How We Found Our Dream Altbau Apartment in Berlin in Just 3 Weeks

Finding an apartment in Berlin’s competitive market can feel like an impossible task. Stories of endless viewings and countless rejections are common. But with the right strategy and a bit of persistence, it is possible to find your dream home. Here’s a breakdown of how we managed to secure our dream Altbau apartment in this bustling city in just three short weeks.

Key Strategies

1. Aggressive and Quick Applications: The Berlin rental market waits for no one. The single most crucial factor in our success was speed.
   • First 3 Minutes: Apply to new listings within the first 3 minutes. We made it our mission to apply to new listings within the first three minutes of them being posted. Yes, three minutes! Any longer, and your application is likely buried under hundreds of others.
   • Immediate Action: Be ready to act fast. Ads can be taken down less than an hour after going online due to the overwhelming response. You need to be ready to drop everything and send your application the moment you see a promising listing.
2. Comprehensive Document Preparation: When you finally get a landlord’s attention, you need to impress them immediately. We treated our application like a professional resume.
   • Complete Portfolio: Have all necessary documents ready in a well-organized portfolio. We kept a “beautiful” looking digital portfolio with all our necessary documents. Each section was clearly separated by a title sheet, making it easy for landlords to find what they needed.
   • Proof of Credibility: Include LinkedIn profiles and bullet points summarizing key credentials. Don’t just submit the standard documents. We included links to both of our LinkedIn profiles in our introduction to add a layer of professional credibility. We also added a few bullet points summarizing our key credentials to make a strong first impression.
3. Utilize Multiple Platforms: Everyone is on the major real estate websites, which makes them incredibly competitive. While we used them, we didn’t rely on them exclusively.
   • Immoscout and Immowelt: These are the most popular platforms, but consider others. The premium services are often overrun with applicants. We found we had little luck there over several months.
   • Facebook Groups and Kleinanzeigen: These can offer hidden gems. We found that platforms like Kleinanzeigen and various Facebook Groups (such as the “Berlin Property Forum”) were fantastic resources. These channels often have listings that don’t make it to the major portals.
4. Networking and Personal Connections: Sometimes, the best way to find a flat isn’t through a website, but through a person.
   • Friends and Networks: Leverage personal connections for referrals. The easiest way to get an apartment in Berlin is often through referrals. We let all our friends and contacts know we were looking. Many people find their homes through friends who are moving out.
   • Tenant Recommendations: Sometimes, existing tenants can help. During one viewing, we had a really nice conversation with one of the existing tenants. They ended up rooting for us with the landlord, which made a huge difference.
5. Flexibility and Openness: Being rigid in your search will only lead to frustration. A little flexibility can open up a world of possibilities.
   • Consider Shared Living: Shared living can be a temporary solution. If you’re struggling to find a long-term place immediately, don’t be afraid to consider a temporary solution. Renting an overpriced furnished apartment for 3-6 months can take the pressure off and give you a base from which to conduct your search properly.
   • Be Open to Different Neighborhoods: Sometimes, moving slightly outside central areas can increase your chances. We learned to be open to different areas. Altbau apartments larger than 60m in prime locations like Prenzlauer Berg and Friedrichshain might be beyond your budget. Looking at places just outside the main ring can be cheaper and offer more availability.

Additional Tips

• Persistence and Patience: The market is tough, but you will find an apartment. Try not to get too stressed about it. Persistence is key.
• Professional Help: If you’re struggling and have the budget, a relocation agent or housing broker can be a valuable asset. They can handle the documents and appointments for you.
• Understand the Market: Be realistic. Research the average costs for the type of apartment and neighborhood you want. Understanding the market will help you manage your expectations and make a competitive offer.

By combining speed, preparation, smart platform usage, and a bit of networking, we turned a daunting task into a success story. Good luck with your search!