How to Find an Apartment in Munich

Munich consistently ranks as one of the most expensive cities to rent in Germany. Demand far exceeds supply, especially for furnished apartments near universities or the city centre. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in central Munich sits between 1,400 and 1,800 euros per month, and even rooms in shared flats (known as WG-Zimmer) can cost anywhere from 600 to 1,000 euros.

The good news is that with preparation and the right strategy, it is absolutely possible to find a good place. Most people who succeed have their documents ready in advance, respond to listings quickly, and treat every application like a job application.

One important thing to know early on: in Germany, most landlords expect three months of bank statements, proof of income or an enrollment certificate, a SCHUFA credit report, and a completed Selbstauskunft (a self-disclosure form). Having these ready before you even start searching will save you a lot of stress.

There are several platforms worth using in parallel, because listings often disappear within hours of going live.

ImmobilienScout24 is the largest property portal in Germany. It covers both long-term rentals and short-term furnished options. You can set up email alerts for new listings matching your criteria, which is genuinely useful given how fast the market moves.

WG-Gesucht is the go-to site for WG rooms and student-friendly housing. The community feel means landlords are often more approachable, and you can write a personal profile that stays up and invites people to contact you directly.

Immowelt and eBay Kleinanzeigen are worth checking too, especially eBay Kleinanzeigen for private landlords who bypass the big platforms. Just be more cautious on eBay and avoid anyone asking for a deposit before you have seen the flat in person.

Beyond the main portals, university notice boards (both physical and digital) often have rooms posted by students leaving Munich. The TUM and LMU student housing offices also maintain waiting lists for their own student residences, which are significantly cheaper. These lists can be long, so sign up as early as possible, ideally months before your arrival.

In Munich, your application is your first impression. Most landlords receive dozens of responses to every listing, so standing out matters. The strongest applications are complete, polished, and personal.

Start with a short introductory message in German if possible. You do not need to be fluent, but even a few sentences in German followed by English shows effort and goes a long way with private landlords. Introduce yourself, explain why you are moving to Munich, and say something specific about the apartment (not just a copy-paste).

Along with your message, attach your documents as a single clean PDF. This should include a brief cover letter, a recent photo (optional but common in Germany), your ID or passport copy, your enrollment certificate or employment contract, your last three payslips or proof of a scholarship or sufficient funds, your SCHUFA report, and a completed Selbstauskunft form (which landlords often provide or which you can download from WG-Gesucht).

Speed matters. Set up notifications for the platforms you use and aim to respond within the first two hours of a new listing going live.

If you are invited to a viewing (Besichtigung), treat it as a two-way interview. The landlord is assessing you, but you are also assessing the flat. Arrive on time, look tidy, and be ready to reconfirm your situation clearly.

During the viewing, check the condition of windows, heating, bathroom fixtures, and any included appliances. Look at the building's entrance, mailboxes, and general upkeep. Ask about the internet situation, the utilities (Nebenkosten), and whether the deposit is three months cold rent as is standard in Germany.

If you are applying while still abroad and cannot attend viewings in person, some landlords will accept a video call walkthrough. Be transparent about your situation. Many international applicants face this exact challenge, and reasonable landlords often accommodate it.

Do not feel pressured to accept an apartment you have doubts about just because the market is competitive. Trust your gut, especially if something about the listing feels unusual.

Your Mietvertrag (rental contract) is a legally binding document. Take time to read it carefully before signing, ideally with the help of a German speaker or a translation tool for any sections you are unsure about.

The key figures to understand are the Kaltmiete (the base cold rent without utilities), the Nebenkosten (operating costs like water, heating, building maintenance), and the Warmmiete (the total monthly payment combining both). Always ask for a breakdown of what is included in the Nebenkosten.

The deposit is typically two to three months of cold rent and is held in a separate account. By law, you are entitled to get it back within a reasonable period after moving out, minus any legitimate deductions for damages beyond normal wear and tear.

Check the notice period. The standard is three months, which means you need to announce your move-out three months before your intended departure date, always in writing and ideally via a letter with delivery confirmation.

Once you have signed and moved in, you will need to register your address at the KVR within two weeks. This Anmeldung is a legal requirement and unlocks many other administrative steps including opening a bank account and applying for your residence permit.