Apartment hunting abroad is always an adventure, and finding a home in Germany was no exception for us! This was the first time in nearly eight years that we had to search for housing on our own, and the experience came with unique challenges. The German housing market moves fast, and navigating the process as an expat requires patience, strategy, and a bit of luck.
Now that we’ve successfully found our home, I’m excited to share our journey and provide some helpful tips for anyone looking to rent a home in Germany.
Starting the Apartment Search Early
I began searching for our home at least eight months in advance—yes, before we even arrived in Germany! If you’re wondering how, let me tell you: Facebook.
Where to Find Listings
- Facebook Groups – Many expat, job-related, and military-focused groups have listings for available rentals.
- Bookoo.com and Other Real Estate Websites – Cross-referencing Facebook listings with these platforms helped verify legitimate opportunities.
- Comment Sections – Reading through comments on Facebook posts and listing sites provided insights into the quality of the property, neighborhood, and even the landlord.
A key takeaway? Be cautious of scams. Many people pose as real estate agents, sharing false links. Always verify listings through multiple sources before engaging.
The Fast-Paced German Housing Market
Properties in Germany go fast. I mean really fast. People are already messaging the landlord as soon as a new listing goes up. If you find a property that looks promising, don’t hesitate—reach out immediately! Even if you’re unsure, securing a viewing is better than missing out entirely.
Despite all my online research, none of the listings I had shortlisted before moving actually worked out. However, my pre-arrival research gave me a good understanding of market prices, neighborhood options, and rental expectations, which made the in-person search much smoother.
Viewing Properties in Germany
Once we arrived, we had to start fresh. We viewed three properties in person before making our final decision.
Property 1: The Almost-Perfect Location
- Ideal for my husband’s work commute
- Listed as a 3-bedroom but actually a 2-bedroom with a small office
- Misleading listing and a landlord with concerning reviews
Despite the great location, the inaccuracies in the listing and the difficult landlord were dealbreakers for us.
Property 2: The Dream Home
- Located on the outskirts of town in a quiet residential area
- Standalone house with beautiful aesthetics
- Kind and responsive landlord
I fell in love with this house instantly. It wasn’t just about looks—it met many of our non-negotiables, from my husband’s height-friendly ceilings to having a spacious layout for our family. The landlord was also incredibly easy to work with, making the decision even easier.
Property 3: The Too-Far Option
- Extremely far from work and daily conveniences
- Isolated neighborhood with limited amenities
No matter how beautiful a property is, location is everything. This house was simply too far from everything we needed, making it an automatic no.
Lessons Learned from Apartment Hunting in Germany
1. Have a List of Non-Negotiables
Before you start searching, create a list of must-haves. For us, that meant:
- A landlord who is responsive and easy to work with
- A location that minimizes my husband’s commute
- Aesthetic appeal and practical layout for our family
2. Move Quickly on Listings
If you see a home that meets your criteria, don’t hesitate to schedule a viewing. The rental market in Germany is highly competitive, and waiting too long can mean losing out.
3. Research
Scour listing websites, Facebook groups, and comment sections. Before making any commitments, consider the cost of living, neighborhoods, and the typical rental process.
4. Be Prepared for Temporary Housing
Even with early planning, you may need temporary lodging. We stayed in an Airbnb, which worked well while we finalized our home search.
5. Trust Your Instincts
Your home should feel right. If something seems off—whether it’s the landlord, the location, or the amenities—don’t ignore your gut feeling.
Final Thoughts
Apartment hunting in Germany was a rollercoaster, but we are beyond thrilled with our final choice. The process required patience and persistence, but having a strategy made all the difference. If you’re preparing for your move, I hope these tips help make your journey smoother!
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