Finding Accommodation in Europe: A Practical Guide
Practical steps for researching and securing housing in European cities as an international professional.
- Published
- 2026-07-09
- Last reviewed
- 2027-07-09
Research before arriving
Understand the rental market in your target city before moving. Average rents, required deposits, typical lease durations and paperwork requirements vary significantly across Europe. In Berlin, the market is extremely competitive and you may need to attend multiple viewings before securing a flat. In Lisbon, rental prices have risen sharply and availability is limited in central areas. In Amsterdam, social housing has long waiting lists and the private market is expensive. Key platforms per country: Idealista and Fotocasa for Spain and Portugal, Immoscout24 and Immowelt for Germany, Funda and Pararius for the Netherlands, Daft.ie for Ireland, SeLoger and Leboncoin for France. Start monitoring prices on these platforms 2-3 months before your move to understand market conditions in real time.
Finding listings
Popular platforms include local real estate websites, Facebook groups, relocation agencies and short-term rental platforms. Be prepared to act quickly in competitive markets. In addition to the major platforms mentioned above, join local Facebook groups focused on apartment rentals in your target city — these often have listings posted before they reach mainstream platforms. Consider working with a relocation agent or real estate agent (particularly in Portugal and Spain) who can help navigate the market, though this comes with fees. For short-term stays, platforms like Airbnb, HousingAnywhere and Spotahome can provide temporary accommodation while you search in person. Be prepared to message multiple landlords within hours of a listing going live in competitive markets like Berlin or Amsterdam.
Documents required
Landlords typically require proof of income (employment contract or payslips), identification (passport or residence permit), and sometimes a guarantor or proof of savings. In Germany, landlords often request a Schufa credit report, proof of no previous rent arrears and a completed self-disclosure form (Mieterselbstauskunft). In Portugal, a guarantor (fiador) is commonly required, especially for international tenants without local rental history. In Spain, landlords may require a deposit of 1-2 months via the INCASÒL system and proof of income. In the Netherlands, you may need to show income of 3-4x the monthly rent. Having these documents ready in digital format (scanned and organized by category) before you start applying can significantly speed up the process.
Budget for extras
Beyond monthly rent, budget for deposits (usually 1-3 months' rent), agency fees (sometimes 1-2 months' rent, though regulated or capped in some countries, like Germany where the broker fee is paid by the landlord in most cases), utility setup costs (electricity, gas, water, internet activation), and furniture if the apartment is unfurnished or semi-furnished. In Portugal, it is common to need 3-4 months' rent upfront (deposit + first month + agency fee). In Germany, deposits are capped at 3 months' cold rent (Kaltmiete) and must be held in a separate savings account. In Ireland, deposits are typically 1 month's rent and the first month is paid in advance. Use the Cost of Living calculator to estimate total first-year housing costs in your target city.
Temporary housing strategy
Many professionals book short-term accommodation for the first weeks while searching for a long-term rental in person. This reduces pressure and allows you to visit properties. A common strategy is to book an Airbnb or serviced apartment for 2-6 weeks after arrival, giving you time to open a bank account, get your residence registration, and attend in-person viewings. This approach is often more successful than trying to secure a long-term rental remotely, as many landlords prefer to meet tenants in person. Budget at least €800-2,500 for temporary housing depending on the city and duration. Use the Relocation Guide tool to incorporate this phase into your overall relocation timeline.