Accommodation in Berlin

If you're fortunate enough to consider purchasing property, apartments in Berlin's cutting-edge central district of Mitte are quite affordable, especially compared to the exorbitant sums paid for precious space in the likes of London or Paris. That said, Berlin residents tend to rent property rather than buy. 

Areas and suburbs in Berlin

Home to 12 eclectic districts, Berlin boasts close to 100 recognised neighbourhoods, each with a unique charm and character. If you're a young, single professional, you will enjoy living in neighbourhoods like Friedrichshain, Kreuzberg, and Mitte. 

Prenzlauer Berg is perfect for those who prefer a quieter, more residential neighbourhood. Charlottenberg-Wilmersdorf and Rixdorf are some more family-friendly suburbs in Berlin. 

Read our guide on the Best (and worst) Areas and Suburbs in Berlin for a detailed look at the top neighbourhoods in the city. 

Types of accommodation in Berlin

Few other European capitals have as much variety in terms of property. Berlin has a truly eclectic range of accommodation options, from old-world townhouses to Soviet-era apartment blocks. 

The standard of accommodation in Berlin is generally excellent. Even in buildings with a somewhat dated facade, you can find that the apartments themselves have either been well maintained or completely modernised. Refurbished buildings with beautiful amenities are also plentiful, but are pricier. 

Accommodation in Berlin is largely spacious. In fact, apartments tend to be around 40 percent larger in Berlin than in other European capitals.

While you may find furnished properties to rent in Berlin, these will mostly be holiday lets available for the short to medium term and often cost quite a bit more than the average. 

Typically, property in Berlin will be unfurnished, and we recommend you consider investing in some basic furniture items. It may surprise some that unfurnished properties in Berlin are typically empty, frequently without carpets, light fittings or large kitchen appliances. 

The advantage of this is that tenants are allowed more leeway in terms of decor. While many people do paint their apartments, tenants must repaint in white or neutral colours at the end of a lease. 

Finding accommodation in Berlin

There are several ways to find a property to rent in Berlin. If you are relocating to Berlin via a company transfer, you may get assistance from your employer in securing suitable housing. For those without such luxury, the best place to start searching for a home in Berlin is online. While some sites and accommodation portals may provide listings, having some knowledge of German terminology is always beneficial. 

But by far the most efficient and stress-free way of finding a home in Berlin is using the services of an agency. Known as mitwohnzentrale or mitwohnagentur, these agencies have intimate knowledge of the city's property market and can assist new arrivals in finding a home that meets all their requirements. 

Useful links

• ImmoScout24
• Immonet.de

Renting accommodation in Berlin

Affordable real estate has attracted scores of young creative expats to both Berlin's centre and its outlying suburbs. That said, the face of the Berlin housing market is changing in small ways. Rent has steadily increased in the city, and average incomes in Berlin are still relatively low compared to other German cities.

Those arriving in Germany without a firm job offer must have a substantial amount saved to cover the cost of accommodation while searching for employment.

Making an application

Once you have found a property that meets your requirements, you will be expected to complete a detailed application form and provide evidence of your income and legal status in the country. In some cases, you may be asked for a reference from a previous landlord or a certificate (mietschuldenfreiheitsbescheinigung) indicating you have no outstanding rent due.

Leases, costs, and fees

Most landlords in Berlin ask for up to three months' rent to cover the security deposit on a home. The deposit is refundable and is returned at the end of the tenancy, provided there are no damages to the property. Otherwise, cleaning or repair costs will be taken from the deposit before the balance is refunded.

Utilities in Berlin

Utility bills are often not included in the rental price and are payable by the tenant. These will commonly include electricity, water, gas, and refuse.

Read Accommodation in Germany for more on rental processes and setting up utilities in the country. 

Electricity

The electricity market in Berlin is deregulated, and you can choose a fixed or variable rate. When you move in, you'll automatically be signed up to Vattenfall, but you can change your provider to find the best deal in your area. 

Gas

GASAG is the basic supplier (grundversorger) of gas in Berlin. Although it's more convenient to stick with GASAG, they typically offer the highest rates of all the suppliers, so it may be worthwhile to consider switching to another provider. 

Water

Berliner Wasserbetriebe treats and supplies Berlin's water. Once you move into your new apartment, you must set up an account in your name, which you can do online. 

Bins and recycling

Waste collection in Berlin is largely managed by Berliner Stadtreinigungsbetriebe (BSR) and several private companies provide complementary services. Regular household waste is placed in grey residual waste bins and is collected weekly. 

There are also separate recycling bins for organic waste, recyclables, paper, glass, and garden waste. These are collected more infrequently than regular household waste. You can also arrange for bulky waste collection of furniture and other large items. 

Read Keeping in Touch in Germany to learn more about mobile, internet, and cable services across the country.  

Useful links

• Vattenfall
• GASAG
• Berliner Wasserbetriebe
• Berliner Stadtreinigungsbetriebe (BSR)