So you’re thinking of moving to Germany, or maybe you’re already here, trying to figure out why your apartment doesn’t have a kitchen. Either way, welcome!
In the next few minutes, we’ll take a look at what it’s really like living in a German home; from the details of renting, to some surprising rules, and everything in between.
Let’s have a chat
First Things First: Registering Your Address
In Germany, you’re required to register your address every time you move to a new apartment. I’ve had to do this five times already, since I’ve lived in five different apartments so far.
This process is called “Anmeldung”, and it means heading over to your local Bürgeramt (Citizens’ Office) to update your address officially.
More reading…. A Guide to Registering Your Apartment in Germany
What’s the deal? Well, your registration ensures that your mail gets delivered to the right place, and more importantly, that the government can easily reach you whenever necessary.
Fun fact: Did you know that when writing a German address, the house number comes after the street name and the zip code comes before the city?
In my home country, Nigeria, it’s written the other way round. It took some time for me to adjust to it.
How are addresses written in your country? I’d love to know, drop a comment below.
The Types of Homes You’ll Find in Germany
Germany has a logical and literal way of naming houses. Let’s decode some of Germany’s home lingo:
- Einfamilienhaus: it literally means “one-family house”. This is a standalone home for a single family.
- Mehrfamilienhaus: This is the most common type. It refers to a building with multiple apartment units under one roof, housing multiple families.
- Wohngemeinschaft (WG): this is a shared flat, super popular among students and young professionals. I’ve lived in one before, and let me tell you, it’s a major money-saver.
Owning vs. Renting: What Most People Actually Do
You might think most Germans own their homes, but only about 48% do. That’s one of the lowest homeownership rates in Europe.
Roughly 52% of the population rent; and honestly, it works. Renting is well-regulated here, and you’re not looked down on for not owning a home. In fact, the trend of buying is only just starting to rise more recently.
How Much Does Rent Cost in Germany?
Rental prices vary widely across the country:
- In expensive cities like Munich or Stuttgart, expect to pay around €17 per square metre.
- In more affordable cities, rent can drop to around €9 per square metre.
Other Factors That Affect The Cost Of Rent
Rent costs also depend on things like:
- Location
- How old the building is.
- Proximity to the city center.
- Available amenities
Some Rent Terms You Should Know About
- Kaltmiete (Cold Rent): Just the base rent which only covers the space (no utilities included).
- Warmmiete (Warm Rent): This covers the space as well as other utilities such as: heating and water. ( it sometimes includes electricity, internet, etc.)
- Kaution (Security Deposit): This is typically 3x your Kaltmiete (Cold Rent). But don’t worry, you get it back when you leave, provided you don’t wreck the place.
Now The Second Big Surprise: TV And Radio Bill
This is a not so pleasant surprise. Every apartment has to pay a Tv and radio bill, Whether you use it or not, whether you own one or not. I know, it sounds ridiculous; but what can we do?
It’s about €18/month and it is charged per household, so if you live in a shared apartment, you get to split the bill. If you’re flying solo, sorry, you have to pay for it alone.
Rental Contracts: Read The Fine Print (Seriously)
German rental agreements are super detailed; expect to see rules for everything:
- Rules about pets (if you can own one or not )
- How often you should air out your apartment.
- Even how much noise you are allowed to make.
Be sure to read it carefully.
The Biggest Surprise
Many apartments don’t come with a kitchen. You have to bring your own. Yes, everything; your own cabinets, sink, and stove; everything. And when you leave, you take your kitchen with you.
If it does have a kitchen installed, the rent will usually be a lot higher.
A Peek Inside A German Home
Here are a few things you’ll quickly notice when living in a typical German home:
- Doorbells are labelled with the name of the occupant: this is so visitors and delivery guys know exactly who lives where.
- Basement storage (Keller) is common and usually included.
- Balconies are a huge plus, and can increase rent significantly.
- Flooring is often wood or laminate, with tiles in the bathroom.
- House shoes: The floors can be chilly especially if yours isn’t heated. To cope with this, most people have house shoes. Germans love their Birkenstocks. For me? I prefer my Crocs; I think they are more comfy.
Also, Germans are super specific about the actual size of their apartments. Ask someone how big their place is and they’ll know the exact number.
The Windows Deserve A Shout-Out
My Favourite Part Of German Homes. I absolutely love the windows. They’re HUGE, letting in plenty of natural light and they can open in two ways. Just beautiful!
The Not So Cool Feature
Older buildings often don’t have enough power outlets, so extension cords become your new besties. A little annoying sometimes.
Curious About What €1000/Month Gets You?
I actually filmed a tour of our €1000/month apartment in Hamburg so you can get a real feel for what German housing looks like. Click here to watch it
