Rent house in Germany | E&V (2024)

FAQs

How hard is it to rent a house in Germany? ›

Finding a house to rent in Germany is difficult for foreigners. It can take up to 6 months to find a decent place to rent in Germany. Check multiple property rental platforms daily to find an apartment to rent. Be the first to message the landlord.

Over half of the population rents in Germany and Switzerland

In Germany, the proportion of renters exceeded 50% in 2022, making it unique among EU countries. Switzerland, considering the broader European Free Trade Association (EFTA, the UK, and candidate countries, had the highest proportion of renters at 57.7%.

The cost of living: average values for Germany in 2022

According to Destatis, it adds up to €2,507 a month, with 37% of this going towards housing and energy costs and 15% on food, alcohol, and tobacco (as of September 2022). If you calculate this on an annual basis, the average cost of living in Germany is €30,084.

In general, the average monthly expenses in Germany can add up to €1,904 for a single person or €4,289 for a family of 4. However, these averages can vary depending on where you live, as rental prices are higher in cities popular among expats. For instance, the average rent in Germany is €957 per month.

You'll need the following required documents for renting in Germany as a foreigner: Your ID or passport. A Mietschuldenfreiheitsbescheinigung—a document to prove you don't owe previous landlords money. Your potential landlord might not ask for this but it's best to have it if possible.

The Federal Government acknowledges that homelessness in Germany is caused by multiple factors, "such as financial, domestic, and individual psychosocial reasons" and that it is not merely rooted in the lack of affordable accommodation According to Global Homelessness Statistics, "Around 50% of poor households spend ...

The government subsidised the building of social housing with grants, guarantees and tax incentives. And because rents remained affordable for so long, people were happy to continue renting for long periods.

Conclusion. Renting and buying property in Germany each have their own set of advantages and considerations. Ultimately, the decision hinges on your financial situation, lifestyle, and long-term goals. Renting offers flexibility and lower initial costs, while buying builds equity and provides stability.

Overall, the cost of living in Germany is estimated to be about 13.5% less than in the United States. This is a general indicator that takes into account various categories for an objective comparison.

Erfurt. Erfurt, located in the state of Thuringia, is one of the cheapest cities in Germany for tenants due to its low rental costs. The rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is about 561 euros per month, and in the suburbs, it decreases to around 423 euros.

Is healthcare free in Germany? ›

Yes, all Germans and legal residents of Germany are entitled to free “medically necessary” public healthcare, which is funded by social security contributions. However, citizens must still have either state or private health insurance, covering at least hospital and outpatient medical treatment and pregnancy.

A salary between €64,000 and €70,000 gross a year is considered a good salary in Germany. For a single person, this means roughly €40,000 to €43,000 euros net a year or between €3,300 and €3,600 euros net a month.

What is the cost of living in Germany? It would be hard to get by for less than €1,000 a month in Germany, and this rises to around €1,500€ - €2,000€ in the cities where rents are higher. Students can usually cover living costs for around €850 a month.

If you do not have a work contract, payslips or considerable savings, then your best bet when applying for apartments in Germany may be to provide a guarantor letter (Bürgschaft). This is a signed letter that legally obligates that the signee will cover your rent in the event that you cannot pay.

Rent Amount and Additional Costs: The contract should clearly state the rent amount (Kaltmiete) and any additional costs (Nebenkosten), such as utilities and maintenance fees. Deposit (Kaution): Typically, the deposit is equivalent to three months' rent.

The housing market in Germany is very competitive; however, it is not impossible to find and buy a house in Germany as a foreigner. When you set your mind to it, you will be able to find and buy the house you want, even in Germany. Most likely you won't be a new house owner within a month though.