It is common for people to travel to Germany for a short period of time, whether for business, a course exchange, or for an extended vacation. However, most suffer to find an ideal apartment that suits their needs.
Expatriates often rent temporary apartments when they move to Germany for the first time. Most newcomers don't buy or rent a single house when they move for the first time.
In Germany, you have the possibility to rent an unfurnished apartment, a serviced apartment or a fully furnished apartment.
Temporary accommodation in Germany
If you're planning to stay in Germany only for a few months, there are a few options you can consider rather than booking a regular hotel. The options include serviced apartments, renting an apartment, or finding an Airbnb, etc.
In Germany, you can find fully furnished apartments at a cheaper cost. In comparison to living in a hotel, these apartments provide a better and more personalized lifestyle.
Regular Hotels
Hotel rooms are your best choice for short visits or vacations in Germany, if you want to be mobile.
There are numerous hotels, both international hotel chains and local hotels, that operate in big cities as well as in small towns across Germany. You’d find big names even in the countryside small towns.
As you do usually, just login to one of those travel booking sites and book your stay. However, when it comes to traveling in Germany, or Europe in general, my personal experience, whether in terms of price or deals, with Booking.com is much better compared to other travel aggregators.
Serviced apartment in Germany
Often, business travelers book serviced apartments because their days start early and end late. Furthermore, serviced apartments are most suited for business travelers as they can leave the hassle of cleaning the apartment and making bed every day.
One additional benefit of serviced apartments is that most of them offer free breakfast and snacks. Otherwise, they offer breakfast for a relatively cheaper price.
Where to look for serviced apartments in Germany?
TempoFlat
With tempoFLAT, you can find a wide selection of furnished apartments offered at base cost by individuals who are not looking to make a profit. Since you can sublease your apartment while you are away, your sub-tenant gets to enjoy a wonderful stay in your flat, and you get to save on your rent. Private subletting means that there are fewer business apartments being taken off the rental market – this is your contribution towards counteracting the housing shortage.
Booking.com
Most people don't know that, just like regular hotels Booking.com lists serviced apartments too. With Booking.com, you can find and book serviced apartments across Germany just like how you book a hotel room.
Additionally, Booking.com often provides seasonal as well as regular offers for serviced apartments.
Short term rentals in Germany
If you’d like to have your own space, but don’t want to buy or rent furniture and other household items, then you can opt for a short term rental apartment in Germany.
The short term apartment rentals usually come from one up to six months contract and mostly include furniture, television, and other kitchen as well as living electronics equipment.
Wunderflats
Wunderflats offer furnished apartments that give you all the freedom you need. With Wunderflats, you can choose your apartment and rent it by signing the contract online. Their processes are optimized to save you time.
Wunderflats often verify listings and visit apartments to make sure the pictures on the portal are the same as the actual property.
Once a Wunderflat has been reserved for you and before the rental agreement is signed, Wunderflats also offer viewing appointments if you request.
Spotahome
Spotahome offers an easy online renting experience for you to spend time on what really is important to you and forget the hassle of everything else. Spotahome verifies their listings occasionally to get rid of fraudulent listings.
Mr.Lodge
If you are planning to stay in Germany, then Mr.Lodge would be the best choice for you. Mr.Lodge provides fully furnished apartments in great locations in Munich at affordable cost.
It was Mr.Lodge that I used to find my first apartment in Germany back in 2016, and it has been the best place in Germany where I've lived.
In addition to short-term rental portals, you could also use general German property rental portals as well. Immobilienscout24 or Immowelt are two popular property rental services in Germany. However, since landlords who advertise in immobilienscout and immowelt expect tenants to stay for a long time, it may be difficult to find a short-term rental.
The cost of renting in Germany
The cost of living in German cities is also rising every day, just like in other parts of the world. In spite of the signs that have been present since the end of 2021, the recent events contributed to the rise in living costs.
As Iamexpat reported, Munich has been ranked the most expensive city in Germany in 2022.
It's evident to me as someone who lives in Munich. Approximately 1200 euros would have been enough to rent a two-bedroom apartment in Munich when I moved here in 2016. Despite raising my budget to 1700 euros, I cannot even get a viewing appointment for a 2 bedroom (3 room) apartment in 2022.
Therefore, make sure to plan your budget accordingly.
Finally, when you leave the comfort of your home and home country and decide to come to Germany, don’t you worry! There are plenty of options to choose from whether you are a business traveler who has been assigned on a project onsite or a nomad who wishes to stay in Germany and know the culture.
Short-Term Apartment Rentals in Germany: Some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the average cost of renting a short-term apartment in Germany?
The cost of renting a short-term apartment in Germany varies depending on the location and the duration of the stay. On average, a studio or one-bedroom apartment can cost between €500 and €1,500 per month.
Do I need to provide a security deposit when renting a short-term apartment in Germany?
Yes, it is common practice in Germany to require a security deposit when renting a short-term apartment. The deposit is usually equivalent to one or two months' rent and is returned at the end of the rental period, provided there is no damage to the apartment.
How long can I rent a short-term apartment in Germany?
Short-term rentals in Germany typically range from a few days to several months. Some landlords may require a minimum stay of one week or one month, while others may allow shorter stays.
What is included in a furnished short-term apartment in Germany?
Furnished short-term apartments in Germany typically include basic furniture, such as a bed, sofa, lighting, and dining table, as well as kitchen appliances and utensils. Some apartments may also include linens and towels.
Can I negotiate the rent for a short-term apartment in Germany?
Yes, it is possible to negotiate the rent for a short-term apartment in Germany. However, the success of your negotiation will depend on various factors, such as the rental market conditions and the landlord's willingness to negotiate.
What are the most popular cities for short-term apartment rentals in Germany?
The most popular cities for short-term apartment rentals in Germany are Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Cologne. These cities offer a variety of rental options and are popular destinations for tourists and business travelers alike.
How can I ensure that a short-term apartment rental in Germany is legitimate?
To ensure that a short-term apartment rental in Germany is legitimate, you should always research the landlord or rental agency before making any payments. You can also read reviews from previous renters and use trusted booking platforms to ensure a secure transaction.
Can I extend my short-term rental in Germany?
It is possible to extend your short-term rental in Germany, but this will depend on the availability of the apartment and the landlord's policies. It is best to discuss any extension requests with the landlord or rental agency as early as possible.
Do I need to speak German to rent a short-term apartment in Germany?
While it is helpful to speak German when renting a short-term apartment in Germany, it is not always necessary. Many landlords and rental agencies have English-speaking staff and online platforms offer translations. However, it may be helpful to learn some basic German phrases to help with communication.
