Accommodation in Germany

Finding a place to stay in Germany is a priority for most expats. And having a comfortable home in an area that's suited to their lifestyle will go a long way to easing the transition into their new surroundings.

Accommodation in Germany ranges from furnished apartments and maisonettes to trendy studio apartments, cottages and large family homes. Luckily there are plenty of options for reasonably priced housing in most cities.

As one travels further from the cities, iconic German fachwerk (half-timbered) houses, cottages, and bauernhause (farmhouses) become available. 

Expats usually rent property in Germany rather than buy because of the short-term nature of most expat assignments, but most locals rent their homes, too. 

Types of property in Germany

Expats moving to Germany will find their choice in types of property will depend on whereabouts in the country they are based. Generally, within the city centres of major urban hubs, most people tend to live in apartments. The standard of accommodation in Germany is on par with other countries in Western Europe. Properties are often comfortable but small, air conditioning isn't common (though it is rarely necessary), and adequate heating is essential in winter.

Expats wanting to rent property in cities like BerlinFrankfurt and Munich will find that housing costs are largely determined by location; the closer someone lives to the city centre, the more they can expect to pay. Many people look for accommodation in outlying suburbs where they get a better balance between price and space than downtown areas.

One benefit of living in Germany is that no matter where expats live, they'll have access to efficient public transport.  

Finding accommodation in Germany

The process of finding a property to rent in Germany is relatively easy. Expats can search online or check local newspaper listings – especially as using a real estate agent can cost as much as a month's rent in some cases.

Once they've found a suitable property, expats will need to arrange a time and a date for a viewing (bezichtiging) with the landlord. Group viewings are common, and there may be as many as 20 other potential tenants at a single viewing. Expats should express interest immediately if they've found the right property, especially because landlords often determine the shortlist for rental applications themselves. They should also note that they may need to pay three months' rent as a security deposit.

While shipping furniture to Germany – particularly from within the EU – is a viable option, expats shouldn't have much trouble buying items to kit out their new homes after they arrive. Most German cities have numerous stores that sell new, second-hand and antique furniture.

Home security shouldn't be a major issue either. Although petty theft does occur, especially in the downtown areas of major cities, home invasions and violent crimes are rare, and expats generally feel safe in their homes. 

Renting property in Germany

The availability of rental property does vary from one location to another. In the major cities, properties do tend to move quickly, so expats will need to act more quickly in order to secure a suitable place. 

Upon finding suitable accommodation, expats should start by arranging a viewing with the landlord or agent. If the property is particularly popular the landlord may opt to hold a group viewing. Having viewed a property, if expats are interested in renting it, they will need to express this to the landlord or agent. Again, if the area or property is popular then the landlord may take their time and compare potential applications. In such cases, expats will need to ensure their paperwork is in order so that they can apply swiftly. Usually, expats will be required to provide a copy of their ID, work permit (if applicable) and payslips or a contract of employment. 

To secure a property in Germany, tenants are required to put down a security deposit of at least one month's rent. In some cases, the landlord may ask for up to three months' rent as a security deposit. Generally, leases are a year long, but expats can try to negotiate a short-term lease if necessary. Be sure to read the tenancy agreement carefully in order to understand how much notice is required to terminate a lease early. Furthermore, tenants should carry out an inventory and note any damages to the property formally to ensure the security deposit can be returned in full at the end of the lease.

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