Berlin attracts people who don't want to stay forever. Or who don't yet know how long they'll stay. Consultants, expats, students, remote workers: the need for flexible housing without a classic rental contract is structurally rooted in Berlin. At the same time, the market has professionalised. What used to sound like shady subletting is now a distinct segment with vetted listings, clear terms, and a quality that can compete with classic rental apartments.
This article explains what temporary living in Berlin actually means, who it's worth it for, what it costs, and what to look out for when searching.
What does temporary living mean?
Temporary living refers to furnished tenancies with a term ranging from one month to two years. The apartments are fully furnished, and utilities are usually included. Electricity, heating, water and internet are included in the rent in most all-inclusive offers. Legally, this is usually a fixed-term rental agreement with a furnishing surcharge. This surcharge is not subject to the rent brake (Mietpreisbremse), which makes furnished temporary apartments more expensive than unfurnished ones, but also saves the effort of setting up individual contracts and furnishing.
The difference to a holiday apartment lies in the intended use. Those living on a temporary basis have an everyday life in the city: they go shopping, cook, and have work or studies. The accommodation is a temporary home, not a holiday residence.
Who is it worth it for?
Temporary living is not a stopgap solution but a deliberate choice for flexibility. Employees with fixed-term contracts avoid the elaborate Berlin application process involving SCHUFA, deposit and proof of salary. Expats without German documents have little chance on the classic housing market, but a much better one with furnished short-term rentals. Students on a semester abroad don't need to buy their own furniture. Remote workers use Berlin as a base for a few months without committing long-term.
- Employees on a project basis or with a fixed-term employment contract
- Expats and international professionals without a German SCHUFA
- Students on a semester abroad or internship
- Remote workers and digital nomads
- People in situations of separation or transition
- Anyone who wants to get to know Berlin before committing long-term
What does temporary living in Berlin cost?
Prices vary depending on district, size and furnishings. As a guide for furnished all-inclusive apartments:
District |
Studio |
2-room |
Character |
Mitte |
from EUR 1,400 |
from EUR 1,900 |
Central, expensive, loud |
Prenzlauer Berg |
from EUR 1,350 |
from EUR 1,750 |
Old buildings, family-friendly, popular |
Charlottenburg |
from EUR 1,300 |
from EUR 1,700 |
Quiet, middle-class, western |
Friedrichshain |
from EUR 1,150 |
from EUR 1,500 |
Young, lively, well connected |
Kreuzberg |
from EUR 1,200 |
from EUR 1,600 |
Urban, diverse, neighbourhood feel |
Neukölln |
from EUR 1,100 |
from EUR 1,450 |
Colourful, affordable, up-and-coming |
The price difference between furnished and unfurnished in Berlin is usually 20 to 40 percent. However, once you factor in furniture, electricity and internet contracts, and the hassle with authorities, you'll find that all-inclusive living is often cheaper than expected. A wide range of furnished apartments in Berlin can be found on Farawayhome, filtered by district, size and rental duration.
What to look out for when searching
Prefer verified listings
The Berlin housing market has a well-known problem with fake listings. Warning signs include prices significantly below market rate, pressure to pay quickly without meeting in person, and missing address details. Reputable platforms review their listings before publication and offer transparent terms.
Clarify minimum rental period and registration
Anyone staying in Berlin longer than three months must register with the residents' registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt). This requires a landlord confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung). Not all providers issue this, so it's worth clarifying before booking. Regarding minimum rental duration: shorter minimum terms generally mean higher monthly prices. Anyone who knows they'll stay for six months can often save 10 to 15 percent with a longer term.
Temporary living in other German cities
Berlin is the largest market for furnished temporary living in Germany, but not the only one. For those considering other cities: furnished apartments in Hamburg and furnished apartments in Munich offer similar terms with their own particularities.
Conclusion
Temporary living in Berlin is a deliberate choice for flexibility. The market is large, and the quality of offerings has increased. Those who search specifically will find verified listings among the temporary apartments in Berlin that can be booked from one month and without commission.
Frequently asked questions
1. What is the difference between temporary living and a holiday apartment?
Holiday apartments are aimed at tourists with short stays of a few days. Temporary living is aimed at people who actually live in Berlin and have an everyday routine. The term ranges from one month to two years, and the apartment is a temporary home.
2. Do I need a SCHUFA for temporary living?
Usually not. Platforms for furnished short-term rentals are often geared towards expats and forgo the SCHUFA. Instead, proof of income, an advance payment, or a verified profile is sometimes required.
3. What does temporary living in Berlin cost on average?
Prices start at around 1,100 euros per month for a furnished studio in more affordable districts. In Mitte or Prenzlauer Berg, they start at around 1,350 to 1,400 euros. All-inclusive—meaning including electricity, heating, water and internet—is usually included.
4. Do I need to register when living in a temporary apartment?
Anyone staying in Berlin longer than three months is required to register with the residents' registration office. This requires a landlord confirmation. For shorter stays, no registration is required.
5. How far in advance should one book?
For more affordable districts, a few days' lead time is often enough. For central locations or larger apartments, a lead time of two to four weeks is recommended. During the high season from September to November, early booking is especially advisable.