A shared flat or an all-inclusive studio? Choosing your home in Germany

Finding the right place to live is often cited as one of the trickiest things to do by recent arrivals in Germany. Not only do you have to decide where you want to live before you really know the area, but you then have to find a place, understand what is (and isn't) included in the rent and decipher a German-language rental contract!

Here's a guide to the two most common accommodation options for newcomers to Germany - shared flats (Wohngemeinschaften or WGs), private apartments and fully furnished, all-inclusive studios. Each has its advantages, but depending on your lifestyle, budget, and preferences, one may suit you better than the other.

Let’s take a look at how these housing types compare and why an all-inclusive studio could be the best option if you're new to Germany.

WGs: Affordable but often unpredictable

Wohngemeinschaften are shared apartments where each tenant has their own bedroom but shares common areas like the kitchen and bathroom. This setup is common in German university towns and is often the cheapest option. 

Pros of WGs:

• Lower rent (especially in large cities)
• Built-in social network with roommates
• More flexible short-term sublets

Cons of WGs:

• Limited privacy
• Varying cleanliness standards
• Utility bills (electricity, heating, internet) are typically paid separately
• Furnishing may not be included
• Competitive and sometimes biased roommate selection processes

While many students enjoy the communal lifestyle of a WG, it isn’t always ideal, especially if you’re unfamiliar with German rental norms, ready for a more grown-up way of living or simply want a peaceful environment to focus on your studies or work.

Private apartments: More freedom, more responsibility

Renting your own apartment is another option, but it typically requires more time, paperwork and financial commitment. You'll need to handle things like setting up utility accounts and buying furniture; tasks that require time, effort and a good understanding of the local system, which you might not have when you're new to the country.

Pros of private apartments:

• Full privacy and control over your space
• Long-term stability if you plan to stay in one city

Cons of private apartments:

• Higher cost
• Difficult for newcomers without a credit history or employment contract to obtain
• Contracts are usually in German
• Extra effort to set up utilities and furnish the space

This option may be better suited to those who are already settled in Germany, speak the language and have experience navigating the housing market.

All-inclusive studios: Convenience and comfort from day one

If you’re new to Germany and want a smooth, stress-free landing, all-inclusive studios are worth serious consideration. These modern living spaces typically come fully furnished and include all your utilities, making budgeting easier and the moving-in process much simpler.

Here is what you can expect from an all-inclusive studio:

• Fully furnished and move-in ready
• Utilities (electricity, heating, water, internet) are included in the rent
• Private kitchen and bathroom
• Fixed monthly costs mean easy budgeting
• No need to deal with external service providers or contracts
• Often located near universities or city centres
• International-friendly leasing processes

Check out Lumis Leipzig's all-inclusive, fully-furnished studio apartments for professionals and students.

Why an all-inclusive studio is ideal for newcomers

Moving to a new country is a big enough adjustment without the added stress of furniture shopping, chasing down utility providers or dealing with unfamiliar rental regulations. With an all-inclusive studio, you can focus on settling in and finding your feet instead of having to manage housing logistics. 

Waiting to get a permanent place to live until after your understanding of German and the German housing market is improved is the best way to avoid ending up with surprise costs or contract misunderstandings. You get to live independently while still having access to shared social spaces, which makes it easy to become part of a vibrant community.

An all-inclusive studio gives you peace of mind, knowing that everything is taken care of in one place. This type of housing is particularly beneficial for students or expats arriving without a support network, or those planning to stay for a shorter time, such as a semester or academic year.

It's all about balance

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to housing in Germany. WGs can be a great cultural experience, and private apartments offer independence, but if you're looking for a convenient, reliable and stress-free option, especially during your first months in Germany, an all-inclusive studio might be exactly what you need.