Hamburg is not only one of the most beautiful cities in Germany but also one of the most expensive. Thus the prices for flats and houses are lower than, for example, in Munich or Stuttgart, and although it is in the middle also cheaper than in some smaller cities where many students are living, it is not easy to find an affordable place to stay in the Hanseatic City. It is, in fact, not easy to find a flat in Hamburg at all.
But there is some advice or at least some information about the housing market you should keep in mind. With this, you can, of course, find a place to live in Hamburg without moving far outside to the city limits.
How to get started finding a flat in Hamburg
But first of all, you will have to decide whether you want to live alone or with a roommate. If you want to join a Wohngemeinschaft, also in Hamburg, you should just take a look at one of the many internet portals that help you with your desire for a room. (for example www.wg-gesucht.de). Here you can not only pick your favorite district and the price, but you can also gain a general overview. For example, you can now imagine which part of town might be cheaper and which one is unaffordable for you.
Be prepared for the Hustle!
Another excellent opportunity is to join groups on Facebook. There you will see many offers and desires for rooms and even flats. Particularly for students, this might also be a very promising opportunity. If you are planning to live on your own or with your beloved ones in an own flat, you should be aware not to be the only one at the viewing: Due to the tight market of apartments, it is common that there will be up to 50, if not more potential tenants. So bring time along and also strong nerves. It might not be your only viewing, though.
Expensive Suburbs
Especially in Hamburg, it’s also worth thinking about the district you are planning to live in. As a small guide, keep in mind that all the areas surrounding the Alster (except St. Georg, perhaps) are more likely for people with thick wallets. Of course, you can just move to the city limits or even to the suburbs like Pinneberg or Ahrensburg. But who want’s to live outside the heart of the city?
Affordable Suburbs in Hamburg
In Hamburg, you can find your luck and also an affordable flat even in the district of Mitte (center). Due to the vast areas of the port and also due the fact that large parts of it have been restricted areas until several years ago because of the German custom, they are still not too pricey, yet near to the heart of the city. The downside might be, that those districts are not the tidiest ones and sometimes a bit unique, i.e. communities where poor people and immigrants live. The good thing though is that these areas also attract many students and artists. So keep a look on the districts of St. Georg, Wilhelmsburg or Veddel.
But with patience and a bit of luck, you can also find a decent place in St. Pauli, Altona or Hamm. Just be prepared to have a few tries more. The Hanseatic City has space for everyone.