Housing

Germany has the lowest homeownership rate in Western Europe for good reason — tenant protections are so strong that renting long-term is genuinely advantageous. The Mietrecht (tenancy law) limits rent increases, gives tenants the right to sublet in many circumstances, and makes eviction extremely difficult for landlords. However, the same demand that makes Germany attractive has created severe housing shortages in major cities.

The German apartment application process is formal and documentation-heavy. A typical viewing (Besichtigung) attracts 30–50 applicants. Landlords legally cannot discriminate on the basis of nationality, but they will thoroughly vet your financial stability, employment status, and rental history. Preparing a complete Bewerbungsmappe (application dossier) in advance is essential.

German tenancy law (Mietrecht, §§ 535–580a BGB) offers among the strongest tenant protections in the world. Once you sign an indefinite lease and move in, it is extremely difficult for a landlord to evict you. Understanding your rights is important both for protecting yourself and for avoiding unintentional violations of the lease.

Buying property in Germany is legally straightforward for foreigners but involves significant transaction costs (9–12% of purchase price) and a traditionally conservative mortgage market. German banks require substantial deposits and thorough income documentation. The recent interest rate rises have cooled the market significantly from its 2022 peak.