Houses in Germany – No Kitchen? What You Need to Know

Ever wandered through German neighborhoods and noticed a surprising absence in many homes—Germany, no kitchen? 

If you plan to rent apartments or relocate to Germany, this common peculiarity of German apartments might raise eyebrows.

Picture moving into a space where the bathroom – is fully equipped, yet the kitchen is conspicuously absent. It’s a norm here, a practice that’s been in place for just a few years. 

German tenants often find themselves having to install their kitchen. 

The majority of the population in Germany resides in rented accommodation, surpassing 50.5% in 2021. This prevalence of rented living spaces often leads to unfurnished apartments, including the absence of a pre-installed kitchen.

To know more about it, let’s discuss German law and its impact on housing arrangements in this blog post about houses in Germany – No kitchen. 

Wondering where to buy a kitchen in Germany? We got you! Check this article: 7 Best Kitchen Brands In Germany

Answering Why Are Houses in German – No Kitchen

In Germany, it’s common for residences, especially apartments, to lack a fully equipped kitchen. 

According to destatis.de, most of the population in Germany resides in rented accommodation, surpassing 50.5% in 2021. This prevalence of rented living spaces often leads to unfurnished apartments, including the absence of a pre-installed kitchen.

As a standard, German apartments are generally unfurnished, requiring tenants to invest in their furniture, including the essential kitchen setup. The concept of “Germany no kitchen” stems from this practice. 

Renters are expected to handle the kitchen installation themselves – not by the previous tenant, tailoring it to their preferences and needs.

Kitchen Installation in German Apartments

Under German law, the onus of kitchen installation typically falls on the tenant, aligning with the approach of unfurnished apartments. 

Most real estate agents and landlords tell potential tenants this. Landlords want tenants to furnish their homes, including kitchens.

German apartment bathrooms are frequently well equipped, notwithstanding the necessity for personal kitchen layouts. This setup stresses tenant responsibility for their living space, and most landlords follow it.

Why Is The Bathroom – Fully Equipped? 

In Germany, rental apartments often lack a pre-installed kitchen. However, the bathroom is consistently fully equipped due to cultural norms and basic rules of rental living.

A comprehensive bathroom is important in German culture because of hygiene and comfort. This rewards residents for installing their own kitchens and furniture.

German landlords and real estate brokers explain this method to lower rent for unfurnished homes while providing utilities like a bathtub. It matches rental market dynamics and cultural expectations for self-equipped apartments.

How Much Does It Cost To Install Kitchen When Your Rent Apartments?

Installing a kitchen when renting an apartment in Germany can vary in cost. On average, a fitted kitchen can cost around 10,000 euros, but prices range from 5,000 to 25,000 euros or more. 

Some German landlords may request a one-time payment of 5,000 euros for a kitchen installed in the rental unit, based on a post on Reddit. This practice aligns with the German no-kitchen approach, where tenants often invest in their kitchen setup.

Germans prefer to furnish their kitchens, including light fixtures and electrical outlets, especially if it adds value for the next tenant. This is a relatively new phenomenon in comparison to some European countries. 

While tenants have rights, investing in a long-term kitchen, such as an affordable, fully functional IKEA option, is advisable.

Kitchen Installation Cost Breakdown

The cost of installing a kitchen when renting an apartment in Germany can vary based on several factors. For a 5,000 euro budget, here’s a breakdown of the expenses:

• Kitchen Materials: Kitchen materials cost 1000–5000 euros, depending on quality and variety. Find materials that suit your tastes by researching brands..
• Installation Cost: Kitchen cabinet installation averages 200 EUR per linear meter. A 5000-euro kitchen will cost roughly 1000 euros to install.
• Appliances: New kitchen appliances might cost at least 3000 euros, but you can save if you already have them.

When considering kitchen installation in Germany, note the practice where tenants often need to furnish their kitchens. 

Landlords may not install kitchens. People often customize kitchens. Tenants rent and pay for the countertop, sink, stove, refrigerator, and other kitchen accessories.

Tenant rights allow tenants to customize their rented area. This comprises the kitchen, bedroom, living room, and toilet.

To finish a new home in Germany, people buy furniture and furnishings. This technique fits with building up one’s own living space, even if selling furniture when relocating is typical.

Rent Prices for Residential Properties in Germany

In Germany, the average rent per square meter stands at 11.39 EUR. Specifically, a one-bedroom apartment would typically cost around 700 EUR on average, according to housinganywhere.com.

When considering rentals in Germany, tenants often encounter German landlords or engage with a real estate agent to navigate the rental process.

The real estate agent informs prospective renters about the prevalent practice of Germany’s no kitchen, suggesting options like IKEA to set up a new kitchen in the rented space.

Germany expects its residents to have a stove, sink, and functional rooms within their walls. The landlord usually handles this and may offer advice.

The rental market in Berlin is competitive, so people seek far and wide for suitable lodgings. This may involve watching movies and researching to make judgments.

Moreover, location plays a crucial role, with individuals considering proximity to shops and the overall amenities available in the city and the country.

Rent prices in different parts of Germany: 

Rent prices in Germany vary depending on the location, size, and type of accommodation. Here are some examples of rent prices in different parts of Germany, according to studying-in-germany.org:

• Munich: Munich rent averaged 18 euros per square meter in 2021. Munich is one of Germany’s most costly cities. Munich one-bedroom apartments rent for €1,745.
• Frankfurt: Frankfurt is another expensive city to live in Germany. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in Frankfurt can cost around €920 per month.
• Berlin: Berlin rental costs have fluctuated greatly. Berlin’s rent grew from 5.90€ per square meter in 2010 to 12.50€ in 2022, making it Germany’s fourth most expensive. Berlin one-bedroom apartments rent for €795.90 per month.
• Stuttgart: Stuttgart is one of the most expensive cities in Germany. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in Stuttgart can cost around €846.43 per month.
• Bremen: Bremen is a cheaper city to live in Germany compared to Munich and Stuttgart. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in Bremen can cost around €560 per month.

In general, the south of Germany is the most expensive area to live in Germany, with Munich and Stuttgart being some of the most expensive cities to live in.

Big cities like Munich, Hamburg, Cologne, and Frankfurt are mainly more expensive than other cities like Leipzig or Karlsruhe.

Depending on where you’re aiming to find an apartment and what conditions you want, prices range on a wide scale.

Also read: Cheapest Places To Buy Property in Germany 

Where Can You Buy A Kitchen In Germany?

In Germany, if you’re looking to buy a kitchen, several options are available to suit your needs. Whether you’re living in Germany or just visiting the country, here’s where you can find kitchens:

Shops: You can visit kitchen and furniture showrooms countrywide. These stores sell varied kitchen styles and prices. Check out the selections and quality by visiting.

Online: Many prefer online kitchen shopping. Many websites and online retailers sell kitchen cabinetry, appliances, and accessories. You may browse catalogs, compare prices, and buy from home.

Ikea: Ikea is known in Germany for economical and beautiful kitchens. Ikea is popular for its variety and value. Visit Ikea or buy online for a kitchen that fits your taste and budget.

Specialty Stores: Some specialty stores focus exclusively on kitchen equipment and accessories. These stores can provide expert advice and specialized products for your kitchen needs.

Videos and Recommendations: Online videos can provide inspiration and advice. Many individuals post kitchen renovation suggestions on YouTube. The films might help you choose a store and design your kitchen.

Ultimately, where you choose to buy your kitchen in Germany will depend on your preferences, budget, and the level of customization you desire. You can explore different options, compare prices, and choose the best fit for your needs.

Do Furnished Apartments Exist In Germany?

Germany has furnished apartments. Realty professionals tell renters about furnished possibilities when seeking for housing. Furnished apartments with needed furniture and equipment are convenient for those without their own.

Furniture is available for entire houses or rooms within larger homes. The choice comes down to personal desire and willingness to spend extra for supplied comfort and convenience.

Related article: Buying an Apartment in Munich, Germany: Guide

Final Thoughts About Houses in Germany – No Kitchen

In conclusion, when looking for housing in Germany, you may come across the widespread occurrence of houses in Germany – no kitchen. Both German tradition and the rental market stipulate that occupants outfit their own kitchens.

However, depending on your individual circumstances, both purchasing and renting a home in Germany have their advantages and disadvantages.

Before settling on a course of action, you should conduct some thinking, gathering of information, and planning.

If you want to know more about houses in Germany – no kitchen, and how to find and buy or rent your ideal property in the country, please click on the links provided. This will help you access more information and tips on this topic and support our blog.