If you plan on moving to Berlin, one thing you should be aware of is how competitive the housing market in this city is. Like all major cities in the world, Berlin has witnessed a massive influx of residents over the past few years, thereby leading to a spike in the demand for houses.
In this quick guide, we share some tips to make your search for an apartment in Berlin less hectic. Ready? Let’s dive straight in!
Have your application documents ready
The first step is to identify common documents that landlords or property managers ask for before you begin your search for a flat in Berlin. You can choose to take them with you when you visit prospective apartments or send them to the landlord digitally via email after viewing the flat.
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SubscribeIf you are interested in a house, be sure to send the documents immediately after the viewing because as we mentioned, the market is incredibly competitive. This means a lot more people are likely interested in the same apartment and ready to grab it too!
Below are some of the common documents you might be asked to provide when applying for an apartment in Berlin:
SCHUFA report
A SCHUFA report gives information on your credit rating. A landlord will be able to know if you pay your bills on time from this report.
Proof of income
If you are an employee, it’s advisable to provide your last three paystubs. If you work as a freelancer, your last tax assessment can act as proof of earnings. In case you just started working, request your employer to give you a salary certificate.
Rent guarantee
In case you have no way to prove that you have a steady stream of income, then try looking for someone to act as your rent guarantor. It is important to note that if you are unable to pay your rent, then the burden falls on your guarantor.
Personal liability insurance
A trend that’s becoming common lately is that some landlords ask that tenants take out personal liability insurance. While you may not always need it, the policy can serve as an added
advantage. This is because it gives the landlord the impression that you are a responsible and serious person.
Copy of identity card or passport
Finally, you need to provide a document to prove your legitimacy, and nothing does it better than your government-issued ID or passport.
Set your budget and apartment requirements
As with anything, you need to plan ahead to avoid wasting too much time and effort while searching for an apartment in a competitive city like Berlin. For starters, make a list of the kind of apartments you are looking for.
Further, zero in on the kind of neighborhood you want to live in and how much rent are you comfortable paying? Having these things outlined beforehand will make your search for an apartment a lot less hectic.
Leverage the power of social media and personal networks
When used correctly, social media is a strong tool and can come in handy when you are looking for an apartment in Berlin. Besides, using your current network of friends and acquaintances will also go a long way in making your house hunting less stressful.
Your chances of success at finding an apartment in Berlin are higher when you use personal connections. Let those in your social circles know exactly what you are looking for and ask for help where necessary.
Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram are good places to broadcast your search for a house! Use hashtags and even pictures to attract more attention to your posts. You might be surprised that one of your Facebook friends knows someone in Berlin who can help you.
Create accounts on major realtor websites
Opening accounts on all major realtor websites is a clever thing to do when searching for an apartment in Berlin. While at it, customize your email in a way that you’re able to get alerts as soon as a relevant apartment is listed.
Be sure to put as much information on your profile as you are comfortable with. Including a headshot photo is also advisable. The idea is to make yourself as friendly and warm as possible to increase the chances of you getting invited for viewings.
Conclusion
Apartment hunting in Berlin can be extremely brutal. But with the right information and house-hunting strategies, it shouldn’t be that hard getting a good place you can call home. We hope the tips we shared with you in this post make the process less hectic for you. Happy searching!
