Furnished vs. unfurnished apartments in Germany: What expats need to know before signing

Remco · 07 May 2026

When choosing between furnished and unfurnished apartments in Germany, expats face a decision that impacts both their budget and settling-in experience. Furnished apartments typically cost 20-40% more than unfurnished ones but include essential furniture and appliances, making them ideal for shorter stays of 1-2 years. Unfurnished German apartments are truly bare, often lacking even basic fixtures like light fittings and kitchen appliances, requiring significant upfront investment but offering long-term savings and personalization opportunities.

Why are higher upfront costs in unfurnished apartments catching expats off guard?

Many international professionals relocating to Germany underestimate the true cost of setting up an unfurnished apartment, which can easily reach €5,000-15,000 for basic furnishings and appliances. German unfurnished rentals include virtually nothing beyond walls and floors, meaning you’ll need to purchase everything from light fixtures and flooring to a complete kitchen and all furniture. This unexpected financial burden often strains relocation budgets that seemed adequate when only considering monthly rent. The solution is to factor these setup costs into your housing budget from day one and explore furnished options if your assignment duration is under three years, as the premium may actually save money compared to buying and later selling furniture.

How does Germany’s unique rental culture create unexpected challenges for international tenants?

Germany’s rental market operates differently from most countries, with lease terms, deposit structures, and tenant responsibilities that can surprise even experienced expats. Unfurnished apartments typically require 2-3 months’ rent as a deposit plus additional costs for kitchen installation and flooring, while furnished options often demand higher monthly payments but lower upfront commitments. Understanding these cultural differences early prevents costly mistakes and helps you negotiate better terms. We work with international professionals to navigate these unique aspects of German housing through our German mobility services, ensuring your accommodation choice aligns with both your timeline and budget constraints.

What’s the difference between furnished and unfurnished apartments in Germany?

The distinction between furnished and unfurnished apartments in Germany is more extreme than in many other countries. Furnished apartments include all necessary furniture, appliances, kitchenware, linens, and often even decorative items, allowing you to move in with just your personal belongings. These properties typically feature complete kitchens with all appliances, living room furniture, bedroom sets, and sometimes even items like vacuum cleaners and ironing boards.

Unfurnished German apartments, by contrast, are genuinely empty. You’ll find bare walls, concrete or basic flooring, and often no light fixtures beyond basic ceiling connections. Most importantly, many unfurnished apartments lack kitchens entirely, requiring you to purchase and install everything from cabinets and countertops to appliances and plumbing connections. Even basic amenities like wardrobes, window coverings, and sometimes flooring must be provided by the tenant.

How much more do furnished apartments cost in Germany?

Furnished apartments in Germany typically cost 20-40% more than comparable unfurnished properties, with the premium varying by city and apartment quality. In major cities like Munich or Frankfurt, expect to pay an additional €300-800 per month for furnishing, while smaller cities may see increases of €200-500 monthly. For example, an unfurnished two-bedroom apartment renting for €1,200 monthly might cost €1,500-1,680 when fully furnished.

However, this premium often proves cost-effective for shorter stays. When you factor in the €5,000-15,000 needed to furnish an unfurnished apartment, plus the hassle and potential losses when selling furniture before departure, furnished options frequently offer better value for assignments under 2-3 years. The break-even point typically occurs around the 18-24 month mark, depending on your furnishing choices and local market conditions.

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What should expats expect in a German furnished apartment?

A well-equipped furnished apartment in Germany should include a complete kitchen with major appliances (refrigerator, stove, oven, dishwasher), dining furniture, living room seating and entertainment setup, bedroom furniture including wardrobes, and basic household items like a vacuum cleaner, an iron, and kitchen utensils. Quality furnished apartments often provide linens, towels, and sometimes even basic groceries for your first few days.

However, standards vary significantly between providers. Higher-end furnished accommodations may include modern appliances, stylish furniture, and comprehensive household supplies, while budget options might offer basic, worn furnishings and minimal amenities. Always request detailed inventory lists and photos before signing, and clarify what’s included in terms of utilities, internet, and replacement policies for damaged items. Some furnished apartments also include cleaning services or maintenance support as part of the rental package.

Why do most Germans choose unfurnished apartments?

Germans typically prefer unfurnished apartments because they plan to stay long-term and want to create personalized living spaces with their own furniture and décor. The German rental market supports this preference through tenant-friendly laws that provide strong lease protections, making long-term rentals common and worthwhile investments in personal furnishing.

Additionally, German culture values quality, durable furniture that lasts for decades, making the initial investment in unfurnished apartments economically sensible over time. Many Germans inherit furniture from family or gradually build collections of high-quality pieces they’ll use throughout their lives. The unfurnished rental model also allows landlords to keep base rents lower while transferring furnishing costs and choices to tenants, creating a market that works well for the predominantly long-term German rental population.

Which option is better for expats staying 1-2 years in Germany?

For expats staying 1-2 years in Germany, furnished apartments usually offer the best combination of convenience and cost-effectiveness. The time and expense required to furnish an unfurnished apartment, combined with the challenges of selling furniture before departure, typically outweigh the monthly premium for furnished accommodation during shorter assignments.

Furnished apartments eliminate the stress of furniture shopping in a new country, language barriers when dealing with delivery and assembly services, and the risk of financial loss when selling items before leaving. Professional relocation management services can help you weigh these options based on your specific circumstances. You can focus your energy on work and cultural integration rather than household setup. However, if your company provides a substantial furnishing allowance or if you’re certain about extending your stay beyond two years, unfurnished options might become more attractive. The key factors are your assignment duration certainty, available relocation budget, and personal preferences for living environment control.

How do lease terms differ between furnished and unfurnished German rentals?

Furnished apartment leases in Germany often include more flexible terms designed for international tenants and shorter stays. These may feature reduced notice periods (1-3 months versus the standard 3 months for unfurnished), lower deposits (though still typically 2-3 months’ rent), and sometimes include utilities and internet in the monthly payment. Many furnished rental agreements also specify maintenance and replacement procedures for included items.

Unfurnished rental agreements follow standard German tenancy law more closely, typically requiring three months’ notice for termination, separate utility contracts, and tenant responsibility for all apartment modifications and maintenance beyond normal wear. Unfurnished leases often include specific clauses about kitchen installation, flooring requirements, and restoration obligations when moving out. Understanding these differences helps you choose the rental type that aligns with your flexibility needs and long-term plans in Germany. For companies managing international assignments, our German corporate immigration expertise can help navigate these housing decisions as part of broader employee relocation support. If you need guidance on housing options for your specific situation, please contact us for personalized assistance.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice under §2(1) RDG. Proforg is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. We cooperate with qualified legal partners when legal consultation is required. Please contact us for support with your specific situation.