Finding an apartment in Germany is often described as one of the most stressful parts of moving here — and honestly, that reputation is well deserved.
Even after living in Germany for over a decade, I still find the housing market challenging. For newcomers, it can feel almost impossible: dozens of applications, few responses, unfamiliar rules, and very high competition.
The good news?
If you understand how the system works and prepare properly, your chances improve dramatically.
This guide will walk you through exactly how to find an apartment in Germany as an expat, step by step.
Why Finding Housing in Germany Is So Hard
Before we get into the steps, it’s important to understand why it’s difficult:
- High demand in major cities
- Strict tenant selection rules
- Long-term rentals are preferred
- Landlords want extensive documentation
- Cultural preference for stability and reliability
This is not personal — it’s structural.
Step 1: Understand the German Rental Market
In Germany:
- Renting is more common than buying
- Apartments are usually unfurnished
- Kitchens are often not included
- Long-term contracts are the norm
Short-term rentals exist, but they are expensive and competitive.
👉 Tip: For newcomers, starting with a temporary furnished apartment is often the smartest move.
Step 2: Decide Where and What You’re Looking For
Be realistic.
Ask yourself:
- Which city or neighborhood?
- Apartment or shared flat (WG)?
- Furnished or unfurnished?
- Budget (including utilities)?
- How far are you willing to commute?
Being flexible — especially at the beginning — increases your chances significantly.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents in Advance
This is where many expats fail.
Most landlords will ask for:
- Copy of passport or ID
- Proof of income (last 3 payslips or contract)
- SCHUFA report (credit history)
- Rental application form (Selbstauskunft)
- Proof of no rent debt (Mietschuldenfreiheitsbescheinigung)
If you don’t have all of these yet, don’t panic — but know that your options may be limited at first.
👉 I’ll explain SCHUFA and alternatives in a separate article.
Step 4: Use the Right Housing Platforms
Some of the most commonly used platforms in Germany are:
- Real estate portals
- WG (shared flat) platforms
- Furnished apartment platforms
- Facebook groups (with caution!)
Each platform serves a different purpose:
- WG platforms → great for students and newcomers
- Furnished apartments → ideal for the first months
- Unfurnished apartments → long-term goal
⚠️ Be careful with scams — if something feels too good to be true, it probably is.
Step 5: Write a Strong Application Message
This step is often underestimated.
Your message should:
- Be polite and concise
- Introduce who you are
- Mention your job or income
- Explain why you’re a good tenant
- Be written in German if possible
Even basic German makes a big difference.
👉 I’ll share application templates in another article.
Step 6: Attend Viewings (Besichtigung)
If you’re invited to a viewing:
- Arrive on time
- Dress neatly (business casual works)
- Bring printed documents
- Be friendly but respectful
- Don’t dominate the conversation
Sometimes viewings are individual, sometimes with 20–30 people. Don’t get discouraged.
Step 7: Apply Immediately After the Viewing
Speed matters.
If you’re interested:
- Send your documents the same day
- Confirm your interest clearly
- Be polite and professional
Following up once (not multiple times) is acceptable.
Step 8: Sign the Contract Carefully
Before signing:
- Read the contract slowly
- Check rent amount and additional costs (Nebenkosten)
- Confirm deposit (Kaution) amount
- Ask about minimum rental period
- Clarify notice period (Kündigungsfrist)
If something is unclear, ask — this is normal in Germany.
Common Mistakes Expats Make
- Applying without documents
- Ignoring unfurnished reality
- Falling for scams
- Only searching online
- Being too inflexible
- Taking rejections personally
Rejections are normal — even Germans experience them.
My Honest Advice After 11 Years in Germany
If you’re new:
- Start with temporary housing
- Use that address to register (Anmeldung)
- Build your paperwork
- Then look for a long-term apartment
This approach reduces stress and increases success.
What’s Next?
To help you further, I’ve written detailed guides on:
- WG vs Apartment in Germany
- SCHUFA Explained for Expats
- Rental Scams to Avoid
- Documents Needed to Rent an Apartment
- Average Rent by City
👉 You can find all of them on the Housing in Germany page.
Final Thought
Finding housing in Germany is hard — but not impossible.
With preparation, patience, and the right strategy, you will find a place.
And once you do, it truly starts to feel like home.
Newly German 
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