What Distinguishes a Furnished Luxury Apartment From a Standard Rental
Berlin's furnished apartment market is large, and the word "luxury" is used inflationally. Here are the concrete criteria that define a genuine furnished luxury apartment in Berlin.
Size and layout. Furnished luxury apartments start at approximately 80 square meters and extend well beyond 200. What matters is not just the area but the floor plan: separate living and sleeping areas, at least one en-suite bathroom, a dedicated workspace, and frequently a walk-in closet or dressing room. Penthouses and maisonettes additionally offer roof terraces with views across the Berlin skyline.
Interior design and materials. In a luxury apartment, the interior was not assembled – it was designed. That means a cohesive design concept, premium materials such as solid hardwood parquet, natural stone in the bathroom, custom-built cabinetry, and designer furniture from brands like B&B Italia, Vitra, USM, or Walter Knoll. The kitchen is typically a brand-name installation with built-in appliances from Miele, Gaggenau, or Siemens iQ700 – including wine cooler, steam oven, or Teppanyaki grill. Bathrooms feature rain showers, freestanding bathtubs, underfloor heating, and sanitary fixtures from Duravit or Villeroy & Boch.
Technology. Smart home controls for lighting, heating, and blinds, fiber-optic internet, multi-room sound systems, air conditioning, and professional alarm systems are standard in premium furnished luxury apartments. For many international tenants, air conditioning – far from universal in Berlin – is a decisive criterion that is only reliably available in the premium segment.
Building and surroundings. The apartment alone does not create a luxury experience. Premium properties are situated in architecturally distinguished buildings – from restored Gründerzeit Altbau with stucco and four-meter ceilings to Bauhaus villas to modern new-builds by international architects. Many offer concierge service, underground parking with private spaces, spa and fitness areas in the building, and landscaped courtyards or private gardens.
The Best Locations for Furnished Luxury Apartments in Berlin
Unlike London or Paris, where the luxury segment concentrates in a handful of postcodes, Berlin's premium market spans several districts, each with distinct character. Here are the key addresses.
Charlottenburg – particularly around Kurfürstendamm and Savignyplatz – is Berlin's traditional luxury address. Grand Altbau buildings with stucco ceilings, generous floor plans, and ceiling heights of up to 4.5 meters. The infrastructure meets every executive expectation: KaDeWe (Europe's largest department store) within minutes, fine dining from Grosz to Restaurant am Steinplatz, gourmet shops, and proximity to the Berlin British School and the Lycée Français. The U2, U7, and S-Bahn provide excellent connections – Mitte in under 15 minutes.
Mitte offers the highest density of new-build luxury apartments – from developments around Friedrichstraße and Gendarmenmarkt to premium residences along the Spree. Proximity to the government quarter, embassies, and international organizations makes Mitte the first choice for diplomats, political advisors, and C-level executives. The cultural infrastructure is unmatched: the Staatsoper, Konzerthaus, and Museum Island are all within walking distance. Gastronomically, Mitte operates at the highest level, from Tim Raue (two Michelin stars) to Nobelhart & Schmutzig (one star). Luxury apartments in Mitte start at approximately €3,500 for a two-bedroom.
Grunewald is Berlin's most exclusive villa district: large plots, old-growth trees, immediate proximity to the Grunewald forest and Wannsee lake. Entrepreneurs, art collectors, and international families seeking space, privacy, and nature at the highest level reside here. The Koenigsallee and Hagenstraße count among Germany's most expensive residential addresses. The International School Berlin (ISB) and Berlin Cosmopolitan School are within easy reach. The S-Bahn connects to Mitte in approximately 25 minutes. Furnished luxury villas start at around €4,000 per month.
Dahlem combines academic distinction with premium living. The Free University of Berlin, several Max Planck Institutes, and the Dahlem Museums shape the intellectual character. The John F. Kennedy School – a German-American bilingual community school – is in the immediate neighborhood, making Dahlem highly attractive for expat families. The Botanical Garden, one of the world's largest, and the Capitol cinema in a historic villa complete the cultural offering.
Zehlendorf and Wannsee form Berlin's green southwest – lakeside villas, historic properties, and an almost rural atmosphere. Wannsee offers direct water access: sailing, swimming, and promenade walks are part of daily life. The Phorms School and the Swiss International School Berlin are in the catchment area. The S1 and regional trains connect to Mitte in about 30 minutes, to Potsdam in ten.
Tiergarten – the diplomatic quarter and streets surrounding the Tiergarten park – offers a unique combination of centrality, green space, and prestigious architecture. Embassy residences, the Kulturforum with the Neue Nationalgalerie, the Philharmonie, and Potsdamer Platz define the surroundings. Luxury apartments here are scarce and highly sought after.
Wilmersdorf sits between the classic luxury locations and the mid-range – offering some of Berlin's finest Altbau apartments (130 to 200 square meters, stucco, hardwood, modern bathrooms) without the full premium surcharge. The U3 connects directly to Dahlem and Charlottenburg.
Schöneberg and Prenzlauer Berg offer select premium Altbau apartments with outstanding restoration quality – high ceilings, original details, and modern amenities in historic shells. Not classic luxury districts, but individual properties here rival the best in Charlottenburg. Beyond the established addresses, emerging premium properties appear in Neukölln (design lofts in converted industrial buildings), Rummelsburg (modern penthouses with direct Spree views), Wedding (high-end renovated rooftop apartments near Charité), Friedrichshain (contemporary architecture along the Spree), Kreuzberg (designer apartments near Landwehr Canal), Pankow (historic villas along Breite Straße), Spandau (exclusive Havel waterfront properties), and Steglitz (upscale family properties near the Botanical Garden).
Property Types in Berlin's Luxury Segment
Penthouse. Top floor, private roof terrace, often floor-to-ceiling glazing and panoramic views across Berlin. Found primarily in Mitte (new builds along the Spree), Charlottenburg (restored Gründerzeit rooftops), and increasingly Friedrichshain (modern projects at the Osthafen). Monthly rents start at approximately €5,000 and reach well into five figures for properties exceeding 200 square meters in prime locations.
Altbau luxury. Berlin's Gründerzeit buildings are among Europe's most beautiful residential architecture: stucco ceilings, double doors, original hardwood floors, ceiling heights of 3.5 to 4.5 meters, and deep-set windows. In the luxury segment, these historic qualities are combined with modern technology and high-end interiors. The finest Altbau luxury apartments are found in Charlottenburg, Schöneberg, Prenzlauer Berg, and Mitte.
New-build residence. Modern luxury new builds feature clean architecture, floor-to-ceiling glazing, smart home technology, and premium shared facilities. Developments at Leipziger Platz, along the Spree, and in the diplomatic quarter offer concierge, spa, underground parking, and private courtyards. Ideal for tenants who want contemporary comfort without the compromises of historic buildings (sound insulation, lack of air conditioning).
Villa and townhouse. In Grunewald, Dahlem, Zehlendorf, and Wannsee: furnished villas and townhouses with private gardens, sometimes with pool and separate guest house. These properties serve families, entrepreneurs, and diplomatic staff who combine representation with privacy on generous grounds. Monthly rents range from €5,000 to €12,000 and beyond.
Lifestyle Infrastructure for Discerning Tenants
A furnished luxury apartment in Berlin is only as good as the infrastructure surrounding it. Berlin offers international tenants a breadth of options that surprises many newcomers – the city has improved dramatically in recent years and competes with London and Paris in many areas.
International schools. For expat families, school choice is often the first decision – and frequently more important than the apartment itself. Berlin offers an excellent range: the Berlin British School (Charlottenburg/Westend), Lycée Français de Berlin, John F. Kennedy School (Dahlem/Zehlendorf, German-American bilingual), Berlin Metropolitan School (Mitte), Phorms Campus Berlin (Mitte and Steglitz-Zehlendorf), Berlin Cosmopolitan School (Mitte), and the Swiss International School Berlin (Steglitz-Zehlendorf). Our team advises on catchment areas to align your apartment search with your school shortlist.
Gastronomy and fine dining. Berlin's restaurant scene has risen into the European top tier over the past decade. Notable for luxury-segment tenants: Tim Raue (two Michelin stars, Kreuzberg), Nobelhart & Schmutzig (one star, Kreuzberg), CODA Dessert Bar (one star, Neukölln), Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer (two stars, Mitte), Rutz (two stars, Mitte), and a growing number of internationally acclaimed restaurants. Beyond fine dining, the city offers an exceptional international brasserie and bar culture spanning Japanese omakase, Argentinian steak, and Scandinavian wine bars. Charlottenburg, Mitte, and Kreuzberg have the highest concentration of upscale dining.
Culture and leisure. Berlin is a cultural capital with three opera houses (Staatsoper, Deutsche Oper, Komische Oper), the Berlin Philharmonic, over 170 museums, and a contemporary art scene with global significance. For the athletically inclined: Berliner Tennis Club Rot-Weiß (Grunewald), excellent golf clubs in Brandenburg (40 minutes), premium fitness studios and spas across the city center, and lakes and forests in Berlin's southwest for jogging, sailing, and riding. BER Airport connects Berlin to over 150 international destinations – Paris, London, and Zurich in under two hours.
Who Rents Furnished Luxury Apartments in Berlin?
Executives and interim managers. C-level executives, board members, and managing directors arriving for defined mandates need a living environment that is both representative and functional as a personal retreat. A furnished luxury apartment delivers both – without the effort of long-term furnishing and with the flexibility to leave when the mandate ends.
Diplomats and embassy staff. Berlin hosts over 150 embassies and international representations. Demand for prestigious, immediately available apartments is consistently high – particularly in Tiergarten, Mitte, Charlottenburg, and Grunewald. FARAWAYHOME has worked with diplomatic missions for years and understands the specific requirements: discreet location, security infrastructure, entertaining space, and fast availability during personnel rotations.
International entrepreneurs and investors. Berlin has established itself as a European start-up and technology hub. Founders, investors, and tech executives who are regularly or for extended periods present in Berlin choose furnished luxury apartments as a permanent base – often alongside residences in other European capitals.
Expat families with premium expectations. Families relocating through a corporate relocation program who do not want to compromise on quality of life during the transition phase. Locations near international schools – Dahlem, Zehlendorf, Charlottenburg – are most popular with this audience.
What Do Furnished Luxury Apartments in Berlin Cost?
The luxury segment begins at an all-inclusive rent of approximately €3,000 per month. A two-bedroom luxury apartment in a central location – for example, a design-oriented apartment in Mitte or a restored Altbau in Charlottenburg – ranges from €3,000 to €5,000. Three- to four-bedroom apartments of 100 to 150 square meters in prime locations fall between €4,500 and €8,000. Penthouses and exceptionally prestigious properties starting at 150 square meters begin around €6,000 and can exceed €15,000 monthly. Villas in Grunewald, Dahlem, or Wannsee typically range from €5,000 to €12,000, with estate-scale properties higher still.
Luxury apartment vs. five-star hotel. A room at the Adlon, Regent, or Ritz-Carlton starts at €350 per night – over €10,000 per month for a single hotel room with no kitchen and no real living space. A suite reaches €20,000 to €40,000 monthly. Even a top-tier luxury apartment offers significantly better value at 100 to 200 square meters of private living space with full kitchen, separate workspace, and the freedom to live on your own terms. For stays beyond two to three weeks, the luxury apartment is nearly always the smarter financial decision.
For comparison: a standard furnished apartment in Berlin starts at approximately €1,200 per month, a serviced apartment at approximately €1,800.
How to Find Your Luxury Apartment Through FARAWAYHOME
The premium segment requires a different approach than the standard market. Discretion, personal guidance, and a curated portfolio are essential.
1. Define your requirements. Start with the hard criteria: preferred location, minimum size, room count, must-haves (air conditioning, roof terrace, parking, study, garden). Also define soft criteria: proximity to a specific international school, walking distance to cultural institutions, discretion of the location. The more precise your profile, the more targeted our shortlist.
2. Contact our team. Reach us by email, phone, or contact form. In the premium segment, we work with personal guidance, not algorithms. Describe your situation, timeline, and budget, and we present a curated selection within 24 to 48 hours.
3. Review the curated shortlist. You receive three to five handpicked properties matching your profile – with high-resolution photos, floor plans, location descriptions, and detailed furnishing lists. Many of our most exclusive properties are not publicly listed but available only through direct inquiry (off-market). The personal process gives you access to this extended portfolio.
4. Viewing. We arrange in-person viewings at your convenience – discreetly and on your schedule. If you are still abroad, we offer professional video walkthroughs with our team or the landlord guiding you live. On request, we can view properties on your behalf and document them in detail.
5. Lease and move-in. The rental agreement is signed directly with the landlord or managing agency. FARAWAYHOME assists with contract details, deposit arrangements, and Anmeldung registration. Key handover is in person with a documented condition protocol. Many premium properties are move-in ready within days.
Discreet handling. For tenants who value privacy, we offer a confidential process: from anonymous initial inquiry through personal viewing to private contract signing. No public reviews, no social media exposure – your living arrangement remains your business.
No tenant fees. Even in the luxury segment, FARAWAYHOME charges tenants zero commission. All listed prices are all-inclusive. This transparency distinguishes us from many agents who charge substantial premiums in the high-end market.
For a comprehensive overview of all Berlin neighborhoods with detailed profiles, visit our Berlin neighbourhoods guide.
Furnished Luxury Apartments in Other Cities
The FARAWAYHOME premium portfolio includes exclusive furnished apartments across all major German cities and London: Luxury apartments in Munich, Luxury apartments in Frankfurt, Luxury apartments in Cologne, Luxury apartments in Düsseldorf, Luxury apartments in Leipzig, and Luxury apartments in London. Curated selection, personal guidance, discreet service – in every city.
Frequently Asked Questions About Furnished Luxury Apartments in Berlin
What is the starting price for a furnished luxury apartment in Berlin?
The premium segment begins at approximately €3,000 per month all-inclusive for a high-quality two-bedroom apartment. For penthouses, large apartments in prime locations, and villas, expect €5,000 to €15,000 and above. All prices on FARAWAYHOME are transparent and include all utilities.
Can I rent a luxury apartment for just a few months?
Yes. Minimum stays for most properties range from one to three months. In the luxury segment, landlords are often flexible because they prefer tenants with strong creditworthiness and care for the property – regardless of stay length.
Does FARAWAYHOME offer off-market properties?
Yes. A portion of our most exclusive furnished luxury apartments are not publicly listed – at the request of owners who prefer discretion. These properties are accessible only through direct contact with our team.
Which districts offer the most exclusive furnished apartments?
The established premium locations are Charlottenburg (Kurfürstendamm, Savignyplatz), Mitte (Friedrichstraße, Gendarmenmarkt, Spree), Grunewald and Dahlem (villas), Tiergarten (diplomatic quarter), and Zehlendorf/Wannsee (lakeside villas).
Can I register my address from a luxury apartment?
Yes. As with all furnished apartments on FARAWAYHOME, you receive a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung for your Anmeldung at the Bürgeramt – legally required within two weeks of moving in. Our Expat Guide covers the process.
Are pet-friendly luxury apartments available?
Yes, particularly villas and townhouses with gardens. In apartment complexes, rules may be stricter. Filter for pet-friendly properties on FARAWAYHOME, or tell us your requirements and we find suitable options.
What security features do luxury apartments offer?
Depending on the property: 24/7 concierge or reception, electronic access control, CCTV in common areas, in-apartment alarm systems, and secured underground parking. For tenants with elevated security requirements – diplomats, public figures – we can specifically match properties with the appropriate infrastructure.
Do I need to speak German?
No. FARAWAYHOME and all professional providers on our platform operate fully in English. Lease documents are in German (legally required), but our team helps you understand every clause before signing.