15 POINTS TO HELP YOU FIND A FLAT IN BERLIN

 

Finding an apartment or even a shared flat in Berlin may be difficult, especially if you're new to the city. The good news is that we are here to make your move as simple as possible and to welcome you to Berlin!

On this page, you'll find suggestions to aid you in your search for the ideal home.

There are a few critical considerations to make before you begin:

Where in Berlin would you like to live? You can use tools and programmes to figure out where you can afford to live.

2. Do you prefer to live alone or in a shared apartment? A shared flat is known as a WG, or Wohngemeinschaft, in Germany.

3. What features should your new home have? Considerations such as the number of rooms, the amenities provided, and the floor you decide to live on are important. Even such features as balconies can be wonderful, keep in mind that they might also limit your options.

4. Being adaptive and keeping an open mind can be challenging, but it is true. Even if having a clear idea of what you want in a new home is essential, your chances will be improved if you are also prepared to accept compromises! Additionally, patience needs to be practised. This process will take some time, and it is normal to explore several properties before choosing one. Think of it as being analogous to searching for a job; you'll submit applications, attend many interviews, and eventually, the right offer will be on the table.)

Consider this advice when comparing "Warmmiete" with "Kaltmiete" to determine how much an apartment will cost to rent.

The sum paid without taking into consideration any other costs is referred to as the "kaltmiete" or basic rent for the apartment. "Warm rent," often known as "warm meite," is the Kaltmiete plus other costs such as water, property tax, gas, electricity, and garbage removal services. (These "side costs" are known as Nebenkosten in German.)

7. Use these guidelines to search online: Search in areas where no one else goes! The same, well-known search engines will be used by 90% of people looking for housing. As a result, it is useful to investigate lesser-known internet portals.

You could also want to conduct your search at times when fewer people are online to ensure that you are contacting the most recent offerings (for example, advertising typically appears early in the morning or late at night).

Recommendation: There is a tonne of huge Facebook groups and websites dedicated to finding apartments in Berlin. You might want to consider joining smaller groups to increase your chances of getting a response (preferably with fewer than 200 members).

8. Display an apartment or housing request in the form of a note in crowded areas close to the neighbourhood where you want to dwell. This might take place in your favourite yoga or fitness studio, a coffee shop, or even on a telephone pole.

9. Have you already decided on a neighbourhood? If so, seek supermarkets in the area or close by. Several stores have a "schwarzes Brett für Anzeigen," a board where people can post advertisements for buying, renting, and selling.

10. Keep the required papers close to hand at all times: If you're looking for an apartment, you must get the following documents ready and bring them with you when you inspect. In many instances, your application may not be accepted if any of these documents are missing or insufficient:

copy of a personal ID

"SCHUFA Auskunft" credit report (A credit investigation business called SCHUFA)

"Mietschuldenfreiheitsbescheinigung," a certificate of paid rent

• You might also need a guarantee signed by a guarantor (like your parents) and proof of their last three months' worth of paystubs if you can't yet demonstrate your income. Your work contract may potentially be adequate paperwork, depending on the landlord.

11. Start watching videos nonstop: For some people looking for a flat, this phase might be exhausting and demoralising. The good news is that once you overcome the apartment obstacle, you'll feel as though you've finally arrived in Berlin. What a relief! Consider the following as you proceed with your apartment viewings:

• Dress formally, present yourself as friendly and polite, and shake the estate agent's hand if you want to succeed. A tidy appearance and a pleasant personality will give you an advantage over your "competitors."

• A copy of each document should be turned in in person at the viewing.

• Each document should be submitted in person at the viewing along with a copy. As soon as you can after the showing, email the agency or landlord a second copy of your documents.

• In your email, thank the landlord or real estate agent for the tour and let them know how much you appreciate it.

A word of caution regarding scams

Given the tight supply of apartments in Berlin, tenants understandably feel pressure to find one. Occasionally someone may try to take advantage of you and fool you as a result, particularly when numerous people are applying for the same flat.

Follow these simple DOs and DON'Ts to prevent falling into a scam:

• NEVER pay a cash deposit! You should be cautious of anyone who wants a cash deposit since while it is a common practice in other countries, it is not common in Berlin. There is no way to prove that the money was moved if you pay in cash and are scammed (hopefully this will never happen to you). Because of this, filing a claim or reporting the scam to the authorities is nearly impossible.

• ALWAYS have a contract in place that is enforceable! If you are uncertain about the contract because it is written in German, please get in touch with a German speaker to go over it with you before you sign anything. Any decent landlord will understand that you need to spend some time making sure everything is in order.

• DISCOVER MORE ABOUT THE LANDLORD WITHOUT HESITATION! Look for any sinister signals. If you haven't met them yet in person, call them and request pictures or links to their social media sites (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.). Always ask for viewing; if they decline, excuse themselves by saying they are abroad or demand payment in advance, which is a scam. Keep an eye out for landlords whose current location or phone number doesn't match the country where their bank account is located.

• DON'T fall for email scams! Numerous fraud networks have set up automated emails to reach as many people as possible. No matter their background, age, or gender, they will attack anyone. If someone emails you a copy of their ID, a bank statement, their address, or a signed contract, please don't place your trust in them. Of course, sending money is never a good idea (especially through Western Union).

If you use this advice, you'll locate your ideal apartment soon. Happy house hunting!

 Read More : PLANNING TO RENT IN GERMANY – HERE'S A COMPLETE GUIDE