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15 Tips for finding a flat in Berlin

by General

In Berlin, it might be challenging to find an apartment or even a shared flat—especially if you’re new to the area. The good news is that we are here to make your relocation as easy as possible and to provide a warm welcome to you in Berlin!

You’ll find advice to help you in your quest for the ideal house on this page.

Before you start

There are some crucial factors to take into account:

1. Where do you wish to reside in Berlin? To determine where you can afford to reside, you can utilise tools and apps.

2. Do you prefer to live in your apartment or a shared one? In Germany, a shared apartment is commonly referred to as a WG or Wohngemeinschaft.

3. What characteristics ought your new house to have? It’s crucial to take into account elements like the number of rooms, the amenities offered, and the floor you choose to reside on. Although amenities like balconies can be great, bear in mind that they may also restrict your possibilities.

4. It’s difficult but true to keep an open mind and be adaptable. Even while knowing what you want in a new home is vital, your chances will ultimately be better if you are also willing to make concessions! It’s also crucial to exercise patience. It will take some time to complete this process, and it is typical to view many properties before settling on one. (Consider it similar to looking for a job; you’ll put out applications, go through several interviews, and eventually, the right offer will be on the table.)

Suggestion: Understanding the distinction between “Warmmiete” and “Kaltmiete” is crucial when examining the cost of a rental apartment.

The basic rent for the apartment, known as “kaltmiete,” is the amount paid without accounting for any additional expenses. The term “warm rent,” or warm meite, refers to the Kaltmiete plus other expenses such as water, property tax, gas, electricity, and trash disposal services. (In German, these “side costs” are referred to as Nebenkosten.)

7. Search online with these tips: Look in places no one else does! 90% of those looking for housing will do it on the same, well-known search engines. Consequently, it is beneficial to examine less well-known internet portals. To be sure you are contacting the most recent offerings, you might also wish to search at times when fewer people are online (for example, advertising typically appears early in the morning or late at night).

Suggestion: There are numerous sizable Facebook sites and groups devoted to Berlin apartment searching. To improve your chances of receiving a response, you might want to think about joining smaller groups (preferably with fewer than 200 members).

8. Be bold and creative by posting an apartment or housing request in the form of a note in busy spots near the area where you want to live. This may happen in a coffee shop, at your preferred yoga or fitness center, or even on a telephone pole.

Do you already have a neighborhood in mind? If so, look for supermarkets nearby or in the immediate region. Numerous shops feature a “schwarzes Brett für Anzeigen,” a board where advertisements for buying, renting, and selling can be posted.

10. Always have the necessary paperwork on hand: You must prepare the following paperwork and bring them with you to view if you are looking for a flat. If any of these documents are absent or incomplete, your application may not be accepted in many cases:

  • Personal ID copy
  • Credit report: “SCHUFA Auskunft” (A credit investigation business called SCHUFA)
  • Certificate of Paid Rent – “Mietschuldenfreiheitsbescheinigung”
  • If you can’t yet prove your income, you might additionally require a guarantee signed by a guarantor (such as your parents) and evidence of their paystubs from the previous three months. Depending on the landlord, your work contract can also be sufficient documentation.

11. Let the marathon of videos begin: For some flat searchers, this step can be draining and disheartening. The good news is that once you get beyond the apartment challenge, you’ll feel like you’ve made it to Berlin at last – what a relief! To get through your apartment viewings, bear in mind the following:

  • To succeed, you must stand out from the crowd, so dress smartly, be approachable and polite, and shake the estate agent’s hand. You can acquire an advantage over your “competitors” by maintaining a neat appearance and a pleasant demeanor.
  • A copy of each document should be turned in in person at the viewing.
  • Send a second copy of your paperwork to the agency or landlord as soon as you can after the viewing by email.
  • Thank the landlord or real estate agent for the tour and express your appreciation in your email.

An important note about scams!

Renters naturally feel pressure to find a flat given Berlin’s competitive housing market. People may occasionally try to take advantage of you and try to trick you as a result, especially in situations where many people are applying for the same apartment.

To avoid becoming a victim of a scam, heed these quick DOs and DON’Ts:

  • NEVER pay a cash deposit! Although this is a widespread practice in other nations, it is not prevalent in Berlin, so you should be wary of anyone who requests a cash deposit. If you pay in cash and are defrauded (hopefully this would never happen to you), there will be no way to show that the money was moved. Due to this, it is essentially difficult to make a claim or inform the police about the scam.
  • ALWAYS have a legally binding contract in place! Please contact a German speaker to look over the contract with you before you sign anything if you are unsure about the contract because it is written in German. Any honorable landlord will appreciate that you need to take some time to make sure everything is legal.
  • DON’T hesitate to learn more about the landlord! Search for any ominous hints. Call them if you haven’t yet met in person and ask for images or links to their social media profiles (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.). Always request a viewing; if they refuse, excuse themselves by saying they are out of the country or ask for the deposit upfront, this is a scam. Additionally, be aware of landlords whose current address or phone number does not correspond to the nation of their bank account.
  • DON’T be duped by scam emails! To contact as many people as possible, several fraud networks have put up automated emails. They do not hesitate to target anyone, regardless of gender, age, or background. Please don’t put your trust in anyone you haven’t met in person, even if they email you a scan of their ID, a bank statement, their address, or a signed contract. And of course, under no circumstances send money (particularly through Western Union)!

You’ll find your ideal apartment quickly if you follow this advice. Happy home searching!

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Bavaria – A fascinating location to invest in German Real Estate

by General

LOCATION AND CONNECTION

An independent city and metropolis, the Free State of Bavaria’s state capital. Munich is a city in southern Germany that is situated on a gravel plain in the Alps’ foothills, between the Danube and the Limestone Alps. The administrative centre of the same-named district occupies a space of 31,071 hectares. As a metropolis with a population of more than a million, Munich has great connections. One of the biggest hubs in the world is Munich Airport. 102 airlines fly to 266 locations worldwide from this location. In terms of passenger traffic, Germany’s second-largest airport, which served 44.6 million passengers in the past 3 years, is ranked ninth in Europe.

Munich has access to the rail and road networks as well. Eight motorways go to Munich with ease. Recent improvements have been made to the train connections. Today, it takes less than 4 hours to travel by train to reach Berlin. Prague, Venice, or Paris can all be reached from Munich in six, eight, or nine hours, respectively (5-6 hours). With 2 million daily users from Munich and its surroundings, public transportation in Munich has a good infrastructure.

PEOPLE

The state’s capital is home to almost 1.5 million inhabitants. Munich is now the most populated city in Bavaria and, after Berlin and Hamburg, the largest municipality in Germany. With around 2.9 million residents in the Munich metro area and roughly 6 million in the Munich European metropolitan region, Munich has the 12th-highest population density in the EU.

ECONOMY

Munich is a significant commercial and trade show hub. The Bavarian state capital is home to the corporate offices of big businesses including Allianz, BMW, and Siemens. The city is home to the sole stock exchange in Bavaria.

According to some reports, Munich has the largest per-capita purchasing power among German cities, with 32,856 euros. There are 75,186 euros in the gross domestic product per person. In a city comparison, this places Munich in the third position. 19% of the Free State of Bavaria’s GDP comes from the city of Munich. Munich is home to 11.3% of Bavarians, according to the reports.

There was a lot of employment growth as well. Exports have increased in recent years, especially in the industrial sector, and each industry has been able to raise its value. 

EDUCATION

Munich has a stellar image as a “school city,” or a city that values education. A total of 339 schools serve more than 126,700 students, while 64,500 students attend one of the 211 vocational schools. 17 universities, including the Technical University, Ludwig Maximilian University, and Academy of Fine Arts, are located in Munich. The many courses Munich has to offer are used by about 120,000 students. 

TOURISM

Tourists flock to Munich. 17.1 million overnight stays were reported in recent years. In the city area, 20 new hotels opened. The tourism industry generated 7.65 billion euros in revenue. The retail sector alone generated huge revenue from tourism. Visitors drawn to the city are those who enjoy football, fine dining, and artistic and cultural institutions like the Kammerspiele and the Munich Opera. Munich’s Oktoberfest is renowned around the world, as are traditional items like lederhosen and regional cuisine. Munich is a great starting place for trips to Neuschwanstein Castle or the highlands. In 2018, Americans made up the majority of tourists (1.2 million overnight stays). Italy and Great Britain are ranked second and third, respectively. The majority of visitors—nearly 50%—are from Germany.

CULTURE AND LEISURE

Munich has activities to suit every preference. The city receives high marks in particular for its integration of sport and culture. In the mountains, athletes can go hiking, mountain biking, or rock climbing. You can watch professional football in the Allianz Arena. At Eisbach, a man-made wave, surfers and onlookers alike are drawn to Munich. You can also float down the river from here and relax at the English Garden. With picnics in the summer and sledging in the winter, the English Garden serves as the city’s green lung. The Chinese teahouse and several of Munich’s most renowned beer gardens are also nearby. Italian’s “Hippocampus” and the German Gastro-Gründerpreis-winning integration café “Über den Tellerrand” are both considered culinary attractions. The Viktualienmarkt is well worth visiting. The Pinakothek or the Deutsches Museum are good places to spend time inclement weather. Munich provides a distinctive retail experience as well. There is something for everyone here, from grand department stores like the Ludwig Beck department store to tiny boutiques. Evening entertainment options include the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra, the Bavarian State Opera, and theatres like the Munich Kammerspiele.

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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.”