Rent a Furnished Apartment in Berlin: Pros, Cons, and What Expats Should Know
Berlin has long been a magnet for students, freelancers, digital nomads, and young professionals. But in recent years, securing a place to live in this dynamic city remains one of the most challenging aspects of relocating. One increasingly popular option—especially for newcomers—is to rent a furnished apartment in Berlin.
Whether you’re staying for a few months or planning to settle long term, choosing a furnished rental can offer both comfort and convenience. But is it always the right choice? This guide breaks down the pros and cons of furnished apartments in Berlin and what to consider before signing a lease.
Why Furnished Apartments Are Popular in Berlin
A Flexible Solution for a Mobile City
Berlin is a transient city. Thousands of people arrive each year for university programs, tech jobs, artistic residencies, or start-up roles. Furnished apartments are ideal for those who:
- Don’t have their own furniture
- Are relocating from abroad
- Need short-term housing before finding a long-term flat
- Want to avoid the hassle of setting up utilities and internet
Growing Demand, Shrinking Availability
The demand for furnished flats in Berlin has grown significantly in recent years. Especially in central districts like Mitte, Friedrichshain, and Kreuzberg, the waiting lists for unfurnished units are long and the competition is steep. Furnished options offer a practical shortcut into the Berlin housing market without the endless apartment viewings and document battles.
The Pros of Renting a Furnished Flats in Berlin
1. Move-In Ready Convenience
One of the biggest advantages of renting furnished is that you can arrive with just a suitcase. The apartment is already equipped with:
- Bed, wardrobe, and seating
- Kitchen appliances and utensils
- Wi-Fi and utility services in most cases
This eliminates the upfront costs and logistical headaches of buying furniture, waiting on deliveries, and setting up accounts with various utility providers.
2. Easier for International Arrivals
For expats, international students, and digital workers, dealing with German bureaucracy can be overwhelming. Furnished apartments often come with Anmeldung (registration) included, a vital requirement for visa processing, opening a bank account, and securing health insurance.
3. Short-Term Contracts and Flexibility
Unlike standard unfurnished rentals, which often require two- to three-year commitments, many furnished apartments offer flexible lease terms—from a few months to a year or more. This makes them perfect for people unsure about how long they’ll stay in Berlin or those exploring different neighborhoods before settling.
4. Lower Upfront Costs
While furnished apartments typically have higher monthly rents, you save significantly on upfront costs:
- No need to purchase furniture or household items
- Utility bills often included
- Minimal renovation or decoration costs
- Lower moving expenses
The Cons of Renting a Furnished Properties
1. Higher Monthly Rent
Furnished apartments in Berlin generally cost 15% upwards more than comparable unfurnished ones. While this premium includes convenience, it can be a long-term financial burden if you’re planning to stay for several years.
2. Limited Personalization
You can’t always decorate or rearrange a furnished apartment to your liking. Most landlords require the furniture to remain in place and in good condition. That means less freedom to make the space truly yours.
3. Fewer Long-Term Offers
Furnished flats are often aimed at short- or mid-term renters. As a result, you may face annual renewals, rising rents, or the need to move again if the landlord decides not to extend the lease.
4. Wear and Tear Liability
Accidental damage to provided furniture may be deducted from your deposit, even with regular use. Make sure to document the apartment’s condition upon move-in to avoid future disputes.
What to Check Before Renting a Furnished Apartment
Before signing a rental agreement, verify the following:
- Does the rent include utilities (Warmmiete)?
- Is Anmeldung (registration) possible?
- What is the minimum stay period?
- Is the deposit refundable and clearly outlined in the contract?
- What furniture and equipment are included?
- Are photos and the actual condition of the flat aligned?
- Who handles repairs and maintenance?
It’s also important to clarify what happens if you need to end the lease early—especially for visa-related or professional changes.
Who Should Rent a Furnished Apartment?
Furnished flats are ideal for:
- International students looking for ready-to-move-in accommodation near universities
- Expats relocating for work, especially on short notice
- Freelancers and digital nomads needing short-term bases
- Couples or professionals testing the Berlin market before committing to long-term housing
- Anyone without the budget or patience to furnish a new place from scratch
Renting Furnished with Confidence: Consider KUMMUNI
If you’re looking to rent a furnished apartment in Berlin without the usual stress, KUMMUNI offers a refreshingly tenant-first approach designed especially for international residents, students, and young professionals.
At KUMMUNI, all our properties are:
- Fully furnished with everything you need to move in immediately
- Anmeldung-compliant, so you can register your address with the authorities
- All-inclusive—your rent covers utilities, internet, and services
- Bookable online, with a simple and transparent digital application process
- Fairly priced, with no discrimination based on nationality, gender, or background
Stand Out with “Choose Your Style”
KUMMUNI goes beyond basic furniture by letting tenants customize the design of their room or apartment before move-in. With our “Choose Your Style” feature, you can select from multiple curated interior looks—whether minimalist, modern, cozy, or vibrant. It’s your space, and KUMMUNI believes it should reflect your personality.
This service is free of charge and ensures that even furnished living can feel like home—not just a temporary space. It’s perfect for students and professionals who care about aesthetics but don’t want to invest in furnishing a temporary rental.
Designed for Expats and International Students in Berlin
With private rooms starting at just €639/month, KUMMUNI offers one of the most competitive and flexible housing options in Berlin’s crowded market. Unlike other providers, KUMMUNI focuses on the real challenges that international renters face: securing Anmeldung, understanding contracts, navigating cultural differences, and feeling supported in a new country.
Our team speaks English and understands the bureaucracy so you don’t have to. Whether you’re here for six months or planning to stay longer, KUMMUNI is designed to be your easiest and most reliable starting point in Berlin.
Your Bridge to Comfortable Living in Berlin
Choosing to rent a furnished apartment in Berlin is often the smartest move for expats, international students, and professionals seeking speed, convenience, and flexibility. Although furnished flats usually come at a slightly higher monthly cost, the savings in time, effort, and initial setup expenses can make a significant difference—especially during the critical early months of settling into life in Germany.
Whether you are staying in Berlin for a short academic program, an extended work assignment, or considering a long-term future in the city, a well-furnished apartment provides the perfect stepping stone. It offers a smooth transition into Berlin’s fast-paced lifestyle without the barriers that unfurnished rentals often present.
However, not all furnished apartments are created equal. To truly enjoy a seamless living experience, it is essential to choose a provider that understands the unique needs of international tenants and offers both transparency and real support.
At KUMMUNI, fairness, flexibility, and tenant satisfaction are at the heart of everything we do—helping you feel at home from the very first day
