Housing in Munich
Housing in Munich
From simple small flats to luxurious city mansions, the Munich city housing market is highly diverse – and one of the most desirable in Germany. Here, we tell you where you can find a place to live, what possible obstacles you should account for, and how you can avoid scams. Good luck!
These websites are popular across Germany for finding apartments and houses, whether you're looking to rent or buy. They boast a vast selection of listings specifically for Munich, making it a valuable resource for your housing search in the city.
This website is a prominent platform in Germany for finding ”Wohngemeinschaften“ (WGs), which are shared living arrangements. There is an extensive selection of room listings specifically for Munich.
This platform offers a wide selection of furnished apartments in Munich for short-term rentals. This could be a temporary solution while you look for something more permanent.
Searching for a place to live in Munich?
Admittedly, this is one of the more challenging topics in our beautiful city: The housing market is quite competitive. So, allow some time to find your dream home. But there are several ways to improve your chances.
Online Resources:
- Start your home or apartment search online.
- Specialized real estate agents showcase listings on their websites.
- Check local newspapers for property ads, especially in weekend editions.
Competitive market:
- Be prepared for a challenging housing market.
- Start your search early to increase your chances of finding the right place.
- Quick application responses are often required.
Be present:
- If possible, visit Munich while searching for an apartment to streamline the process.
Helpful websites:
- Explore various websites to find your perfect home. Check the list on the left for popular options.
Need more information? You can find out more on this site run by the City of Munich.
Avoiding rental scams in Munich: essential tips
Munich’s competitive rental market can lead to scams, requiring careful attention from apartment seekers. Here’s how to stay safe:
1. Fake listings:
Scammers post attractive listings at low prices in desirable areas. Compare descriptions and images for inconsistencies, and research thoroughly before contacting.
2. Advance payments:
Fraudsters may request an upfront deposit for a viewing. Legitimate landlords won’t ask for money before a contract is signed. Avoid cash payments; use traceable bank transfers instead.
3. Identity theft:
Be wary if asked for personal documents (like your passport) early in the process. Scammers can misuse this information to open accounts or take loans in your name.
1. Verify the property:
Always view the apartment and meet the landlord or agency in charge in person – before signing anything. If you are pressured to sign or pay quickly, it’s a red flag.
2. Use trusted platforms:
Stick to reputable rental sites like immowelt and Immobilienscout24 (page in German). Wunderflats is available in English and offers verified listings and in-person viewings.
3. Report suspicious activity:
Report potential scams immediately to the platform and local authorities. This helps protect yourself and others.
While scams are common, being informed and cautious can help you navigate Munich’s rental market safely. If an offer seems too good to be true, it likely is. Protect your personal information, verify all details, and never rush into payments or contracts. Following these guidelines can help improve your house-hunting experience.
After you find a flat: Understanding your tenancy agreement
The tenancy agreement (Mietvertrag) is your essential guide to renting. It is important that you fully grasp all of its components.
The agreement commonly includes:
- Rent amount
- Deposit (typically three times the cold rent)
- Responsibility for redecorating upon moving out
- Notice period for terminating the lease
Review and sign important documents:
- Tenancy agreement: Carefully read and sign it.
- Handover certificate: This documents the apartment’s condition, noting any wear and tear. It protects you from being held responsible for pre-existing damage.
- Obtain the ”Wohnungsgeberbestätigung“: Make sure your landlord provides this document. It confirms your rental agreement and allows you to register your residence at the Bürgerbüro.
House rules: How to please your neighbors
Getting along with your neighbors is key! Here are some golden rules to keep in mind:
There's generally a quiet period between 10 pm and 7 am. This means that loud noises should be kept to a minimum during these hours. On Sundays and public holidays, quiet hours apply throughout the day.
Recycling is a priority in Germany. You will usually find separate bins for paper/cardboard, fruit and vegetable waste, and general waste. Glass, cans, plastics, and electronics require special collection points or containers - information on these locations may be readily available.
Your specific building may have additional house rules that are outlined in a document you receive. These may cover details such as pet restrictions or cleaning responsibilities for common areas.
Residence registration: Do not forget to register your new address! By law, you have two weeks after your arrival to make it official at the Residents’ Registration Office (Bürgerbüro). Any subsequent change of address within Munich must also be registered there. Here is all you need to know about residence registration.
Our Tip
Have you just arrived in Munich? Or are you about to? Check out this info from the City of Munich.
Get to meet us!
Do you have any questions about Make it in Munich? We look forward meeting you!
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