Best websites to find apartments in Germany

If you’ve ever tried searching for an apartment in Germany, you should know how challenging it can be. One of the main reasons for this is that you probably don’t know where to look for apartments, given the number of websites listing properties. In this guide, we show you the websites that list rental properties in Germany.

If you Google ‘best sites to find accommodation in Germany’, you’ll see a number of results. However, not all of them are helpful. From our experience, below are the most rated and useful real estate portals in Germany.

Best sites to find accommodation in Germany

There are a number of types of accommodations in Germany; apartments, shared flats, and rooms are the most popular options. Some of the most popular and reliable websites that lists properties are below.

Longterm apartments

Of all these options, Immobilienscout24 and Immowelt are the most popular platforms in Germany for long-term apartment hunters. In fact, I found all the apartments I've lived in over the last 8 years on these sites, especially immowelt.

Short term apartments

If I wanted to find a short-term furnished apartment in Germany today, I'd check out all three websites below. I'd compare the apartments they have, their prices, and what people say about the landlords. In my opinion, all three websites are good and none is better than the other. They usually have different apartments listed. In the end, I care more about the apartment itself than which website I use.

Shared rooms

If you're searching for a shared room in Germany, WG-gesucht is a helpful website. It's a platform where people offer shared accommodations. You can browse through different listings, checking out the rooms available, their prices, and the details about the people you'd be living with. It's pretty easy to use: you create a profile, search for rooms in the city you want, and then contact the people who posted the ads. It's a popular site, so you might find a good fit for your needs.

Scams can sometimes occur on WG-gesucht, just like on any other online platform. These scams often involve fake listings for rooms or apartments that don't actually exist.

Sometimes, scammers might ask for a deposit or rent payment upfront without letting you see the place or meet in person. To avoid falling victim to scams on WG-gesucht, it's essential to be cautious. Always try to visit the place and meet the landlord or the current tenants before making any payments. Be wary of any requests for money in advance without proper verification of the accommodation's existence and legitimacy. Additionally, trust your instincts – if something feels off or too good to be true, it's best to investigate further or consider other options to ensure your safety and avoid potential scams.

Is immobilienscout trustable? - a personal opinion

With thousands of listings, Immobilienscout24 is the most popular and free real estate portal in Germany. Anyone looking for accommodation starts their search with Immobilienscout24. The portal also offers a number of other services, such as premium accounts and providing Schufa records.

However, is the effort spent on Immobilienscout24 worthwhile?

If you look on the positive side, the site offers a large number of advertisements. Thousands of listings which you can filter according to your criteria and find your future home. As far as we see, every homeowner who wish to rent out their apartment consider Immobilienscout24 as their first choice. Not only individual house owners, but rental agencies, builders and people who are subletting also prefer Immobilienscout24 due to its popularity and growing traffic.

However, on the other side, although they offer an English version of the app on both iOS and Android platforms, the desktop website, which most people prefer, is only available in German. Additionally, most areas of the website are filled with ads, which can be quite annoying.

One major problem with Immobilienscout24 is scams. Many scammers target apartment hunters, especially expats who are not familiar with the German market, and cheat them by posting fake ads. People who contact these scammers unknowingly are asked to send them money for different reasons like viewing the apartment, document verification, initial deposits, etc.

Even though the platform insist its users to report such scams up on identifying, the measures to prevent the listing of such ads seems ineffective.

If you need assistance in using Immobilienscount24, nomadenberlin.com has a great guide in English. I don't think even Immobilienscount24 has a user guide this detailed! Kudus to the team nomadenberlin.

Template to contact landlords

When you're trying to contact landlords in Germany through websites like Immobilienscout24, Immowelt, or Kleinanzeigen, it's important to be polite and professional. Start by introducing yourself and saying you're interested in their property. Give some details about yourself, like your job and how long you plan to stay. Ask if you can see the place and request more info about important stuff. Keep your message clear and friendly, and don't forget to include your contact details so they can get back to you easily.

You can download a free template in both German as well as in English here. Feel free to customise it according to your requirement.

Moving to Germany checklist

Having a checklist when moving to Germany is really important. It helps you organise everything you need to do before and after arriving. I've already made a very detailed checklist that covers different stages of your move.

It starts with things like making sure you have your visa and work permit sorted, researching the city and neighbourhoods where you'll be living and working, and starting your apartment hunt by researching and shortlisting places.

It also covers the relocation planning phase, focusing on things like giving notices to your service providers, planning your packing and shipping, and making sure your visa and travel documents are in place.

It then moves to important tasks like registering your address and switching to a German residence permit after your arrival. It also talks about financial matters like opening a German bank account, setting up money transfer services, and signing up for a German health care provider. Additionally, it includes tips on getting utilities and services sorted for your apartment and settling in by learning the language, familiarising yourself with the culture, and exploring your new neighbourhood.

This checklist covers a lot of ground to help make your move to Germany as smooth as possible. If you are someone who has recently moved to Germany or planning to move soon, then you should definitely go ahead and download it. It's totally free!

Conclusion

In conclusion, finding accommodation in Germany can be difficult, but not impossible. You can use different websites such as HousingAnywhere, HomeLike, Wunderflats, etc., to search for apartments in Germany. For long-term rentals, ImmoScout24 is one of the most popular websites, but you should also be careful of scammers and prepare yourself before contacting the advertisers. We also recommend downloading the 'Moving to Germany' checklist, which covers many essential steps and tips for relocating to Germany. By following these guidelines and using these resources, you can find your dream home in Germany.

Frequently asked questions

Which are the best websites to find apartments in Germany?

There are many websites to find apartments in Germany, but some of the most popular and reliable include:

ImmobilienScout24: This is the largest online marketplace for real estate in Germany. It has a wide variety of listings for apartments, houses, and other properties.

Immowelt: This is the second largest online marketplace for real estate in Germany. It is a good alternative to ImmobilienScout24 with a similar range of listings.

Wunderflats: This website specialises in furnished apartments. It is a good option if you are looking for a temporary or short-term rental.

HousingAnywhere: This website is another good option for finding furnished apartments. It is also popular with international students and expats.

WG-Gesucht: This website is specifically for finding shared flats (WGs). It is a popular option for students and young professionals.

What are the different types of apartments available in Germany?

There are three main types of apartments available in Germany:

Long-term rentals: These are apartments that are rented for a period of more than six months.

Short-term rentals: These are apartments that are rented for a shorter period of time, typically a few days or weeks.

Furnished apartments: These apartments are furnished with furniture, appliances, and linens. They are a good option for temporary stays or for people who are not planning to bring their own furniture.

What are the best areas to find apartments in Germany?

The best areas to find apartments will depend on your budget, lifestyle, and preferences. However, some of the most popular areas for expats include Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, and Cologne.

What is the average rent for an apartment in Germany?

The average rent for an apartment in Germany varies depending on the size, location, and amenities of the property. However, you can expect to pay between €500 and €1,500 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in a major city.

What are the documents I need to rent an apartment in Germany?

You will need to provide the following documents to rent an apartment in Germany:

• Proof of identity (passport or ID card)

• Proof of income (bank statements or pay stubs)

• Schufa credit report (for long-term rentals)

How can I find a reliable landlord in Germany?

There are a few things you can do to find a reliable landlord in Germany:

Read online reviews: Check for reviews of potential landlords on websites like Google Maps and immobilienscout24.

Meet the landlord in person: If possible, try to meet the landlord in person to get a sense of their personality and professionalism.

Get everything in writing: Make sure you get all of the terms of the lease in writing, including the rent, deposit, and cancellation policy.

What are some tips for finding an apartment in Germany?

Start your search early: The rental market in Germany is competitive, so it is important to start your search early.

Be flexible: Be prepared to be flexible with your budget, location, and apartment type.

Be persistent: Don't get discouraged if you don't find an apartment right away. Keep searching and eventually you will find the right place for you.

Tips to prepare for the apartment viewing process in Germany?

Before visiting an apartment, thoroughly research the area, check the online listing for details, and inquire about any additional information. Prepare a list of questions for the landlord or property manager, dress professionally, and arrive on time for the viewing. Being polite, engaged, and knowledgeable about the property will make a positive impression.

What are some common scams to watch out for when finding an apartment in Germany?

Scammers often target foreigners seeking apartments in Germany. Be cautious of emails or messages from individuals asking for upfront payments or personal information before even viewing the property. Avoid paying any fees for applications or background checks until you have physically seen the apartment and are confident in the landlord's legitimacy.

What are the key documents I need to have ready when applying for an apartment in Germany?

To be considered for an apartment in Germany, you'll need to provide certain documents to demonstrate your identity, financial stability, and commitment to the rental agreement. These may include:

• Valid passport or national ID card

• Proof of income, such as bank statements or employment contracts

• Schufa credit report (for long-term rentals)

• Recent utility bills or proof of address

• Contact information for references if required (employer or previous landlord for example)

By having these documents ready, you can expedite the application process and make a strong impression on potential landlords.