Stuttgart

1. Costs

Furnished Housing:

• Higher Rent: Furnished apartments in Stuttgart typically cost more than unfurnished ones due to the convenience of having furniture and appliances provided. Expect to pay 20-50% more than an equivalent unfurnished apartment.
  • Example: A one-bedroom furnished apartment in Stuttgart city center may cost €1,200–€1,800 per month, while an unfurnished one might cost €900–€1,300.
• Utilities: Utilities (electricity, water, heating, internet) may or may not be included in the rent. Always clarify this with the landlord.
• Deposit: The security deposit for furnished apartments is usually lower (1-2 months' rent) compared to unfurnished ones.

Unfurnished Housing:

• Lower Rent: Unfurnished apartments are more affordable, but you’ll need to budget for purchasing furniture and appliances.
  • Example: A one-bedroom unfurnished apartment in Stuttgart city center may cost €900–€1,300 per month.
• Utilities: Utilities are typically not included in the rent and are paid separately.
• Deposit: The security deposit is usually higher (2-3 months' rent) for unfurnished apartments.

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2. Lease Terms

Furnished Housing:

• Short-Term Leases: Furnished apartments are often available for short-term leases (3-12 months), making them ideal for expats, students, or professionals on temporary assignments.
• Flexibility: Lease terms are generally more flexible, but this can vary depending on the landlord or rental agency.
• Higher Turnover: These apartments are often rented out to transient tenants, so you may face more competition.

Unfurnished Housing:

• Long-Term Leases: Unfurnished apartments are typically rented for longer terms (12 months or more). This is the norm in Germany and is ideal for those planning to stay in Stuttgart for an extended period.
• Stability: Long-term leases provide more stability, but breaking a lease early can be challenging and may require finding a replacement tenant (Nachmieter).

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3. Availability

Furnished Housing:

• Limited Supply: Furnished apartments are less common in Stuttgart compared to unfurnished ones, especially in residential neighborhoods. They are more readily available in central areas or near business hubs.
• Popular with Expats: Due to the high demand from expats and short-term visitors, competition for furnished apartments can be fierce.

Unfurnished Housing:

• Wider Availability: Unfurnished apartments are the standard in Stuttgart and are more widely available across the city.
• Longer Search Time: Finding an unfurnished apartment can take time due to high demand, especially in popular neighborhoods like Stuttgart-Mitte, West, or Vaihingen.

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4. Typical Furnishings Provided

Furnished Housing:

• What’s Included: Furnished apartments usually come with basic furniture (bed, sofa, dining table, chairs), kitchen appliances (stove, refrigerator, microwave), and sometimes smaller items like dishes, cutlery, and linens.
• Fully Equipped: Some high-end furnished apartments may also include a washing machine, TV, and internet connection.

Unfurnished Housing:

• Bare Bones: In Germany, "unfurnished" often means completely empty. This can include:
  • No light fixtures (you may need to install your own).
  • No kitchen appliances (you may need to purchase and install a kitchen, including cabinets, stove, and refrigerator).
  • No curtains or blinds.
• Semi-Furnished Options: Occasionally, you may find "partially furnished" apartments with a built-in kitchen (Einbauküche) or some basic fixtures.

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5. Cultural Expectations

Furnished Housing:

• Short-Term Norm: Furnished apartments are generally seen as a temporary solution. Long-term residents in Stuttgart typically prefer unfurnished housing.
• Higher Turnover: Landlords of furnished apartments may expect tenants to move out after a short period, so they may not invest as much in building long-term relationships.

Unfurnished Housing:

• Long-Term Norm: Renting an unfurnished apartment is the cultural norm in Germany. It’s common for tenants to invest in furnishing their apartments, as leases are often long-term.
• Tenant Responsibility: Tenants are expected to maintain the property and may even be required to repaint or make minor repairs when moving out.

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6. Local Considerations and Procedures

Finding Housing:

• Online Platforms: Popular websites for finding both furnished and unfurnished apartments in Stuttgart include:
  • Immobilienscout24 (https://www.immobilienscout24.de)
  • WG-Gesucht (https://www.wg-gesucht.de) – good for shared and furnished apartments.
  • Immonet (https://www.immonet.de)
• Rental Agencies: Consider using a relocation agency if you’re new to Stuttgart, as they can help navigate the competitive housing market.

Application Process:

• Documents Needed: Whether renting furnished or unfurnished, landlords typically require:
  • Proof of income (e.g., employment contract or pay slips).
  • SCHUFA credit report (a German credit check).
  • Copy of your ID or passport.
  • References from previous landlords (if applicable).
• Competition: The housing market in Stuttgart is competitive, so be prepared to act quickly and provide all necessary documents.

Lease Agreements:

• Read Carefully: Lease agreements (Mietvertrag) are legally binding and often written in German. If you’re not fluent, consider having it translated or reviewed by a professional.
• Notice Period: The standard notice period for terminating a lease is three months for both furnished and unfurnished apartments.

Moving In/Out:

• Handover Protocol: When moving in or out, a detailed handover (Übergabeprotokoll) is conducted to document the condition of the apartment. This is crucial for getting your deposit back.
• Utilities Registration: For unfurnished apartments, you’ll need to set up utilities (electricity, water, internet) yourself. For furnished apartments, these may already be included.

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7. Recommendations

• Choose Furnished If:

  • You’re staying in Stuttgart for less than a year.
  • You want a hassle-free move without the need to buy furniture or appliances.
  • You’re unsure about your long-term plans and need flexibility.

• Choose Unfurnished If:

  • You’re planning to stay in Stuttgart for a year or more.
  • You want to personalize your living space and invest in your own furniture.
  • You’re looking for a more cost-effective option in the long run.

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Conclusion

Both furnished and unfurnished housing in Stuttgart have their pros and cons, depending on your needs, budget, and length of stay. Furnished apartments offer convenience and flexibility but come at a higher cost, while unfurnished apartments are more affordable and culturally aligned with long-term living in Germany. Be sure to start your search early, as Stuttgart’s housing market is competitive, and always review lease agreements carefully before signing.