Finding a flat
Germany offers a wide range of first-class rental flats that meet tenants’ needs and wishes. That is why many people consciously choose to rent a flat rather than buy a property. CareLend is glad to support you in the search for your dream flat. We give you valuable advice for a smooth move-in.
The first accommodation
There is a wide range of options for accommodation in the first weeks of your stay in Germany while you are looking for a flat. You can choose between various alternatives that suit your needs and your budget. A hotel is a comfortable option if you are staying for a short time, but prices can be around 90 Euro per night. If you wish to stay longer, you can rent a furnished two- to three-room flat for a limited period, which depending on location and region can cost between 500 and 1,200 Euro per month. A cheaper option is youth hostels, which as a rule charge between 20 and 30 Euro per night. There is also the possibility of making contact via online portals with local people who offer their private flats as accommodation.
That can not only be cheaper but also offer a great opportunity to get to know the life and culture of local people.
Buy or rent?
In Germany it is for many people a conscious decision to look for a rented home, because there is a comprehensive selection of high-quality rental flats here, available for every budget and in every location – from cosy apartments through to spacious villas with their own gardens. Most rental flats in Germany are in excellent condition and offer quality comparable to owner-occupied flats. In addition, tenants in Germany enjoy special protective rights that shield them from disproportionate rent increases and unjustified terminations.
Shared flats (WGs)
A shared flat is a great option for people looking for social contacts and affordable accommodation. Each resident usually has their own room, while shared areas such as the kitchen and the bathroom are used jointly. Costs are divided among the flatmates, which makes it an inexpensive option. Shared rooms such as the kitchen or the living room are often the centre of the WG, where people cook together or simply spend time with one another. If you want privacy, you can close the door to your own room at any time.
Shared flats are popular not only with students but also with working people and trainees who are new to a city or who value living together. In larger cities there are many shared flats that offer an excellent way to make contacts quickly.
There are various ways to find a WG, for example by looking at noticeboards at the higher education institution or by using online housing exchanges to find a suitable room or to place a request.
Finding a flat
Whether you are looking for a rental or a purchase property, there is a wide range of offers both in newspaper service offices and on property platforms on the internet. In rural areas tenants and buyers as a rule find the ideal property, whereas owners in larger urban municipalities often look among a few, closely connected people. Although finding a flat in metropolitan regions such as Munich or Frankfurt can be a challenge, estate agents in large-city regions can be helpful. It is, however, regulated by law that they may not charge more than 90 daily rents as commission. If you reply to a property advertisement with an agent, you are not required by law to pay commission.
Rental costs for flats and houses vary considerably depending on the region in Germany. In large cities you should reckon with about 14 Euro per square metre per month for rent and ancillary costs such as heating, water and gas, while in small towns and rural areas about 8 Euro per square metre per month is normally charged. There is, however, a large selection of properties in different regions, so that everyone can find a suitable offer.