Stuttgart

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Housing Agencies and Platforms

General info on using agencies or online platforms to find housing in Stuttgart.

Sections

1. Types of Housing Options in Stuttgart

Stuttgart offers a variety of housing options to suit different needs and budgets. These include:

a. Apartments (Wohnungen)

  • Furnished Apartments: Ideal for short-term stays or expats who need a ready-to-move-in option. These are often more expensive but include utilities and furniture.
  • Unfurnished Apartments: Common for long-term rentals. Typically, they do not include furniture, light fixtures, or even kitchen appliances in some cases.
  • Shared Apartments (Wohngemeinschaft or WG): Popular among students and young professionals. You rent a room and share common areas like the kitchen and bathroom.

b. Houses (Hรคuser)

  • Detached or semi-detached houses are available but are more expensive and harder to find within Stuttgart city limits. These are more common in suburban areas.

c. Temporary Housing

  • Short-term rentals or serviced apartments are available for those who need accommodation for a few weeks or months.

d. Student Housing

  • Dormitories (Studentenwohnheime) managed by the Studierendenwerk Stuttgart are affordable options for students. Private student housing is also available but can be pricier.

2. Costs of Housing in Stuttgart

Stuttgart is one of the most expensive cities in Germany for housing. Hereโ€™s an overview of typical costs:

a. Rent (Miete)

  • Unfurnished Apartments: โ‚ฌ12โ€“โ‚ฌ20 per square meter per month, depending on the location and condition of the property.
    • Example: A 50mยฒ apartment in the city center may cost โ‚ฌ1,000โ€“โ‚ฌ1,200 per month (cold rent).
  • Furnished Apartments: โ‚ฌ1,200โ€“โ‚ฌ2,000 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
  • Shared Apartments (WG): โ‚ฌ400โ€“โ‚ฌ700 per month for a room.

b. Additional Costs (Nebenkosten)

  • Utilities (heating, water, garbage collection, etc.) are usually an additional 20โ€“30% of the cold rent (Kaltmiete).
  • Internet and electricity are often separate and cost around โ‚ฌ50โ€“โ‚ฌ100 per month.

c. Deposit (Kaution)

  • Typically, 2โ€“3 monthsโ€™ cold rent is required as a security deposit. This amount is refundable at the end of the lease if there is no damage to the property.

3. Housing Agencies and Platforms

There are several ways to find housing in Stuttgart, including online platforms, real estate agencies, and local networks.

a. Online Platforms

  1. ImmobilienScout24 (https://www.immobilienscout24.de)

    • The largest and most popular platform for finding apartments and houses in Germany.
    • Offers filters for furnished/unfurnished options, price range, and location.

  2. WG-Gesucht (https://www.wg-gesucht.de)

    • Best for finding shared apartments (WG) or short-term rentals.
    • Popular among students and young professionals.

  3. Immonet (https://www.immonet.de)

    • Another reliable platform for long-term rentals and property purchases.

  4. HousingAnywhere (https://housinganywhere.com)

    • Focuses on short-term rentals and is popular among expats and international students.

  5. Studierendenwerk Stuttgart (https://www.studierendenwerk-stuttgart.de)

    • For students looking for affordable dormitories or shared housing.

  6. Airbnb (https://www.airbnb.com)

    • Suitable for temporary stays while searching for long-term accommodation.

b. Real Estate Agencies (Immobilienmakler)

  • Real estate agents can help you find housing but typically charge a commission (Provision) of up to 2.38 times the monthly cold rent (including VAT).
  • Some reputable agencies in Stuttgart include:
    • Engel & Vรถlkers
    • Von Poll Immobilien
    • Domicil Immobilien

c. Facebook Groups and Local Networks

  • Join Facebook groups like "Expats in Stuttgart" or "Wohnungen & WGs in Stuttgart" to find housing opportunities.
  • Networking with locals or colleagues can also help you find unlisted properties.

4. Procedures for Renting Accommodation

Renting in Stuttgart involves several steps. Hereโ€™s a breakdown:

a. Searching for Accommodation

  • Start your search early, as the market is competitive.
  • Use online platforms or contact real estate agents.

b. Viewing the Property

  • Schedule a viewing (Besichtigungstermin) to inspect the property.
  • Be punctual and bring necessary documents, as landlords often decide quickly.

c. Submitting an Application

Landlords typically require the following documents:

  1. Proof of Income (Gehaltsnachweis): Last 3 monthsโ€™ payslips or a work contract.
  2. SCHUFA Report: A credit report showing your financial reliability. You can obtain this from SCHUFA or online services like Bonify.
  3. ID or Passport: A copy of your identification.
  4. References: Letters from previous landlords (optional but helpful).

d. Signing the Lease (Mietvertrag)

  • Read the lease carefully before signing. Ensure you understand the terms, including the notice period, deposit, and maintenance responsibilities.
  • The lease is usually in German, so consider having it translated if necessary.

e. Registering Your Address (Anmeldung)

  • Once you move in, you must register your address at the local Bรผrgerbรผro (citizenโ€™s office) within 14 days. Bring your lease agreement and ID.

5. Local Considerations and Tips

a. Start Early

  • The housing market in Stuttgart is highly competitive, so begin your search at least 2โ€“3 months before your move.

b. Be Flexible with Location

  • Consider suburban areas like Esslingen, Ludwigsburg, or Bรถblingen, which are well-connected to Stuttgart by public transport and often more affordable.

c. Beware of Scams

  • Be cautious of offers that seem too good to be true. Never send money before signing a lease and verifying the property.

d. Understand the Terms

  • Cold Rent (Kaltmiete): Rent excluding utilities.
  • Warm Rent (Warmmiete): Rent including utilities.
  • Nebenkosten: Additional costs for utilities and services.

e. Join Waiting Lists

  • For student housing or affordable apartments, join waiting lists early, as these options are in high demand.

f. Learn Basic German

  • While many landlords and agents speak English, knowing basic German can help you navigate the housing market more effectively.

6. Emergency and Temporary Housing

If you need immediate accommodation, consider:

  • Hostels or budget hotels in Stuttgart.
  • Temporary housing platforms like Airbnb or Wunderflats.

By following these guidelines and using the recommended platforms, youโ€™ll be better equipped to find suitable housing in Stuttgart. Good luck with your search!