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Planning to rent in Germany – here’s a complete guide

by General

There isn’t a difficult endeavour like moving to a new location. Typically, the entire process is difficult and draining, especially if it is your first time. Those who have already done it might believe they are familiar with the procedures needed to rent a place. But if you intend to rent in Germany, you still need all the assistance you can obtain. Fortunately, this tutorial is created to do just that for you. Anyone unfamiliar with the German rental process can find all the necessary information here. You will have a thorough understanding of each step you must follow after reading this article.

German rental statistics

One of the developed nations in Europe, Germany is renowned for its advancements in both technology and industry. Even though the nation’s economy has expanded over the years, people still favour renting over buying a property. Germany’s house ownership rate, which is relatively low for a developed nation, is only 43%, according to data. People who live in rentals make up the remaining percentage.

Which choice is ideal for ex-pats? Purchase or Rent?

One of the developed nations in Europe, Germany is renowned for its advancements in both technology and industry. Even though the nation’s economy has expanded over the years, people still favour renting over buying a property. Germany’s house ownership rate, which is relatively low for a developed nation, is only 43%, according to data. People who live in rentals make up the remaining percentage. Make sure to stay outside the centre if you want to save a few euros. If you are planning to stay for a while but not for very long, you should rent a house instead of buying one because they are too expensive.

websites that offer German apartments for rent

The hardest thing for ex-pats moving to Germany is typically finding a property to rent. Renters who don’t want to spend a lot of time looking for rentals frequently hire brokers to handle it for them. However, numerous websites are devoted to assisting people in finding unoccupied homes that are available. Simply go to the website and conduct a city-by-city search. There are flat shares available for folks who don’t want to pay as much in rent each month.

houses available for rent to tourists in Germany

It is generally advisable to choose furnished temporary flats if you are only travelling to Germany and do not want to stay for an extended period. The majority of these residences are shared flats. You won’t have to spend a lot of money on furniture for your new home if you work with them. Additionally, moving in will be simpler than renting an apartment. Subletting is the alternative for those looking for something decent but short-term. It should please you to know that subletting is permitted in Germany. All you need to do is locate a great, fully furnished apartment that someone is prepared to let you rent for a set period.

A closer look at German rental apartments

You can obtain a list of rental apartments in Germany by visiting any of the aforementioned portals. Typically, the list includes the address, the number of bedrooms, the type of kitchen, and the year the home was built. However, the year of development is infrequently mentioned. You should be aware that rental apartments are frequently vacant areas when you conduct your search. This implies that neither curtains nor furnishings will be present. As a result, you will need to buy those items when you move in.

Additionally, you will need to install the lighting and make other fundamental additions. You will have the choice of choosing whether you want to live in an apartment building, a townhouse, or a farm. A tower block is an option if you don’t mind having a lot of neighbours. This is typically a large apartment complex that rises a few stories high. You can proceed and acquire the paperwork required to rent in Germany once you have searched and decided which rental home you would like to occupy. These consist of:

  • Credit history
  • Photocopies of ID
  • Report about your prior landlord
  • evidence that you are at a job that pays well
  • a request form provided by the landlord

The majority of these documents are required, but some, like the report from your prior landlord, are especially unnecessary if you’ve just arrived in the nation by plane. All you need to do is explain on your application why you don’t have it. You can usually move in right away after the processing is finished.

What is in a German tenant notice?

Landlords in Germany frequently have a tenant agreement, just like in any other nation. Before moving into your new flat, you will have to sign the contract. Keep in mind that the tenancy agreement may only be obtained when the landlord has processed and accepted the aforementioned tenant paperwork. So what exactly does a tenancy agreement cover? To begin with, the leasing agreement typically contains the apartment’s rules. This can involve always keeping the residential environment spotless. Typically, a renter relocating to a block apartment or a flat sharing must follow this guideline.

Additionally, the agreement says that you are responsible for any damage you do to your flat. Additionally, some guidelines or circumstances can result in your eviction as well as ways to terminate your leasing agreement. In most German rentals, you need to offer three months’ notice to end the tenancy agreement. The same holds for notice of eviction. You are free to challenge the eviction notice in court if you believe it was issued improperly. The landlord cannot just decide to raise the rent one morning. He or she must have a compelling motive for doing so. Additionally, before enacting the rent increase, he or she is required to provide notice.

Germany’s apartment-renting procedure

Here is the procedure for renting a home in Germany now that you are aware of where to hunt for rentals and apartment sharing in Germany. You will first need to look for an apartment that you can rent. Once you’ve found one that meets all the criteria on your list, get in touch with the landlord. Establish a time and date for your visit to the flat. Keep in mind that that is the only way you can be sure that things turned out exactly as you had hoped. 

After viewing, collect all the paperwork needed to rent an apartment in the nation. The paperwork must first be verified by the landlord. The application form that the landlord will provide should be submitted with this. Read every available rule, as well as the consequences for breaking each rule. This is one method of preparing yourself with responses if your tenancy rights are violated. After you have read and comprehended the tenancy agreement’s terms, sign it. Paying a rent deposit, which is equal to three months’ worth of rent plus any additional utilities, is the next step.

No landlord should demand a deposit greater than three months’ worth of rent. You can move into your new rental flat as soon as that is finished. Additionally, you need to pay close attention to utility expenditures. This might involve, among other things, your water and electricity bills. Not all monthly rent payments include these utilities. However, they are mentioned and paid for separately from the rent on the agreement form.

What privileges do you have as a tenant?

Your legal rights as a tenant are very well-guarded. A tenant is more valued than a landlord in Germany. The national tenants association is a body that defends the rights of tenants. This organisation is always prepared to assist a tenant in need. The most frequent scenario involves a landlord evicting residents to raise the rent for the home or apartment complex. However, unless a tenant misses two consecutive rent payments, the landlord cannot evict them. He or she will then be permitted to issue you with an eviction notice.

German eviction laws can take so long to complete that some landlords will pay tenants to leave their properties. 

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Relocating to Stuttgart

by General

About Stuttgart

With a little over 600,000 residents and a total population of around 5.3 million in the surrounding metropolitan region, Stuttgart is the sixth-largest city in Germany. The city is located in the Stuttgart Region, a heavily populated region in the southwest of Germany.

Stuttgart’s robust economy has long drawn employees from all across Germany and beyond, and the region has a population of about 40% foreigners, the majority of whom have assimilated into the local culture.

Due to its position as one of Germany’s economic powerhouses, ex-pats arriving in Stuttgart would anticipate finding a huge, industrialised metropolis. Instead, they will discover a metropolis that is surrounded by lush parks and vineyards.

Visas for Germany

There are numerous visa alternatives available depending on your country of origin. It is typically advised that you contact the German embassy in your country of residence to find out which one you require before entering Germany. Make sure you have all the necessary documents before moving to Germany because Germans adore paperwork.

There is no requirement for an employment visa for nationals of EEA nations, Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein. If you are from another nation, you must have employment lined up and provide a copy of your employment contract at the consulate or embassy of Germany that is closest to you.

Germany requires all citizens to register with their local town hall.

You will require your passport and the rental agreement for your home to obtain a registration document (Meldebestätigung). For every home move, including those within the same town, this is a prerequisite. Other government agencies will use this document to confirm your identity and residence.

Please refer to our dedicated content section on Visa and Administration in Germany for further information on both German visas and residence permits.

Finding Accommodation in Stuttgart

A decent location to start looking for housing is in your neighbourhood newspaper, especially on Saturdays when the real estate (Immobilien) section is often printed. Typically, you can also obtain the data online. In most places, free local newspapers are given, and they may contain local advertisements. Online markets are another choice; they offer a variety of houses in the surrounding area.

A “2 Zimmerwohnung” or “2ZW” would be an apartment with two empty rooms that you could use as a one-bedroom plus living room apartment or as a two-bedroom apartment without any additional living space. It’s important to note that Germans count rooms, not bedrooms, i.e. all living spaces other than bathrooms or kitchens.

In Stuttgart, one of Germany’s priciest cities, apartments are far less expensive than houses. Utility expenditures are not included in the listed basic rental price (Kaltmiete or KM). Based on prior renters’ usage, the advertisement will provide a predicted utility cost (also known as NK, or Nebenkosten).

Homes in Germany are frequently rented out without a kitchen, but you might be able to buy one that is already installed by the previous renter and sell it when you move out. Fridges, washers, and dryers are not typically provided, however, some apartments offer basement laundry facilities that can be accessed for a modest fee. If you wish to preserve the drapes, lamp fixtures, and other furnishings from the previous renter, you could have to pay them an “Ablöse.”

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New Subsidy coming up?

by General

In view of the tight housing market, it is becoming increasingly difficult for families to find affordable housing. With a new home ownership subsidy, Construction Minister Geywitz (SPD) now wants to support families with small and medium incomes.

Families with at least one minor child in the household and a maximum annual taxable household income of 60,000 EUR are eligible.

With a loan programme to promote home ownership, Federal Minister of Building Klara Geywitz (SPD) wants to support families with small and medium incomes. She mentioned that in view of the tight housing market and the price increases for building materials, they have a particularly hard time finding affordable housing. Now Business Insider has the details of the home ownership subsidy.

Who can apply for this new home ownership subsidy?

Families with at least one minor child in the household and a maximum annual taxable household income of 60,000 EUR are eligible. This means that about 75% of households in Germany would in principle be eligible to apply. For each additional minor child, the upper limit increases by 10,000EUR.

When families apply for home ownership support, they must not own any other residential property and must not have received any other federal support for home ownership in the past. Households in which a relative lives who has already received a subsidy for home ownership, for example Baukindergeld (which was discontinued), cannot receive a subsidy.

What requirements do new buildings have to meet in order to be subsidised?

The home ownership promotion scheme only supports new buildings in Germany that the owner occupies himself. However, it does not matter whether it is a single-family house, two-family house, terraced house or condominium. A new house does not necessarily have to be built. Even the addition of a storey to a building is sufficient for funding. The only important thing is that the new buildings have their own lockable entrance, at least one living room, a kitchen (or kitchenette) and their own bathroom.

Another requirement is that the new building must not only meet the statutory minimum standards of the Building Energy Act, but also the Efficiency House 55 funding standard that will apply from 1 January 2023. For energy-saving buildings, there is an efficiency house level as a benchmark that indicates how energy-efficient a building is. The rule is: the smaller the number, the lower the energy demand of the property. Only new construction that meets the standard “Climate-friendly building basic level” (KFG B) or the “sustainability class” (KFG NH) is to be promoted through the home ownership promotion scheme.

What are the conditions of the loan?

KfW Bank (Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau) grants the loan for home ownership up to a maximum of 35 years. Funding is scheduled to start in the second quarter of 2023. The maximum amount of the loan depends on the energy efficiency class in which a new building is classified.

The following maximum loan amounts apply to new buildings that are built according to the climate-friendly building basic level standards (new building KFG basic level):

  • Families with up to two children: 140,000 euros.
  • Families with three and four children: 165,000 euros.
  • Families with five or more children: 190,000 euros.

The following maximum loan amounts apply to new buildings built according to sustainability class standards (new building KFG sustainability class):

  • Families with up to two children: 190,000EUR.
  • Families with three and four children: 215,000EUR.
  • Families with five or more children: 240,000EUR.

In principle, it is possible to combine home ownership subsidies with state or regional subsidies for new construction. However, the sum of the combined subsidised interest and subsidies from other programmes may not exceed 60% of the costs for the new building. However, no combination is possible with the “Climate-friendly construction” (KfB) programme. In total, the ministry expects about 13,000 to 15,000 subsidised households per year. Around 350 million EUR in subsidies are earmarked for this.

The exact funding system is currently being worked out. However, we can already say that the life cycle consideration of the Quality Seal Sustainable Building (QNG) will play an important role in all funding levels. The exact details of the funding conditions will not be known until the funding guidelines have been finalised and can only be published then.

So.. we’ll need to wait for more details on the exact conditions.

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Renting in Germany – A detailed 2022 Guide

by General

Finding a place to live is one of the most crucial tasks when relocating to Germany. Most ex-pats choose to rent in Germany; just a handful choose to buy a house or apartment after living in Germany for a while. When it comes to renting an apartment in Germany as a foreigner, there are a few things you should be aware of to prevent a bureaucratic slog and unneeded stress.

This article will detail all of the pitfalls and idiosyncrasies of German flats, as well as provide crucial suggestions on locating an apartment in Germany and what to look for in the rental contract. 

8 points to remember when renting a property in Germany

Before you begin your apartment search in Germany, you should be aware of what to anticipate from German apartments. They are different from what you are accustomed to in your home country.

The vast majority of apartments for rent in Germany are unfurnished. Let us go over what this entails.

1. In German apartments, the bathroom is included.

All German apartments for rent include a bathroom (s). It is extremely usual for the shower to be integrated into the bathtub rather than being a separate shower. The more likely this is, the smaller the unit.

2. Apartments in Germany do not include a kitchen.

This is by far the most surprising aspect for most ex-pats, and it produces a lot of disbelief. The majority of unfurnished apartments for rent in Germany do not include a kitchen. Yes, you read that correctly!

So the key question is, what are your alternatives?

Make sure that if you find a listing with a kitchen in the photographs of the flat, it is included in your rental agreement. If it isn’t, the prior tenant (who may be the owner of the kitchen) will most likely take it with them. So, for the kitchen, you have the following options:

  • Purchase the kitchen from the prior tenant.
  • Only look for flats that contain a kitchen.
  • Rent a completely furnished flat.
  • Rent an apartment without a kitchen and then purchase one.

3. Appliances are not usually included in German apartments.

The same holds for appliances such as washers and dryers. They are most likely not included. If you need to buy one, make sure to double-check the measurements, as washing machines in Germany come in varied forms and sizes to fit in tiny apartments. Dryers, on the other hand, are not widely used in Germany since they take up a lot of room and use a lot of (expensive) energy. Germans dry their clothing on clothes racks.

4. In Germany, utilities are calculated separately from rent.

Warmmiete (warm rent) and Kaltmiete (cold rent) are two different terms for the price of a flat (cold rent). The first figure you see for an apartment is usually the chilly rent. However, this is not the ultimate sum you will pay because utilities (Nebenkosten) for water, heating, waste pickup, and sometimes TV cable, etc., must be included in the rental charge. So your total monthly rental payment is made up of chilly rent + utilities. Electricity is typically not included in utilities, and you will need to sign up with a provider.

5. When looking for an apartment in Germany, communication partners vary.

When looking for an apartment to rent, there is no one person to contact. The listing could be handled by the landlord (Vermieter), the previous tenant (Vormieter), the property management (Hausverwaltung), a real estate agent (Makler), a tenant (Mieter) searching for a sublet (Untervermieter), or a flat partner (WG-Bewohner). So carefully study the listing to figure out who you’re dealing with.

6. In Germany, deposits are very common.

Before you can move into your new house, you will almost definitely be requested to pay a deposit (Kaution). A deposit can be up to three times the net cold rent, according to the law. The deposit will be held by the landlord for the duration of your stay on the property. You will receive your deposit returned within three to six months of moving out. The trustworthiness is normally good, and the deposit is usually returned within a few days or weeks after you move out.

However, if you have caused damage or have not adequately refurbished the flat to the appearance it had when you moved in, the landlord may keep a portion of your deposit. So, take care of your flat and report any damages promptly so that they can be repaired.

7. In Germany, apartment floor numbers are counted differently.

Don’t be perplexed by the floor numbering in German apartment listings. Floors are known by the following names in Germany:

  • Basement
  • Ground floor
  • The first floor above the ground floor
  • top floor – literally under the roof

8. In Germany, the number of rooms in an apartment is defined.

In Germany, the kitchen and bathroom of a flat are never counted as rooms. That being said, if you want a living room and a bedroom, you should consider a 2-room apartment (2 Zimmer Wohnung) in Germany.

Documents Needed For Renting In Germany

The specific documentation you will need to furnish will be specified in the rental property ad. The following are the seven most typical documents required when renting an apartment in Germany.

1. Copy or scan of passport or ID (Necessity)

2. Proof of income (Necessity)

3. A SCHUFA report(Requested most of the time)

4. An application form or letter (Sometimes requested)

Some advertisements require you to fill out an application form or create an actual application letter to better compare the interested parties. Even if an application letter is not needed, it might help you stand out from the crowd.

7. Private Liability insurance (Beneficial)

Some landlords require that you obtain third-party liability insurance. Even if your landlord does not require it, we recommend including it in your application because it indicates that you are protected and makes you appear more reputable.

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Current interest rates for home loans in Germany

by Calculators

Currently best available interest rates – although only available in German: here’s a little translation for key aspects:
Kaufpreis: purchase price of the property
Standort Ihrer Immobilie => state in which the property is located
Wie hoch ist die Maklerprovision? =>brokerage fee
Eigenkapital =>own equity
Wie schnell möchten Sie das Darlehen zurückzahlen? => repayment rate (in the first year)
Monatliche Rate => EMI
Zinsrate => Interest rate
Darlehensbetrag => loan amount

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5 Cheapest Cities To Buy A Home In Germany

by General

Cost of living in Germany is relatively lower when compared to other European countries. However, even a tiny amount of money can make a big difference for students. And it’s common for all students to want to save as much money as possible.

In this sense, the location you choose to live has a significant impact on your monthly expenses, so take this in mind when deciding where to live. For example, if you decide to stay in Munich, you will find it difficult to save money because it is the most expensive area in Germany and the cost of living is extremely high.

So, if you are a student looking to study and live in Germany, you will need to know which cities are expensive and which are not. In this article, we have selected some of the cities in Germany that are less expensive and where you may live on a budget.

Following are the of the Top 5 inexpensive Cities in Germany to Buy or rent a house in:

#1 Passau City Germany

It is a small city in southern Germany near the Austrian border. It is known as “The City of Three Rivers” because it is crossed by three rivers: the Danube, the Ilz, and the Inn. According to recent statistics, this city has 50,000 residents.

In comparison to other German cities, the city is quite inexpensive. In the city, a one-bedroom flat may be rented for €600 on average. Outside of the city, the apartment can be rented for €340. However, the average three-bedroom apartment costs €1,050 in the city centre and €700 in the outskirts.

Aside from that, utility bills in Passau are lower than in other cities. Monthly bills cost an average of €75. However, depending on your consumption, the expenses can rise to a particular level, such as €250.

It is evident that the city is quite affordable in comparison to other German cities, and you should think about relocating there.

#2 Krefeld City Germany

It is a city in North Rhine-Westphalia, close to Dusseldorf. According to the current figures, the city has a population of 230,000 people and covers an area of 137 square kilometres. It is a reasonably priced city, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city costing €450 per month. However, it may cost you much less in the surrounding neighbourhood. Furthermore, a one-bedroom apartment outside of the city costs €400.

Furthermore, if you require additional space, you must hire a larger apartment, which will cost you more. The average rent for a three-bedroom apartment is roughly €760, with prices ranging between €400 and €1,100. Utilities cost roughly €170 per month, but if you control your electricity and other expenses, you can save money. Utilities often cost between €50 and €250 per month.

#3 Halle City Germany

Halle City is located in central Germany and spans 135 square kilometres. It is home to approximately 240,000 people. The city is fairly inexpensive and has a distinct Renaissance period. The monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city is €350. In the suburbs, however, the same apartment can be rented for €200. Furthermore, larger apartments are more expensive, costing roughly €710 on average in the city but just €470 in the outskirts. In comparison, apartment rent in Berlin is 130% more. Utility prices can range between €85 to €340, implying that you may have to spend an additional €195 per month for utilities.

The city is inexpensive in terms of food prices. Dinner at a low-priced restaurant will typically cost around €10 for a single person. In addition, a beer will set you back €3.50, and a cup of coffee would set you back €2.70.

#4 Bielefeld City Germany

It is a city in North Rhine-Westphalia with a population of around 350,000 people. In comparison to other German cities, living here is quite affordable.

Rent prices are something to be concerned about, yet they are not too expensive in Bielefeld. A one-bedroom apartment costs about €460 per month, which is relatively affordable. Furthermore, with little haggling or luck, you can acquire the property for €400 per month. In addition, flats in the surrounding neighbourhood range in price from €200 to €460 per month.

Bielefeld is also reasonable in terms of food affordability, as it offers a large number of places where you can obtain a cheap dinner.

#5 Frankfurt (Oder) City Germany

Frankfurt is a city in East Germany on the Polish border. It is traversed by the Oder River. According to the latest statistics, more than 60,000 people dwell in a tiny metropolis of only 150 square kilometres.

Frankfurt is a highly affordable city because a one-bedroom apartment costs €460 per month in the city and is cheaper in outlying suburbs, such as €325 per month only. Furthermore, a three-bedroom apartment in the city costs €1,250, but it is cheaper in the surrounding area, which costs €400 to €1,400. As a result, it is 40% less expensive than Berlin.

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Knowing your Eligibility

by CalculatorsGeneral

Knowing your eligibility is the first step of buying your house or apartment. Nothing would be more frustrating than looking over your budget and being denied the home loan, once it comes to that stage. With the eligibility calculator below you’ll get a first indication of what amount of loan a bank believes you are eligible for. There are many if’s and but’s to be considered here. Nonetheless a first indication is better than having no idea at all.