Short-term Rental Accommodation in Germany

Renting furnished apartments in Germany has become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly for expats who are moving to the country for work or study and don't want to invest in buying furniture or shipping their belongings overseas. Renting a furnished apartment can also be a convenient option for those sent to Germany on a short-term assignment, those who are only staying in Germany for a short period, and those who prefer a low-maintenance living arrangement.

How to find a serviced apartment in Germany

There are a variety of options for finding a furnished or serviced apartment in Germany. Many landlords and rental agencies list their furnished apartments on one of these popular property portals:

• Airbnb is an online marketplace for short-term rentals, with loads of apartments throughout Germany. They are most popular with those on holiday and short breaks rather than corporate travellers or expats.
• Homelike is the largest online marketplace for long-term and short-term furnished apartment rentals for expats and working professionals. They have an easy booking experience for their high-quality apartments for 30 nights and more from professional landlords in Germany.
• StaySitu is mainly focused on corporate accommodation and has been helping companies and organisations to accommodate their corporate travellers and relocation assignee when they are on the move for business. They now also help individual expats find short-term accommodation in Germany.

Another option is to use a relocation service, which can assist with finding and securing a furnished apartment. Relocation companies can also provide additional support such as visa and immigration assistance, international school search, and assistance with settling into the local area.

What are the benefits of renting a furnished apartment?

Renting a furnished apartment in Germany is often more convenient than taking a long-term rental. Furnished apartments or houses in Germany typically come equipped with basic furniture and kitchen appliances, so tenants can avoid the upfront cost of buying furniture and the hassle of selling it when they move out. Depending on the landlord or rental agency, furnished apartments may also include linens, towels, and kitchenware. Properties will also come with all the utilities set up, including telephone and broadband internet.

The flexibility of short-term accommodation

Another benefit of renting a furnished apartment is the flexibility they offer expats and assignees moving to Germany. Many landlords or rental agencies offer short-term rental options, allowing tenants to rent a property for as little as a few weeks or months. This can be helpful for those in Germany for a temporary work assignment or expats waiting to find a more permanent living arrangement.

What's the difference between a serviced apartment and a furnished apartment?

A serviced apartment is a fully furnished apartment that includes many of the facilities provided by hotels, such as housekeeping, but they offer more space, convenience and privacy and are usually substantially cheaper than staying in a hotel.