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Finding Accommodation in Berlin

Balconies in Central Berlin

Balconies in Central Berlin
Image Credit: Berlin University Alliance

How do you find a place to live in Berlin? What are the options for searching, what should you bear in mind during the search, and what costs should you expect? Here is an overview of information and tips to find accommodation that suits you.

Berlin is constantly bustling, with visitors from all around the world arriving for both short and long stays, so finding accommodation can be a challenge and requires some patience. It is recommended that you begin to arrange the details as early as possible and understand that a short-term accommodation in the first few weeks of your stay might be necessary. It is often easier to find accommodation once you are already in the city. Generally, you can anticipate a monthly rent of around 500 euros for a room in a shared flat and up to 1000 euros for a one-room apartment, depending on the apartment size, condition, and location within the city.

Types of Accommodation

In Berlin, you’ll find several common types of apartments, each suited to different needs and lengths of stay. Furnished (möbliert) apartments are a convenient option for short- to medium-term stays, typically including all basic furniture and household items. Unfurnished (unmöbliert) apartments, more suitable for longer stays, often come without furniture—and in many cases, without a built-in kitchen or light fixtures, so be prepared to equip the space yourself.

Another popular option, especially among students and young professionals, is the shared apartment, or Wohngemeinschaft (WG). In a WG, residents have their own private room and share communal spaces like the kitchen and bathroom. These can be zweck-WGs (functional co-living, focused mainly on sharing costs) or more socially oriented non-zweck-WGs, where housemates live more communally and often engage in shared activities. If you are interested in living in a WG, it is important to ensure that you can obtain an official registration of your residence there at your local Citizen Office.

Protect Yourself from Fraud

When searching for apartments online, be weary of fraudsters who pretend to offer housing—often to internationals who have not yet arrived in the city. Do not make cash transfers without first having a rental contract and verifying the legitimacy of the landlord or agency. Be especially cautious if you're asked to send money via insecure methods like Western Union or cryptocurrency. Always request a video call to view the apartment and ask for official documentation. Trusted housing platforms and your host institution can help verify offers and avoid scams.

Essential Flat-Finding German Vocabulary

It is certainly possible to find accommodation in Berlin without extensive German knowledge. That said, familiarizing yourself with some basic housing-related terms can make your search much easier.

Official registration of your residence with the city (mandatory within 14 days of moving in, after initial 90-day residency).

A one-room apartment, usually a studio where the living, sleeping and kitchen areas are in a single room.

The base rent price excluding utilities. It is called 'cold' rent because it excludes the price of gas and electricity for heating.

Security deposit, typically up to three months of Kaltmiete.

Additional costs (utilities and services), often included in the Warmmiete.

A broker’s fee—should generally be paid by the landlord unless you're using an agent privately.

A credit report often required by landlords as proof of financial reliability. You can request a Schufa-Auskunft online or through many post offices. Find more information below.

Unfurnished, partially furnished and fully furnished, respectively. Most long-term rentals in Germany are unmöbliert.

The total rent including utilities such as heating and water (but not always electricity or internet).

A shared apartment.

A purpose-shared WG (mostly to save money) vs. a more social, community-oriented shared flat.

Where to Search for Housing

In Berlin, it is possible to hire a licensed realtor (Immobilienmakler) to help you find an apartment, though many rentals are found through online portals or personal networks. If you choose to work with a realtor, they can assist in navigating the local market, arranging viewings and handling paperwork. By law, you only pay a commission (Provision) if you actively engage the realtor’s services; landlords are not allowed to pass on this cost to tenants. Always ensure you have a written agreement before committing to any payments.

Many tenants in Berlin turn to popular online portals like WG Gesucht, ImmoScount24, Kleinanzeigen and Facebook groups to hunt for flats or shared apartments, taking advantage of their extensive listings and filtering options. However, you should always stay vigilant for potential scams—never transfer deposits before seeing the place in person or verifying the landlord’s identity and insist on a proper rental contract. Ultimately, you are responsible for your own search, so cross-check listings across multiple sites, ask plenty of questions and trust your instincts if something seems too good to be true.

Your host institution may also provide an internal web portal with accommodation offerings or its own realty services and housing tips:

Schufa Credit Rating

In Germany, Schufa refers to the country’s main credit reporting agency, which tracks individuals’ financial reliability, similar to a credit score in other countries. When renting an apartment, landlords often ask for a Schufa-Auskunft, a document showing whether you have any history of unpaid debts, late payments or financial defaults. For German citizens or long-term residents, this report helps landlords assess risk.

As an international newcomer, you likely won’t have a Schufa record yet, which is completely normal. In this case, it helps to explain your situation to landlords and offer alternative proof of financial stability, such as payslips, a job contract or a letter from your employer. Some realtor services even accept a “proof of no record” letter from Schufa, which shows you’re new to the system.

While not every landlord requires a Schufa report, having one, or an explanation ready, can strengthen your application in a competitive housing market.