Berlin isn’t just another European capital—it’s a symbol. For the past decade, the city has stood as a beacon for those in search of freedom, affordability, creativity, and fresh starts. Whether it’s a student pursuing a master’s degree, a freelancer expanding into Europe, or a startup employee on their first international contract, Berlin has become one of the most aspirational cities for young professionals across the globe.
But when people think of Berlin’s appeal—its culture, opportunity, openness—they rarely consider the practical side of living there. Especially when it comes to housing.
And in recent years, the story around coliving in Berlin has become more complicated. Originally seen as a flexible and international-friendly housing solution, coliving has evolved into a highly commercialized sector—one that now faces criticism for being overpriced, underdelivering on service, and sometimes failing the very people it was meant to support.
Why So Many Are Choosing Berlin
Berlin continues to attract a global population looking for more than just a place to live. It offers a mix of culture, affordability, and opportunity that’s hard to find elsewhere in Europe.
Affordable education and access to top universities
Berlin hosts world-class institutions like Humboldt-Universität, TU Berlin, and FU Berlin. Public universities charge minimal fees—even for international students—which makes it one of the most affordable destinations for higher education.
A growing English-speaking job market
Germany’s visa policies and economic stability attract skilled professionals from all over the world. In Berlin’s startup, design, and tech sectors, English is often the working language, eliminating one of the biggest entry barriers.
A balanced cost of living for a European capital
While costs have risen, Berlin remains far more affordable than cities like London, Amsterdam, or Paris. Public transport is efficient, healthcare is accessible, and lifestyle costs are still reasonable.
A city that supports personal freedom
Whether you’re a creative thinker, a political activist, or simply seeking space to reinvent yourself, Berlin is known for tolerance and social freedom. The city gives people room to grow—personally and professionally.
What’s Happening in Berlin’s Rental Market?
Despite its open and welcoming image, Berlin’s housing situation has become one of the city’s most challenging issues. The traditional rental process is complex and competitive, especially for internationals.
Barriers to renting the traditional way
Landlords often require:
- A SCHUFA (credit score)
- Proof of income from a German employer
- A guarantor
- German-language communication
For many international students, freelancers, and remote workers, meeting these requirements is nearly impossible upon arrival.
The rise of coliving as an alternative
Coliving emerged to bypass these obstacles. It offers:
- Fully furnished rooms or apartments
- Short-term or flexible leases
- One monthly payment (all-inclusive)
- English-language support
- No need for local documentation
On paper, it looks like the perfect solution. But reality has proven more nuanced.
Where Coliving in Berlin Falls Short
As the coliving trend gained momentum, some providers began focusing more on profit and growth than on tenant experience. While not true for all companies, several common issues have emerged.
- High prices with unclear added value
Coliving prices in Berlin have surged, especially in popular neighborhoods.
| Housing Type | Average Monthly Rent (Furnished, incl. utilities) |
| Coliving room (shared apartment) | €650 – €1,200+ |
| Furnished studio apartment | €1,100 – €1,500 |
| 1-bedroom apartment (central Berlin) | €1,300 – €1,800+ |
Many of these coliving rooms offer standard furnishings and shared bathrooms but charge premium prices. The promise of “community” is often vague or absent in daily experience.
- Mixed tenant support and delayed service
While most companies advertise 24/7 support, some tenants report:
- Delays in handling maintenance issues
- Poor communication after check-in
- Difficulty getting deposits back or resolving contract questions
Support often drops off once payment is received.
- Confusing contracts and lack of legal clarity
Coliving agreements may not always meet tenant expectations. For example:
- Some don’t allow for Anmeldung (official registration)
- Others include unclear exit clauses or additional fees
- Contracts are sometimes only available in German legal language
For new arrivals, especially those unfamiliar with German tenancy law, these issues can lead to unexpected stress.
Discrimination in the Market: A Quiet but Present Reality
Even in Berlin, where diversity is widely celebrated, bias in the rental process still exists. While not always intentional, the outcome is often the same.
Who faces more difficulty?
Applicants who are:
- From non-EU countries
- People of color
- Self-employed or freelancers
- Without fluent German
…tend to face more hurdles.
In some cases, rental requests go unanswered. In others, tenants are asked to provide excessive documentation or face unexplained rejections.
Coliving was supposed to help eliminate these challenges, but not all providers have actively addressed bias in their systems.
A More Reliable Model: When Coliving is Done Right
Despite the flaws in the system, some providers are building coliving models that actually work—both for students and professionals.
KUMMUNI: A Fairer Approach to Coliving
One such example is KUMMUNI, a Berlin-based housing company offering furnished private rooms and apartmentsfor international tenants. What makes it stand out isn’t branding—it’s the attention to accessibility and clarity.
KUMMUNI offers:
- English-first support and contracts
- Digital onboarding with transparent pricing
- An inclusive, zero-discrimination policy
- The ability to choose furniture styles before move-in
Starting at €639/month for private rooms in Berlin, KUMMUNI balances affordability and reliability. It avoids the luxury markup seen in many coliving brands while still offering essential support services, Wi-Fi, and utilities.
It’s one of the few providers that actively prioritizes a fair application process, especially for those without German documents or traditional employment.
KUMMUNI isn’t the only responsible provider in Berlin, but it represents a newer generation of housing companies that understand the challenges of international living—and are trying to solve them with thoughtful design and policy.
How to Choose the Right Coliving Option in Berlin
If you’re considering coliving in Berlin, doing research up front can make all the difference.
What to look for:
- Full transparency: Are all fees, conditions, and services clearly listed?
- Anmeldung allowed: You’ll need this to open a bank account, apply for residence, or get a work permit.
- Responsive support: Can you contact someone easily if needed?
- Fair access: Are applications evaluated based on your qualifications, not assumptions?
- Community or privacy: Choose the right balance for your lifestyle.
Coliving in Berlin Is Still Worth Exploring
Berlin is still one of the best cities in Europe for young, globally minded people. It offers freedom, opportunity, and culture without the high cost of other capitals. But the housing search can be a defining part of your early experience.
Coliving remains a useful bridge for newcomers—especially those who arrive without a local network, credit history, or fluent German. But like any sector, it includes both responsible and less reliable players.
The key is knowing what to expect, asking the right questions, and choosing a provider that respects the realities of international living.
A Smarter Way to Start in Berlin
Moving to Berlin—whether to study, work, or launch something new—is an exciting step. And while the housing market presents challenges, the right coliving setup can provide a stable and comfortable starting point.
Look beyond the surface. Focus on providers that offer:
- Clear communication
- Legal certainty
- Respectful onboarding
- And support that goes beyond marketing
If coliving is the first chapter of your Berlin story, make sure it begins with clarity and care. Because how you land in a city often shapes how long—and how well—you stay.
