Discovering Germany

Private Insurance This insurance is optional, but highly recommended. Many landlords will demand proof of liability insurance before signing a lease contract, since it covers cases of liability for injury or damage to other persons or their property. Basic or standard coverage is €5-10 million against injury or damage and €1 million against damage to rented property. Some insurances offer special premiums for singles.

Unfinished Properties In Germany, apartments and houses are often empty on new occupation. This means built-in cupboards are seldom found, the kitchen will have a sink but no other equipment such as oven, refrigerator, or dishwasher. People moving into an empty property may need to bring complete fittings and furnishings with them, or buy everything new. Sometimes properties do come with a fitted kitchen or the tenant is requested to pay a sum to take over the kitchen from the previous tenant.

Occasionally items can be purchased from the previous tenant, however proceed with caution. Negotiations on the take-over of fittings should be conducted with the previous tenant and not with the landlord or estate agent. Details on take-over should be done in writing. Partly Furnished Accommodation Housing with built-in or pre-purchased appliances are fairly common if the landlord installs a kitchen has a higher rent to accommodate for the appliances. Such an agreement should be part of the rental contract; a precise list of items (walk-through protocol) is required. The same applies when buying a property. Furnished Accommodation In Germany, the letting of furnished property is not common. In larger cities, however, the market has adapted to the increasing demand for furnished accommodation and the supply of furnished accommodations is improving. In general, furnished accommodation is tailored towards business travelers, singles, and couples. When a satisfactorily furnished property is found, one must expect a rent 15-30% higher than an empty property. Buying a property As in every country there is a certain procedure on how to find a property and how to close a sale. ‘For Sale’ signs in the garden or window, is not a common way of offering properties in Germany. Most offers are made via estate agents in newspapers or internet. Some show ‘von privat’ which indicates that no estate agent is involved. A potential buyer should carefully research the property when buying a house in Germany. Many of the ‘inexpensive’ homes advertised require substantial investment in addition to the purchase price.

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Discovering Germany