Expat Housing Guide: Moving to Berlin

Berlin's housing market is highly competitive and has experienced significant price increases over the past decade. The city offers a mix of pre-war Altbau buildings (high ceilings, wooden floors), post-war Neubau apartments, and modern developments. Rental prices, while still lower than other major European capitals like London or Paris, have risen steadily, with a 5-7% annual increase in recent years. The market is characterized by a strong tenant protection system but faces housing shortages, with demand consistently outpacing supply. Berlin attracts both German and international residents, creating a diverse and dynamic housing ecosystem. The introduction of the Mietendeckel (rent cap) in 2020, though later overturned, reflects ongoing tensions in the market between affordability and investment.