If you are planning to emigrate to Germany, you are probably wondering how to find accommodation in this beautiful country.
Don't worry, we are here to help you. In this article, we will share with you a Complete Guide to Finding Accommodation in Germany with useful pages and recommendations important for your flat search to be successful and to avoid potential scams.
Table of contents
Useful websites for finding accommodation in Germany:
- WG-Gesucht: This site is very popular and allows you to search for rooms in shared flats (WG) or even entire flats.
- Wunderflats: If you are looking for a temporary option, such as a short-term furnished flat, this page is perfect.
- HabytHere you will find modern and furnished flats in different cities of Germany.
- Immobilienscout24One of the biggest real estate platforms for finding accommodation in Germany. Here we got the flat we are currently living in.
- eBay KleinanzeigenThis page is ideal if you are looking for cheaper accommodation, as many individuals post ads here.
- HousingAnywhereA global platform that allows you to search for long-term accommodation in various German cities.
- The HomelikeSpecialising in short and long term rentals, this site offers you options in the city of Berlin.
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Recommendations when looking for accommodation in Germany:
Never pay in advance without having seen the flat in person, unless you are dealing with a reputable real estate agency and can find reliable information to back up the transaction. Unfortunately, scams do exist, so it is better to be safe.
We recommend that you rent a Airbnb or stay in a hostel for the first month. This way you can spend time and peace of mind looking for a long-term flat without rushing and avoiding potential scams.
When renting, be aware of the terms "Kaltmiete" and "Warmmiete". The former refers to the basic price of the flat excluding additional services, while the latter refers to the final price including services.
Start your search well in advance, as this will allow you to find better options and avoid paying more than necessary. If you search at the last minute, you are likely to end up paying higher prices due to high demand.
Check the location: Before committing to a flat, be sure to research the location. Consider accessibility to public transport, proximity to basic amenities such as supermarkets and pharmacies, and the safety of the neighbourhood.
Flexibility in search criteria: Keep an open mind when looking for a flat. Your initial criteria may need to be adjusted to suit. Consider options such as shared rooms or living on the outskirts of the city.
Effective communication: Learn some basic German phrases related to finding accommodation. This will help you communicate better with landlords or estate agents and show you how to be a committed tenant.
- Have the Schufa ready: The Schufa is a credit report in Germany which assesses your creditworthiness and which you will be asked for in most places to rent.
- Take out liability insurance: The civil liability insurance protects your assets by covering damages to third parties. It is compulsory in some cases, includes legal defence and avoids large debts. It is economical and essential for unforeseen events. This insurance is a great plus that will also be useful when renting. At THIS LINK can be contracted for less than €5 per month.
Common types of scams in Germany (and how to avoid them):
1. Fake Listings (Fake Listings):
- How it works:
- A flat is listed at a very low price on portals such as eBay Kleinanzeigen or WG-Gesucht.
- The "owner" tells you that he is abroad and cannot show the flat in person.
- It asks you for a advance deposit to send you the keys.
- Once you pay, it's gone.
- How to avoid it:
- Never pay without visiting the flat.
- Be wary of advertisements that are too cheap.
- Use secure platforms that offer identity verification (e.g. Immobilienscout24).
2. Phishing and identity theft:
- How it works:
- You receive an email from an alleged owner asking you for your personal and bank details.
- Sometimes they create fake websites of well-known portals such as "Immobilienscout24" to steal your information.
- How to avoid it:
- Never send copies of your passport or bank account to strangers.
- Always check the URL of the website before entering data.
3. "Fake Airbnb" or alleged management companies
How it works:
- The scammer claims the property is rented through "Airbnb" or a fake agency.
- It sends you a fake website where you must make an advance payment.
- Once you pay, they disappear.
- How to avoid it:
- Do not pay outside the official rental platforms.
- Airbnb never manages unreserved long-term rentals on its platform.
4. Overpayments and false reimbursements:
- How it works:
- A supposed tenant or landlord sends you a higher payment than agreed.
- He then asks you to reimburse him the difference.
- Days later, the initial payment turns out to be false and you lose the money sent.
- How to avoid it:
- Do not accept overpayments.
- Wait until the money is actually in your account before making any refunds.
5. Illegal subletting
- How it works:
- Someone rents a flat and then sublets it without the landlord's permission.
- You pay the deposit and rent, but then the real owner shows up and evicts you.
How to avoid it:
- Verify that the person you are dealing with is the legal owner of the property.
- Ask to see the original contract and an authorisation to sublet.
Final tips to avoid scams
- Always visit the department in person before paying.
- Do not send money through Western Union, PayPal "friends and family" or cryptocurrencies.
- Use only reliable platforms such as Immobilienscout24, WG-Gesucht or Airbnb.
- Sign an official contract before transferring any money.
How much does it cost to rent in Germany?
| City | Complete apartment (≈ 70 m²) | Rooms in Shared Flats (WG) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum (€) | Maximum (€) | Minimum (€) | Maximum (€) | |
| Munich | 1300 | 1800 | 500 | 700 |
| Frankfurt | 950 | 1300 | 400 | 600 |
| Berlin | 900 | 1400 | 350 | 600 |
| Hamburg / Cologne | 900 | 1250 | 400 | 600 |
| Stuttgart / Düsseldorf | 800 | 1000 | 400 | 600 |
| Leipzig / Dresden | 600 | 950 | 300 | 450 |
To be taken into account:
- In addition to the rent, they should consider utility costs (heating, water, electricity), which usually range between €100 and €200 per month, depending on the size of the flat and consumption.
- Deposit: Generally, a deposit equivalent to one or two months' rent is required.
- Prices can vary considerably depending on the area. In the centre or in trendy neighbourhoods everything is more expensive, while in the suburbs it is usually cheaper. So it pays to shop around before you make your choice.
- Prices are current as of May 2025but may change over time
Hostels offering Anmeldung
As an extra, we leave you the information about hostels that offer anmeldung (anyway we recommend you to contact the hostel and ask for it):
Berlin:
Hostel Inn Berlin
Meininger Hotel Berlin
Happy Go Lucky
Living Hotel
36Rooms
Leipzig:
Garten Eden Leipzig
Hamburg:
MAC City Hostel
In addition, in this link you can view hotels in Southern Germany that offer accommodation and work.
If you know of any hostels that are not on the list that offer Anmeldung, please leave it in the comments, as it will be very helpful for those who are just arriving.
Remember, patience and perseverance are key when looking for accommodation in Germany. Don't get discouraged if you don't find something right away. Keep exploring and using different resources to increase your chances of finding the perfect place. Good luck in your search!
Other articles that may be of interest to you:
- How to join a German public insurance?-> Learn step by step how to get your krankenkasse and social security number!
- Insurance in Germany, which ones you need and how to choose them -> Find out which insurances are most important in Germany: which are compulsory, which are recommended and how much they cost.
