How To Rent An Apartment In Germany [2022]

Finding a rental property in Germany can be a daunting process since there are several sorts of housing to choose from and numerous websites to browse.

Whether you're searching for a low-cost apartment or prefer a more expensive living space, there are lots of resources at your disposal to assist you in locating the ideal rental. However, with effort and perseverance, you can discover the perfect flat for your budget.

First steps

The first step in finding a flat in Germany is to decide on your budget and what type of apartment you're looking for. If you're looking for a low-cost option, several websites list cheap apartments for rent in Germany.

Once you've decided on your budget, the next step is to search for apartments. Thanks to specific platforms, we'll go through some of the many types of apartment rentals available and how your search for one will be easier.

Types of apartments in Germany

There are a few main types of housing in Germany

Single flats/Studios: These are usually one-room apartments, perfect for people moving to Germany on their own. They're usually small and come furnished with a bed, desk, and chair.

Shared apartments: Also known as WGs (Wohngemeinschaften), shared apartments are popular among students and young professionals. You'll have your bedroom but share the kitchen, bathroom, and living room with other people. They're suitable for those who want to live in Germany with friends or family.

Family apartments: As the name suggests, larger apartments are suitable for families or groups of friends. They usually have two or more bedrooms and a larger living area.

Luxury apartments: If you're looking for luxury apartments, you'll find various options in the major cities. These apartments often come furnished and include all utilities. You can find websites specializing in luxury rentals, such as Wunderflats in Germany.

Where to look for apartments?

Now that you know what types of apartments are available, it's time to start your search!

Here are some of the best websites and platforms to use, divided by type of apartment!

Shared flat:

WG-gesucht: WG-gesucht* is a website specializing in shared apartments, making it a great resource if you're looking for a WG. You can search for apartments by city and find information on rent, size, and amenities on the website. You can also read reviews from other users to get an idea of the apartment.

Facebook groups: There are numerous Facebook groups dedicated to apartment hunting in Germany. These can be a great way to find an apartment, especially if you're looking for something specific. For example, if you want to find a studio apartment in Frankfurt, you can join the group Studio Apartments in Frankfurt and begin your search.

Single flats and family apartments:

ImmobilienScout 24: One of the most popular websites for finding apartments in Germany, ImmobilienScout 24* has a wide selection of listings. You can search for apartments by city, rent price, and the number of rooms. Additionally, you can also sign up for email alerts to notify you whenever a new listing that meets your criteria is posted.

Immowelt: Immowelt* is one of Germany's leading online platforms for finding apartments to rent. With over 1.5 million listings, Immowelt has the largest selection of apartments and homes available for rent. Immowelt lets you not only rent but also acquire houses, land, commercial, and foreign real estate. 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. Additionally, Immonet also provides you to search by keyword, so if you're looking for a cheap apartment in Berlin or renting an apartment in Munich, you can easily find what you need.

Rentberry: Rentberry is one of Germany's most popular rental platforms, offering a wide range of services to make your renting experience as smooth and hassle-free as possible.

These include rent insurance and rent payment plans, helping you feel more secure in your rental agreement. And with Rentberry's chat and email customer support, you can be sure that help is always on hand if you need it.

Furnished apartments:

Nestpick: If you're looking for a furnished apartment, Nestpick* is an excellent option. They also have a wide range of apartments, from shared flats to luxury rentals. In addition to finding available listings, Nestpick also provides information on rent prices and other helpful tips for moving to Germany.

Wunderflats: If you're looking for a furnished apartment in Germany, Wunderflats* is the website and app to check out. Wunderflats offers a wide range of furnished apartments all over Germany, with the option to filter your search by city, price range, size, and more.

When you find an apartment you're interested in, click "Request a booking" and fill out the form. Wunderflats will get in touch with the landlord to confirm your booking.

HousingAnywhere: This website is specifically designed for students who are looking for housing in a foreign country. Whether you're a student studying abroad, or just visiting for a few months, rent an apartment in Germany through HousingAnywhere and enjoy all the comforts of home without breaking the bank.

If you're looking for a great deal on rent, Expatrio has partnered with HousingAnywhere to offer you some amazing discounts on rent all across Germany. Click here for more information.

4 tips for renting an apartment in Germany

1. Start your search early

The sooner you start looking for a rental apartment, the better. The demand for apartments in Germany is high, especially in major cities such as Berlin, and Munich and properties are often snapped up quickly. It's advisable to start searching for your dream home at least three months before you plan to move.

2. Use a reliable website

Many websites list apartments for rent in Germany. Once you've found a good website, create an account and start browsing through the listings. Be aware of scammers as there are many apartments listed on the internet that are not actually available for rent. Make sure to only rent from reputable websites and to always contact the landlord directly to confirm that the property is available.

3. Set up viewings

Once you've found an apartment that meets your needs, it's time to arrange a viewing. This will allow you to check the property in person and better understand whether it's the right fit for you. When viewing apartments, keep in mind the size of the unit and any other amenities or features that are important to you, such as parking spaces or on-site laundry facilities. In addition, be sure to ask about rent costs and any additional fees or taxes that may apply.

4. Consider your budget

One of the most important factors to consider when renting an apartment in Germany is your budget. Make sure that you have enough money set aside each month to cover rent and other associated costs, such as utilities or furniture rental. 

Finding a great home in Germany is all about being patient and doing your research. With a little bit of effort, you're sure to find the perfect place to call home. Just remember to stay organized, set realistic expectations, and don't be afraid to ask for help if needed.

Good luck!

Want to find out about the Rental Laws in Germany?

Click on our latest article to learn more about the next stages to take after finding your ideal apartment.