Your First 30 Days in Berlin – Why a Furnished Apartment Is Step One
Relocating to Berlin means navigating a specific bureaucratic sequence where every step depends on the one before it. Understanding this chain – and starting it correctly – can save you weeks of frustration.
The sequence works like this: You need a registered address (Anmeldung) to open a German bank account. You need a German bank account to build a SCHUFA credit history. You need SCHUFA to sign a long-term unfurnished lease. And you need a place to stay while all of this happens. A furnished apartment is the critical first link in this chain.
Here is a realistic timeline based on what we see with hundreds of tenants each year:
Week 1: Arrive and move into your furnished apartment or flat. Unpack, settle in, get oriented. Your apartment is fully equipped – you can focus on the city, not on logistics.
Week 2: Complete your Anmeldung at the local Bürgeramt using the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (landlord confirmation) from your provider. All professional landlords on FARAWAYHOME supply this as standard. With your Anmeldung certificate in hand, you can now open a German bank account – N26, Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, or any traditional bank.
Weeks 3–4: Apply for your tax ID (Steuer-ID), register for health insurance, and – if applicable – complete your residence permit formalities at the Ausländerbehörde. Your furnished apartment gives you the stable base from which to handle all of this without time pressure.
Months 2–6: With a German bank account and income flowing, your SCHUFA history begins building. After three to six months, you will have the documentation German landlords require for an unfurnished lease – if you decide to transition at all. Many of our tenants discover that furnished living suits their lifestyle permanently.
This is why FARAWAYHOME is not just a place to find a flat – it is your launchpad for life in Berlin. For the complete step-by-step breakdown covering visas, banking, insurance, and every bureaucratic detail, see our Berlin Expat & Relocation Guide.
How Much Does a Furnished Apartment in Berlin Cost?
Berlin’s furnished rental market spans an enormous range – from compact studios in emerging neighbourhoods to designer penthouses overlooking the Spree. Price transparency is not a given on most platforms; at FARAWAYHOME, it is the standard. Every listed price is a final price: an all-inclusive rent covering electricity, heating, water, internet, and TV licence. No hidden surcharges, no annual utility settlement (Betriebskostenabrechnung), no guesswork. This makes budget planning reliable – especially for international tenants unfamiliar with Germany’s notoriously complex ancillary cost system.
Here is what you can realistically expect in 2026, based on current listings on our platform.
Studios and one-bedroom apartments start at approximately €1,150 per month in districts like Wedding, Neukölln, or Spandau. In central locations such as Mitte, Charlottenburg, or Schöneberg, expect €1,400 to €1,900 for a studio. The price difference reflects not just the location but often the furnishing quality – designer furniture, fully equipped brand-name kitchens, and modern bathrooms push the price upward but deliver a noticeably better living experience.
Two-bedroom furnished flats range from €1,500 to €2,500 across Berlin. This is the segment with the widest selection: from functionally furnished apartments for business stays to beautifully designed Altbau apartments with stucco ceilings, hardwood floors, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Two-bedroom apartments with a dedicated workspace are in particularly high demand – a trend that has accelerated sharply since the shift to remote and hybrid work.
Larger apartments and premium properties – three to five bedrooms, high-end furnishing, prime locations – fall in the €2,500 to €5,000 range and above. For furnished luxury apartments in Berlin, expect starting prices of around €3,000 with penthouses and large family apartments well exceeding €10,000 per month. In districts like Grunewald, Dahlem, or along the Kurfürstendamm, concierge-style service, private parking, and curated interiors are standard.
Furnished Apartment in Berlin – How It Compares to Other Housing Options
| Criteria |
Furnished Apartment (FARAWAYHOME) |
Serviced Apartment |
Hotel (mid-range) |
Airbnb (30+ days) |
Unfurnished Apartment |
| Monthly cost |
€1,150–5,000 |
€1,800–4,500 |
€2,700–5,400 |
€1,500–3,500 |
€700–2,000 + setup costs |
| All bills included |
Yes (at FARAWAYHOME) |
Yes |
Yes |
Usually yes |
No – separate contracts |
| Fully furnished |
Yes |
Yes + cleaning & service |
Hotel standard, no kitchen |
Varies |
No (often no kitchen either) |
| Living space |
30–120 m² |
25–80 m² |
18–25 m² |
20–80 m² |
30–150 m² |
| Own kitchen |
Yes, fully equipped |
Yes, fully equipped |
No |
Usually yes |
Often not included |
| Anmeldung (address registration) |
Yes |
Yes (1+ month stays) |
No |
Rarely |
Yes |
| Formal lease / tenant protection |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
Yes (full protection) |
| Minimum stay |
1–3 months |
1 night – 1 month |
1 night |
1 night (legally restricted) |
Indefinite (hard to find) |
| Best for stays of |
1–24 months |
2 weeks – 6 months |
Under 2 weeks |
Short holiday only |
2+ years |
| SCHUFA required |
Often not (alternatives accepted) |
Rarely |
No |
No |
Almost always |
Furnished vs. unfurnished – when does each make sense? From our experience since 2012, furnished living is almost always the more economical choice for stays up to 18–24 months. An unfurnished flat in Berlin looks cheaper on paper (typically €800–1,500 for a two-bedroom), but the true cost is much higher: furniture purchase (at least €3,000–8,000 for a basic setup), a kitchen (many Berlin apartments come without one – budget €2,000–5,000), separate electricity and internet contracts (€80–120 per month combined), a full security deposit of up to three months’ cold rent, and the time cost of weeks spent setting everything up. For a shorter-term stay, add furniture storage or resale costs. A furnished apartment through FARAWAYHOME at €1,200 and above all-inclusive eliminates every one of these variables. Walk in, live, walk out.
Price by district: For premium central addresses, Mitte, Charlottenburg, and Tiergarten command the highest rents – reflecting proximity to embassies, corporate headquarters, and international schools. An excellent balance of central location and quality of living is found in Schöneberg, Wilmersdorf, and Prenzlauer Berg. Emerging districts like Friedrichshain and Rummelsburg offer modern, well-furnished apartments at more moderate price points without sacrificing connectivity.
Short-term or long-term – flexible lease terms for every situation. Whether you need a short-term apartment in Berlin for a two-month project or a long-term furnished rental for a year or more, FARAWAYHOME lists options across the full spectrum. Monthly rentals with all-inclusive pricing make budgeting straightforward regardless of your stay duration. Many landlords offer rolling leases that can be extended – so you are never locked into a commitment that does not fit your plans.
Find the right apartment for your needs. Filter by price, district, and number of rooms – every listing with all-inclusive rent, zero tenant fees. → Browse furnished apartments in Berlin
No SCHUFA? No Problem – How Newcomers Rent in Berlin Without a German Credit History
The SCHUFA credit report is the single biggest barrier to renting in Germany for anyone who has not lived in the country before. Without a German bank account history, you simply do not have a SCHUFA score – and most unfurnished apartment landlords will not consider your application without one. This creates a catch-22 for expats, international professionals, and anyone relocating from abroad: you cannot get a SCHUFA score without a German address and bank account, but you cannot get an apartment without a SCHUFA score.
Furnished apartments bypass this problem entirely. The majority of professional landlords on FARAWAYHOME are experienced with international tenants and accept alternative documentation instead of a SCHUFA report. Depending on the listing, these alternatives include: an international credit report or reference from your home country, a letter from your employer confirming salary and contract duration, prepayment of two to three months’ rent in advance, or a corporate guarantee from your employer.
This makes a furnished apartment or flat the natural first step for anyone arriving in Berlin without German documentation. You move in, complete your Anmeldung, open a bank account, and start building your SCHUFA history naturally – without the impossible requirement of already having one. For EU Blue Card holders, freelance visa applicants, and other newcomers with verifiable income, the process is straightforward. For the full bureaucratic sequence, refer to our Berlin Expat & Relocation Guide.
Berlin’s Best Neighbourhoods for Furnished Apartments
Berlin is a city of Kieze – hyper-local neighbourhoods, each with its own character, rhythm, and price point. Choosing the right district affects your quality of life more than in most other cities, because Berlin is vast and each area feels genuinely different. Here is our assessment of the most popular neighbourhoods for furnished living – based on over twelve years of matching tenants with apartments.
Berlin’s political, cultural, and commercial centre. Between the Brandenburg Gate, Museum Island, and Hackescher Markt, you will find furnished apartments with first-rate public transport connections in every direction. Particularly popular with diplomats, executives, and business travellers who value short commutes to ministries, embassies, and corporate headquarters. Rents are among the highest in Berlin, but for tenants who consider their time the most valuable resource, the central location justifies the premium. A furnished studio in Mitte starts around €1,500; two-bedroom flats from €2,200.
Berlin’s traditional western address. Generous Altbau floor plans, high stucco ceilings, the Kurfürstendamm boulevard for shopping and dining, and the proximity to Charlottenburg Palace define the character. Furnished apartments here appeal especially to international professionals and families who value elegance and established infrastructure – from excellent international schools (the Berlin British School, the Lycée Français) to some of Berlin’s finest restaurants. Upper mid-range pricing, but the quality of living is among the best in the city.
The definition of family-friendly Berlin. Restored Gründerzeit facades, tree-lined avenues, organic supermarkets, a playground on nearly every corner, and some of the best cafés in the city. Attracts families in transition, young professionals, and couples who want urban energy without the noise. Furnished flats in Prenzlauer Berg fill quickly – start your search early. The U2 and tram lines provide direct connections to Mitte in under fifteen minutes.
Berlin’s creative and multicultural heart. Between Markthalle Neun (one of Europe’s best food markets), Görlitzer Park, and the Landwehr Canal, you will experience a lifestyle that exists nowhere else quite like this. Suits anyone who thrives on cultural diversity, nightlife, and a vibrant food scene – from Turkish street food to Michelin-starred restaurants within the same kilometre. Prices vary sharply by micro-location; overall mid-to-upper range. The U1, U8, and multiple bus lines connect you across the city.
Youth, dynamism, and proximity to the Spree. The area around Ostbahnhof and the Mediaspree development corridor has become a hotspot for start-up employees, tech professionals, and the creative industries. Contemporary apartments with riverside views, modern co-working infrastructure, and a vibrant food scene attract internationally mobile professionals who want Berlin at its most energetic. The East Side Gallery and Warschauer Straße nightlife add an edge that the western districts lack.
Quiet, upscale living in western Berlin with fast connections to both City West and Mitte. Suits professionals who want calm after work without giving up urban infrastructure. Furnished apartments here often feature generous floor plans and well-maintained buildings. The U3 and U7 lines put you at Kurfürstendamm or Rathaus Neukölln in equal time. Excellent quality of living relative to its pricing – a well-kept secret among long-term expats.
Relaxed Kiez atmosphere meets urban convenience. The Saturday Winterfeldtmarkt, Volkspark Schöneberg, proximity to the KaDeWe department store, and one of Berlin’s most established LGBTQ+ communities make it enduringly popular. One of Berlin’s most tolerant and cosmopolitan neighbourhoods – a genuine advantage for international tenants. Furnished flats available across all price ranges, with the U4 and U7 providing fast connections throughout the city.
Between Berlin’s largest inner-city park, Potsdamer Platz, and the Hauptbahnhof – the central railway station with ICE connections across Germany. The diplomatic quarter, the Philharmonie concert hall, and several major corporate offices make this the first choice for embassy staff, conference attendees, and professionals who need maximum mobility. Furnished apartments in Tiergarten often come with park views – a genuine luxury in a city of 3.8 million.
One of the city’s most dynamic and culturally diverse neighbourhoods. Between Schillerkiez and Richardplatz, a vibrant mix of international food culture, independent boutiques, and growing infrastructure has emerged. Neuköln appeals to internationally minded professionals who value an authentic, cosmopolitan neighbourhood with character – at rents noticeably below the central Berlin average. Increasingly popular with expats who want to experience Berlin beyond the polished inner-city districts.
One of Berlin’s best-connected districts – from Wedding, you reach Mitte in under ten minutes by U-Bahn. The neighbourhood retains a raw, authentic charm that the polished inner-city districts have long lost, and is undergoing significant regeneration with new restaurants, galleries, and co-working spaces. Professionals who prioritise a quick commute to government districts and corporate headquarters, paired with generous floor plans, will find Wedding a practical and increasingly attractive option.
Berlin’s southwest represents exclusive green living. Villa-style architecture, old-growth forests, international schools, and proximity to the Wannsee lake define the lifestyle. Aimed at families and senior executives who demand space, privacy, and tranquillity without losing the connection to the city. The S-Bahn connects to Mitte in approximately thirty minutes.
Berlin’s academic quarter. The Free University of Berlin, several renowned research institutes, and the Dahlem Museums shape the district’s intellectual character. The natural choice for visiting professors, research fellows, and international academics coming to Berlin for a semester or research project – quiet, green, and within walking or cycling distance of the campus. The Botanical Garden, one of the largest in the world, is here too.
Suburban calm with strong urban infrastructure. The Schloßstraße shopping mile, numerous schools, and an established neighbourhood character make it particularly attractive for families seeking a furnished flat without big-city stress. The S1 and U9 connect Steglitz to Mitte and the lakeside southwest efficiently. One of the best value-for-quality ratios in Berlin’s southwest.
For those who value life on the water. The Großer Wannsee, historic villas, and an almost rural atmosphere make this one of Berlin’s most exclusive addresses. Tenants prioritise nature and calm, accepting a longer commute in return – the S1 line reaches Mitte in about thirty minutes, and the Wannsee station is also a regional train hub for Potsdam and beyond.
Berlin’s westernmost district feels like a self-contained small town with its own historic centre, the medieval Zitadelle fortress, and the Havel river running through it. Rents are among the lowest in Berlin, and the S-Bahn connection to the city centre is reliable. For tenants who prioritise space, nature, and affordability over nightlife, Spandau is a genuine alternative. Large family-friendly flats at moderate prices are significantly easier to find here than in the inner-city districts.
An up-and-coming waterfront neighbourhood directly on the Spree. Modern apartment buildings, Spree-side promenades, and a growing community make Rummelsburg an insider tip for tenants who want contemporary quality with water views – at prices well below the established inner-city districts. The Ringbahn S-Bahn and tram connections provide good access to the rest of the city.
One of Berlin’s quietest and greenest districts. Broad streets, well-preserved historic buildings, and the Bürgerpark Pankow provide a high quality of life at moderate prices. Particularly popular with families and couples who want proximity to the centre without the noise – the tram and S-Bahn connect to Mitte in about twenty minutes. Pankow’s village-like centre around Breite Straße offers excellent cafés, small shops, and a genuine community feel.
Which neighbourhood is right for you? Filter by district and discover verified furnished apartments in your preferred area. → Browse all districts and listings
Who Rents Furnished Apartments in Berlin?
Furnished living in Berlin has evolved far beyond a temporary fix – for many professionals and families, it is the most intelligent housing decision. At FARAWAYHOME, we have served discerning tenants for over twelve years, from relocating executives and diplomats to international families and high-net-worth individuals establishing a presence in Germany’s capital.
Expats and international professionals face a double challenge: arriving in a new city and a new country, often with little lead time and no local network. A furnished apartment through FARAWAYHOME solves the most pressing problems simultaneously: move-in ready, transparent pricing, and – crucially – the ability to register your address (Anmeldung). Without an Anmeldung, you cannot open a German bank account, obtain health insurance, start employment, or complete virtually any official process. EU Blue Card holders, who must complete Anmeldung within their first 90 days and demonstrate adequate housing for their residence permit, find furnished apartments particularly well suited – no SCHUFA required, immediate availability, and a formal lease that satisfies the Ausländerbehörde. Freelance visa applicants benefit for the same reasons: proof of adequate housing is a visa requirement, and a FARAWAYHOME lease fulfils it. Our Berlin Expat & Relocation Guide walks you through every step.
Business travellers and project workers need a professional base for weeks or months – not the monotony of a hotel room. Furnished flats in Berlin provide a genuine home on a temporary basis: your own kitchen, a separate workspace, a washing machine, and stable high-speed internet. Flexible lease terms starting from one month allow planning without long-term commitment. For shorter stays with hotel-style service, we recommend our serviced apartments in Berlin. For company-wide relocation needs, our corporate housing programme offers dedicated support and volume solutions.
Diplomats and embassy staff posted to Berlin require residences that meet both personal and institutional standards: a representative address, high-quality furnishings, proximity to the government quarter and embassy district, and a lease structure that accommodates diplomatic posting cycles. FARAWAYHOME lists premium apartments in Mitte, Tiergarten, Charlottenburg, and Grunewald that meet these requirements – with the flexibility to extend or conclude a tenancy in line with posting durations. All listings provide the documentation required for Anmeldung, which diplomatic staff with non-exempt status also need to complete.
High-net-worth individuals and senior executives relocating to or establishing a base in Berlin expect furnishing quality, location, and service that match their standards. Our luxury apartments in Berlin feature designer interiors, premium appliances, private parking, and concierge-level service in the city’s most prestigious addresses – Grunewald, Dahlem, Kurfürstendamm, and Mitte. For executives who need a fully operational residence from day one without the commitment of purchasing property, a furnished luxury apartment through FARAWAYHOME is the natural solution.
Visiting academics and researchers coming to Berlin for a sabbatical, research fellowship, or guest professorship at institutions like the Free University, Humboldt University, or the Max Planck Institutes will find furnished apartments particularly practical – move-in ready, flexibly timed to academic schedules, and located in districts like Dahlem, Charlottenburg, or Mitte with direct access to research campuses.
Families in transition – whether due to a home renovation, a job-related move, or a change in personal circumstances – need a solution quickly with enough space and structure for everyday family life. A furnished two-bedroom flat or larger provides kitchen, washing machine, and separate sleeping areas that a hotel room simply cannot replace. Districts like Prenzlauer Berg, Charlottenburg, Wilmersdorf, or Zehlendorf are particularly suitable for families.
Remote-working professionals based in Berlin benefit from fast internet in virtually every apartment, co-working spaces in every neighbourhood, and a vast international community. FARAWAYHOME lists furnished apartments with dedicated workspaces, Wi-Fi included, and flexible lease terms that accommodate project-based or location-independent work patterns. Berlin’s central European location and BER airport’s connections to over 150 destinations make it an ideal operational base.
How to Find the Right Furnished Apartment in Berlin
Berlin’s rental market can feel overwhelming – especially if you do not know the city yet or are searching from abroad. Whether you call it a furnished apartment, a temporary apartment in Berlin, or simply temporary housing – the search process is the same. From our experience placing tenants since 2012, a structured approach can get you into a furnished flat within days.
Set your budget. Define your monthly maximum – and calculate realistically. At FARAWAYHOME, rent is all-inclusive with no hidden costs. What you see in the listing is what you pay. No utility estimates, no electricity advance payments, no separate internet contract.
Choose your district. Berlin is large – and the difference between a ten-minute commute and a forty-five-minute journey will define your daily experience. Consider where you will work, study, or spend your free time. Use our neighbourhood pages to identify the right area. When in doubt, a smaller apartment in the right location beats a larger one at the wrong end of the city.
Define your requirements. Not every furnished apartment is equipped the same way. Do you absolutely need a washing machine in the flat, a balcony, a dedicated workspace, or a dishwasher? Filter specifically on FARAWAYHOME – the clearer your requirements, the faster you will find the right place. If you need premium quality with designer furnishings, check our furnished luxury apartments section.
View the apartment or review it digitally. Many listings offer in-person viewings. If you are still abroad, high-resolution photos, detailed floor plans, and comprehensive descriptions are available for every listing. Many landlords also offer video calls or virtual tours. Good photos combined with a brief call are sufficient for a well-informed decision in most cases.
Sign the lease. The rental agreement is concluded directly with the landlord or managing agency. FARAWAYHOME assists with questions about deposit protection, minimum rental periods, and contractual details. The deposit is typically one to two months’ rent and is refunded after move-out, provided the apartment is returned in good condition. Under German law, the landlord must hold the deposit in a separate account.
What Documents Do You Need to Rent a Furnished Apartment in Berlin?
The German rental market is document-heavy compared to most countries. Here is what you will typically need when renting a furnished apartment or flat in Berlin.
Standard requirements: a valid passport or ID card, proof of income (recent payslips, employment contract, or for self-employed individuals, the most recent tax return), and – if available – a SCHUFA credit report (Germany’s standard credit check).
If you do not have a German SCHUFA – which applies to virtually every newcomer – many landlords on FARAWAYHOME accept alternatives: an international credit report, a letter from your employer confirming your salary, prepayment of two to three months’ rent upfront, or an employer guarantee. This is one of the key advantages of working with professional providers experienced with international tenants.
For visiting academics: an appointment confirmation from the host institution combined with proof of funding (fellowship letter, university contract, or grant confirmation) is usually sufficient.
Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (landlord confirmation): this is the form your landlord provides so you can register your address at the Bürgeramt. All professional providers on FARAWAYHOME supply this as standard – it is legally required, and without it, you cannot complete your Anmeldung. Make sure to confirm this before signing if it is not explicitly mentioned in the listing.
The Legal Framework – What You Need to Know
If you are coming from outside Germany, the legal landscape around furnished and temporary housing in Berlin can seem confusing – especially because of frequent media coverage about short-term rental restrictions. Here is a clear summary of what applies and what does not.
Furnished apartments are legal and regulated. Under German law (§549 Abs. 2 Nr. 1 BGB), furnished rooms and apartments that are part of the landlord’s own living space are exempt from certain tenant protection provisions. For standalone furnished apartments rented on a temporary basis, special regulations apply under §549 BGB and the Zweckentfremdungsverbot (Berlin’s law against the misuse of residential space). The key distinction is between temporary furnished rentals with a legitimate purpose (work assignment, study, relocation – all of which are legal and protected) and short-term tourist rentals without a permit (which are restricted).
What does this mean for you as a tenant? If you are renting a furnished apartment for a temporary but defined purpose – a work assignment, a project, a study semester, a family transition – you are on solid legal ground. Your rental agreement is a standard German lease, you enjoy full tenant protection regarding deposit handling and notice periods, and you can register your address (Anmeldung) at the property. The Berlin Zweckentfremdungsverbot primarily targets unregulated short-term holiday rentals (under 90 days) without a permit – not the type of professional furnished lettings listed on FARAWAYHOME.
Mietpreisbremse (rent cap): Berlin’s rent cap law applies to unfurnished rentals; furnished apartments are largely exempt because the furniture surcharge is calculated separately. However, the legal landscape evolves – FARAWAYHOME only works with landlords who comply with current regulations, giving you confidence that your rental arrangement is above board.
Why FARAWAYHOME? Seven Reasons Tenants Choose Us
1. Verified listings only. Every apartment on our platform is checked before it goes live. We verify landlord identity, property documentation, and listing accuracy. No bait-and-switch, no phantom listings, no scams – a genuine problem on other platforms.
2. Zero tenant fees. You pay no commission, no service charge, no booking fee. The rent you see is the rent you pay – all-inclusive.
3. All-inclusive rent. Electricity, heating, water, internet, and TV licence are included in the monthly price. No Nebenkosten surprises, no separate contracts, no annual utility settlements.
4. Anmeldung guaranteed. All professional landlords on FARAWAYHOME provide the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung you need to register your address – the essential first step for any official process in Germany.
5. No SCHUFA required for most listings. We work with landlords experienced with international tenants who accept alternative documentation. Your lack of a German credit history is not a barrier.
6. Trusted since 2012. Over twelve years of experience in the Berlin furnished rental market. We have navigated every market cycle, every regulatory change, and every type of tenant situation.
7. Real people, real support. FARAWAYHOME is not an anonymous marketplace. Our team speaks English and German and provides personal assistance throughout your search and tenancy. Questions about deposits, lease terms, Anmeldung, or neighbourhood recommendations? We are here.
Furnished Apartments in Other German Cities & London
FARAWAYHOME operates across Germany’s major cities and London. If your relocation takes you beyond Berlin, you will find the same quality, verification standards, and all-inclusive pricing:
Furnished apartments in Munich • Furnished apartments in Frankfurt • Furnished apartments in Hamburg • Furnished apartments in Cologne • Furnished apartments in Düsseldorf • Furnished apartments in Leipzig • Furnished apartments in Stuttgart • Furnished apartments in London
Frequently Asked Questions About Furnished Apartments in Berlin
Can I rent a furnished apartment in Berlin as a foreigner?
Yes – and Berlin is one of the easiest German cities to do so. Many furnished apartment landlords on FARAWAYHOME specifically cater to international tenants and accept international documentation instead of German-standard requirements like the SCHUFA credit report. You will need a valid passport, proof of income (employment contract, payslips, or bank statements), and in some cases an employer guarantee or advance rent payment. EU citizens face no additional restrictions; non-EU nationals will need a valid visa or residence permit.
How much does a furnished apartment in Berlin cost per month?
On FARAWAYHOME, furnished apartments in Berlin start at approximately €1,150 per month for a studio in districts like Wedding or Neukölln. Central one-bedroom apartments in Mitte or Charlottenburg typically range from €1,500 to €2,100. Two-bedroom flats range from €1,500 to €2,500. All prices are all-inclusive – electricity, heating, water, internet, and TV licence are covered. For luxury properties, prices start at around €3,000.
Do I need a SCHUFA credit report to rent a furnished apartment?
In most cases, no. The SCHUFA is Germany’s standard credit report, but since most newcomers do not have one, the majority of professional landlords on FARAWAYHOME accept alternatives: an international credit reference, proof of income from your employer, prepayment of several months’ rent, or a corporate guarantee. This is one of the main advantages of furnished over unfurnished rentals for people new to Germany.
Can I register my address (Anmeldung) at a furnished apartment?
Yes. Address registration (Anmeldung) is mandatory within 14 days of moving into any apartment in Germany. For furnished apartments, your landlord provides a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung – the official landlord confirmation form you need to register at the Bürgeramt. All professional providers on FARAWAYHOME supply this document as standard. The Anmeldung is your gateway to a German bank account, tax ID, health insurance, and employment – it is the single most important administrative step after arriving in Berlin.
What is included in the rent of a furnished apartment?
At FARAWAYHOME, every listing shows an all-inclusive monthly price. This covers: all furniture and household appliances, bed linens and towels, electricity and heating, water (hot and cold), high-speed internet (Wi-Fi), and TV licence (Rundfunkbeitrag). You do not need to sign separate contracts for any utility. Some premium listings may additionally include regular cleaning or a welcome package – check the individual listing details.
How long can I rent a furnished apartment in Berlin?
Minimum stays on FARAWAYHOME typically range from one to three months, depending on the listing. Maximum stays of up to 24 months are common, with some landlords open to extensions. If you need a stay shorter than one month, our serviced apartments in Berlin offer more flexible terms. For indefinite stays, a furnished apartment with a rolling lease is often possible – discuss directly with the landlord.
What documents do I need to rent a furnished apartment in Berlin as a foreigner?
Typically: a valid passport or ID, proof of income (employment contract, recent payslips, or for the self-employed, tax returns), and ideally a SCHUFA report. Since most international tenants lack SCHUFA, alternatives are widely accepted – an international credit reference, an employer guarantee, a corporate guarantee, or upfront rent payment. For visiting academics, a host institution confirmation with proof of funding is usually accepted. For a full breakdown, see our documents section above.
Can I rent a furnished apartment in Berlin with a pet?
Many furnished apartments on FARAWAYHOME are pet-friendly. Use the “Cats allowed” or “Dogs allowed” filter on our search page to find suitable listings. Keep in mind that some landlords may require a small additional deposit for pets. If you have a specific breed or a larger dog, it is best to contact the landlord directly before booking. The availability of pet-friendly furnished flats varies by district – you will generally find more options in family-oriented areas like Prenzlauer Berg, Charlottenburg, and Zehlendorf.
Is it hard to find a furnished apartment in Berlin?
Berlin’s rental market is competitive, but the furnished segment is significantly easier to navigate than the unfurnished market. While unfurnished apartment viewings can attract dozens of applicants, furnished apartments on FARAWAYHOME are listed with clear pricing, verified availability, and direct contact with landlords – no mass viewings, no bidding wars. The key is to start early (ideally 4–6 weeks before your move-in date), be flexible on your exact move-in date, and have your documents ready.
What is the difference between a furnished apartment and a serviced apartment?
Both are fully furnished and move-in ready. The difference lies in the service level: a furnished apartment gives you a self-contained home with all bills included. A serviced apartment adds hotel-style services on top – regular cleaning, linen changes, a reception or concierge, and sometimes a fitness area or communal spaces. Serviced apartments are ideal for shorter stays (two weeks to six months) and tenants who want a hassle-free, hotel-like experience with the space of an apartment. They are typically priced 20–40% higher than comparable furnished apartments.
What is the average rent in Berlin in 2026?
For unfurnished apartments, the average cold rent (Kaltmiete) in Berlin sits at approximately €13–16 per square metre as of early 2026, varying significantly by district. For furnished apartments, expect approximately €25–37 per square metre all-inclusive, reflecting the furniture, equipment, and all utilities being covered. The gap narrows considerably once you factor in the true total cost of unfurnished living (furniture, kitchen, deposits, separate utility contracts). On FARAWAYHOME, furnished studios start at around €1,150 per month, with premium and luxury apartments ranging significantly higher.
Can I rent a furnished apartment in Berlin for one month?
Yes, many listings on FARAWAYHOME offer a minimum stay of one month. One-month rentals are popular with business travellers, professionals between apartments, and visitors exploring Berlin before committing to a longer stay. For stays under one month, serviced apartments are usually the better option.
How do I avoid rental scams in Berlin?
Rental scams are a real problem in Berlin – especially on classified platforms and social media groups. Warning signs include: requests to transfer money before viewing or signing a lease, prices significantly below market rates, landlords who claim to be abroad and cannot show the property, and listings with stolen photos. On FARAWAYHOME, every listing is verified before publication: we check landlord identity, property documentation, and listing accuracy. You will never be asked to pay before having a signed rental agreement, and you deal with identified, professional providers.
Can I rent a furnished apartment in Berlin long-term?
Yes. While many people associate furnished apartments with short stays, a large number of our listings on FARAWAYHOME are available for long-term rental – twelve months, eighteen months, or even longer. Many landlords offer rolling leases that can be extended as needed. Long-term furnished rentals are particularly popular with expats on open-ended assignments, families who have not yet found a permanent home, and professionals who value the convenience of all-inclusive living without the commitment of buying furniture. Filter for your desired move-in date and minimum stay on our search page.
Is a furnished apartment in Berlin cheaper than a hotel?
Significantly. A mid-range hotel room in central Berlin costs €90–180 per night, which translates to €2,700–5,400 per month – for a room of 18–25 m² with no kitchen. A furnished apartment on FARAWAYHOME starts at €1,150 per month for 30+ m² with a full kitchen, living space, and all bills included. For any stay beyond two weeks, a furnished apartment is more economical, more spacious, and more comfortable than a hotel.