Discovering Germany

Page 35

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.