Germans, like the British, prefer owning a home to renting one. Unfortunately, property prices are such that most have no choice but to rent. For example a two bedroom apartment in Berlin costs between £400 and £800 depending on the area. There are all kinds of accommodation available and a whole range of resources to make your search a little easier.

Before leaving:

• Decide if you would like to rent or buy
• Possibly approach an international relocation/estate agent like Settler International, Europroperty, or Sales and Lettings
• Photocopy your passport a few times, multiple copies may be required by landlord

Once you get there:

• Have a look at the property section, der Immobilienmarkt or die Wohnungen, in newspapers like Berliner Morgenpost, Die Welt, or Avis Immobilien. Die Mitwohnzentrale is a housing association agency which provides short-term lets.
• Consider approaching an estate agency, ein Immobilienmakler, to see what's on offer.

Getting there index