate of 45% is also present for those with very high earnings.

How much housing loan can I get in Germany? ›

Mortgage lenders in Germany allow you to borrow up to 100% of the property value (although you will have to cover some other costs of buying a house, such as purchase fees, with your own equity). While some German banks will be willing to finance the full amount, loans of around 80% are more common.

Are houses cheap in Germany? ›

Broadly speaking, rural areas tend to be cheaper than cities. Research by the property portal Immowelt found that houses in Germany averaged €2,800 per square meter in early 2022, while flats cost €3,200. Saxony was the most affordable place to buy, while Munich was the most expensive.

How can I get German citizenship? ›

To be eligible for naturalization, a person has to have lived legally in Germany for at least eight years and possess the appropriate residence permit. Foreigners who have successfully completed an integration course are eligible for naturalization after seven years.

How do I rent an apartment in Germany? ›

What documents do I need to rent a flat in Germany?
  1. A copy of your ID or passport. ...
  2. Salary confirmation or bank statements. ...
  3. Credit record documentation (Schufa record) ...
  4. A guarantor. ...
  5. Renting through an estate agent. ...
  6. Available online property portals. ...
  7. Renting through word of mouth.

Can a foreigner rent an apartment in Germany? ›

Most expats opt for renting in Germany; only a few choose to buy a house or apartment after having lived in Germany for some time already. When it comes to renting an apartment in Germany as a foreigner, there are certain things you need to know to avoid a bureaucratic rat race and unnecessary stress.

What is cold rent in Germany? ›

Cold rent means that you pay basic rent for the residence and there are no extra costs included in your monthly payment. Warm rent means that your monthly payment includes the basic rent for the residence and additional costs - called Umlagen or Nebenkosten.

Is it cheap to live in Germany? ›

Depending on your point of view and where you live now, Germany can be seen as either very expensive or very affordable. In contrast to many European countries, Germany is not very expensive.

Can I rent in Germany without a job? ›

There's no legal reason why you can't get a flat without a job. However, landlords will certainly want to check that you're able to pay the rent for the duration of the lease. As such, if you don't have a job yet, you might need to offer additional proof in order to rent.

What does 2.5 rooms mean in Germany? ›

E.g. two bedrooms, living room and dining room. 2 1/2 ZKB = 2.5 rooms. The half room is usually a room that due to its small size cannot be counted as a full room. The term "Studio" is seldom used in German advertisements. More often you find 1 Zimmer Apartment or 1 Zimmer Wohnung.

How much is salary in Germany? ›

According to Statista, in 2021, the average gross annual salary in Germany was 47.700 euros a year, or 3.975 euros a month. The numbers above are for all of Germany. However, the average gross salary will depend greatly on your location, professional experience, education, size of the company, and gender.

Can you get an apartment in Germany without a visa? ›

Tourists or people on a tourist visa can also rent an apartment in Germany. However, they might need to prove all before mentioned documents, such as: Job contract (in Germany) Bank statements.

How do you pay rent in Germany? ›

What is included in the rent in Germany? Your rental contract will set out exactly how much rent you are expected to pay. It will usually specify a payment date and a preferred method of payment. The most common way of paying your rent is by transferring it to your landlord's bank account.

Why do Germans rent? ›

This government-built, high-quality supply of social housing laid the foundations for Germany's preference for renting over buying. Couple this with a lack of subsidies for homeowners, rent stability, and consistently high house prices, and Germany's historical propensity for renting over buying becomes clear.

What is the cheapest city to live in Germany? ›

Top 5 Cheapest Cities to live in Germany
  • #1 Bielefeld City Germany.
  • #2 Frankfurt (Oder) City Germany.
  • #3 Halle City Germany.
  • #5 Passau City Germany.

How much is the average electric bill in Germany? ›

Electricity Price in Germany averaged 51.89 EUR/MWh from 2000 until 2022, reaching an all time high of 699.44 EUR/MWh in August of 2022 and a record low of -56.87 EUR/MWh in December of 2012. This page includes a chart with historical data for Germany Electricity Price.

What's a good salary in Germany? ›

A good annual average salary in Germany is between €64,000 to €81,000. This gross salary (salary before taxes or social contributions) depends on your profession, industry, and education.

What is the safest city in Germany? ›

Munich is the safest city in Germany.

In comparison to other cities with above 200 000 citizens, Munich has the lowest crime rate. In 2019, Mercer Quality of Life Survey awarded Munich with the 3rd highest quality of life across the world, and joint 2nd for infrastructure.

Which is the most English speaking city in Germany? ›

Berlin has the biggest number of English speakers followed by MUNICH.

Which city in Germany has more job opportunities? ›

Berlin - one of the economic hubs of the world

The capital city of Germany offers some of the best employment opportunities in Berlin. It is one of the economic hubs of the world and attracts a growing number of expats each year that come in search of better career options.

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