To pursue a career in Germany, securing housing is crucial. However, signing a long-term lease before finding a job may not be feasible. The German economy remains stable, and cities are generally affordable compared to other major European ones, though pricier than smaller areas. While the West is costlier than the East, job opportunities often balance this out. Expats, particularly skilled ones, enjoy generous salaries, while regular expenses like rent and groceries are reasonably priced.

How to Find a Place to Live in Germany

• • Getting an apartment in Germany can be challenging, especially in high-demand cities like Berlin, leading to intense competition and stress for newcomers.
  • Germany has one of the world’s lowest homeownership rates, with renting being the norm for most Germans.
  • Expats can navigate the substantial German rental market effectively by staying informed and avoiding common apartment-hunting mistakes.

Furnished short-term apartments in Germany

The greatest place to start if you are a newcomer to Germany is frequently by renting a short-term furnished flat there. Start with temporary housing for a variety of reasons:

1. 1. Less paperwork is required to apply: For long-term housing in Germany, you could need payslips, an employment contract, or a SCHUFA credit report, although applying for short-term housing typically only necessitates a few documents.
   2. You can apply online and frequently from abroad: Typically, short-term furnished lodging can be reserved and secured online. As a result, when you arrive in Germany, you will already have a place to call home. This enables you to organize housing while you are still outside of Germany.
   3. The residences are outfitted: Temporary, short-term housing is always furnished. The majority of long-term flats in Germany are unfurnished, which means that there are frequently no drapes, light fixtures, or even kitchens! You can start off comfortably in Germany by choosing a furnished, short-term flat, which will provide you with all the furniture you want.
   4. They permit Anmeldung: In Germany, Anmeldung, or residence registration, is a vital administrative requirement. It’s necessary for visa applications, obtaining a German tax ID, and signing contracts for services like phone and internet. Anmeldung is essential for starting life in Germany, and most short-term housing options accommodate it, but confirmation with landlords is advisable.
   5. You can use that time to research a town or city: Before you have lived there, you can never completely understand what a city is like. A neighbourhood that appeared to have no problems online might actually have some serious issues. You can take your time exploring a town or city by initially choosing short-term housing rather than a long-term residence.