Munich

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Short-Term Housing

Details on temporary accommodation options such as serviced apartments, Airbnb, and short-term rentals.

Sections

1. Types of Short-Term Housing in Munich

Munich offers a variety of short-term housing options to suit different needs and budgets. Here are the most common types:

a. Serviced Apartments

  • Fully furnished apartments with amenities like cleaning services, Wi-Fi, and sometimes even gym access.
  • Ideal for business travelers or those who prefer a hassle-free, hotel-like experience.
  • Available for stays ranging from a few days to several months.

b. Vacation Rentals (e.g., Airbnb)

  • Private apartments or homes rented out by individuals.
  • Suitable for tourists or those who want a more homely environment.
  • Options range from budget-friendly rooms to luxury apartments.

c. Sublets

  • Renting a room or apartment from someone temporarily leaving their home.
  • Often more affordable than serviced apartments or vacation rentals.
  • Common among students and young professionals.

d. Shared Apartments (Wohngemeinschaft or WG)

  • Renting a room in a shared apartment with other tenants.
  • A cost-effective option, especially for students or solo travelers.
  • Shared spaces include the kitchen, bathroom, and living room.

e. Hostels

  • Budget-friendly accommodations, often with shared dormitories and communal facilities.
  • Best for short stays or those on a tight budget.

f. Hotels

  • Traditional short-term accommodation with varying price ranges.
  • Suitable for very short stays or those who prioritize convenience.

g. Temporary Housing Platforms

  • Platforms like Wunderflats or Homelike specialize in fully furnished apartments for medium-term stays (1-6 months).
  • Cater to expats, professionals, and students.

2. Average Costs of Short-Term Housing in Munich

Munich is one of the most expensive cities in Germany, and housing costs reflect this. Below are approximate costs for different types of short-term housing:

| Type | Average Cost per Night | Average Cost per Month | |--------------------------|----------------------------|----------------------------| | Serviced Apartments | €80–€200 | €2,000–€4,500 | | Vacation Rentals (Airbnb)| €70–€150 | €1,500–€3,000 | | Sublets | €30–€100 | €800–€1,800 | | Shared Apartments (WG) | €20–€50 | €500–€1,000 | | Hostels | €20–€50 | N/A | | Hotels | €100–€300 | N/A | | Temporary Housing (e.g., Wunderflats) | €50–€150 | €1,500–€3,500 |

Note: Prices vary depending on the location, size, and amenities of the property. Central areas like Altstadt-Lehel or Maxvorstadt are more expensive than outer districts.

3. How to Find and Book Short-Term Housing

Here are the most effective ways to find and secure short-term housing in Munich:

a. Online Platforms

  • Serviced Apartments: Check websites like Vision Apartments, SMARTments, or Adina Apartment Hotels.
  • Vacation Rentals: Use Airbnb, Vrbo, or Booking.com.
  • Sublets and Shared Apartments: Explore platforms like WG-Gesucht, HousingAnywhere, or Facebook groups (e.g., "München Apartments").
  • Temporary Housing: Wunderflats, Homelike, or Spotahome.

b. Local Agencies

  • Real estate agencies in Munich often have short-term rental options. Be prepared to pay a commission (usually 1-2 months' rent).

c. University Housing

  • If you're a student, check with your university for short-term housing options or partnerships with local landlords.

d. Networking

  • Ask colleagues, friends, or acquaintances in Munich for recommendations. Word of mouth can be very effective.

e. Hostels and Hotels

  • Use platforms like Hostelworld, Booking.com, or directly contact hotels for extended stay discounts.

Booking Tips:

  1. Start Early: Munich’s housing market is competitive, so begin your search as soon as possible.
  2. Be Prepared: Have your documents ready (e.g., ID, proof of income, or a letter of intent for longer stays).
  3. Verify Listings: Be cautious of scams, especially on platforms like Craigslist. Always verify the legitimacy of the listing and landlord.

4. Procedures and Requirements

When renting short-term housing in Munich, you may encounter the following requirements:

a. Documents

  • ID or Passport: Required for all bookings.
  • Proof of Income: Some landlords may request this for stays longer than a month.
  • Schufa Report: Not typically required for short-term rentals but may be requested for sublets or longer stays.

b. Deposit

  • Most rentals require a security deposit (Kaution), usually 1-3 months' rent. This is refundable at the end of your stay if there’s no damage.

c. Anmeldung (Registration)

  • If you’re staying in Munich for more than 3 months, you’re legally required to register your address (Anmeldung) at the local Bürgerbüro (citizen’s office). Ensure your landlord provides a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (confirmation of residence).

d. Rental Agreement

  • Always sign a rental agreement (Mietvertrag) that outlines the terms of your stay, including rent, deposit, and house rules.

5. Local Considerations and Tips

a. High Demand

  • Munich’s housing market is highly competitive, especially during Oktoberfest (September-October) and major trade fairs. Book well in advance during these periods.

b. Public Transport Accessibility

  • Munich has an excellent public transport system (U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams, and buses). Consider housing options in outer districts like Schwabing, Giesing, or Sendling, which are more affordable but still well-connected.

c. Cultural Etiquette

  • Germans value punctuality and clear communication. Be prompt and professional when contacting landlords or agencies.
  • Respect house rules, especially in shared apartments (e.g., quiet hours, recycling).

d. Language Barrier

  • While many landlords and agencies speak English, having basic German phrases can be helpful. For example:
    • "Ist die Wohnung noch verfügbar?" (Is the apartment still available?)
    • "Wie hoch ist die Kaution?" (How much is the deposit?)

e. Utilities and Hidden Costs

  • Check if utilities (Nebenkosten) like electricity, heating, and internet are included in the rent. If not, budget an additional €100–€300 per month.

f. Temporary Housing Tax

  • For stays under 6 months, some accommodations may include a city tax (Kurtaxe). Confirm this with your landlord or booking platform.

6. Practical Advice for Navigating Munich’s Housing Market

  1. Be Flexible: If you can’t find housing in central Munich, consider nearby towns like Freising or Dachau, which are accessible by train.
  2. Avoid Scams: Never transfer money without seeing the property or signing a contract. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.
  3. Negotiate: For longer stays, you may be able to negotiate a discount, especially with private landlords or Airbnb hosts.
  4. Join Expat Communities: Platforms like Internations or Meetup can connect you with other expats who may have housing leads.

By following these guidelines, you’ll be well-prepared to find and secure short-term housing in Munich. If you need further assistance or have specific questions, feel free to ask!