Why Do German Apartments Often Lack Furnished Kitchens?
The lack of furnished kitchens in German apartments is a common observation for both locals and international renters. This peculiar aspect of the rental market sets Germany apart from many other countries around the world. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this phenomenon and shed light on the cultural and economic factors that contribute to it.
Varied Rental Practices Across Germany
While some apartments in Germany come with fully furnished kitchens, this is not the universal norm. The presence of a furnished kitchen often correlates with the rent amount, with more luxurious apartments often including fully outfitted living spaces. It is also noteworthy that the availability of furnished kitchens can vary significantly depending on the era of the property.
Hi Gaab, my apartment has a furnished kitchen. It depends on the rent you are willing to pay and the epoch in which the house was constructed. Since the post-war period, most apartments have had furnished kitchens.
Greetings, Wolfgang
Individualization and Personal Investment
One of the key reasons why some German apartments lack kitchens is that tenants prefer to individualize their living spaces. Many choose to spend a significant amount of money on a kitchen, keeping it intact as they move to a new apartment, rather than starting from scratch. The fact that older apartments from the 1960s were often built with built-in kitchens also indicates a cultural shift towards more personalized living spaces.
I do not know where you got your information from, but we rented an apartment back in the 1960’s, and it had a built-in kitchen. My sister, who also lived in an apartment, had a built-in kitchen, too. While some older types of houses/departments not destroyed by the Allied bombings did not have a built-in kitchen, these were exceptions.
Standard Rental Practices in Germany
When it comes to standard rental practices, the typical German apartment is bare and unfurnished. This approach creates a different dynamic compared to countries where kitchens are often included in the rental agreement. However, this does not mean that Germans do not use kitchens or that they do not appreciate them. It simply reflects the cultural and economic differences in rental practices.
Historical Context of German Rental Market
The German rental market is influenced by the country's history and cultural values. Due to historical factors such as the high cost of house ownership and the emphasis on tenant rights, many Germans see renting as a long-term solution, rather than a short-term stepping stone. This is quite different from many other countries where renting is often seen as a temporary solution before purchasing a home.
Germans are used to furnishing things individually for different needs! But you will have such furnished if you rent “lodgings” - “mblierte Zimmer” or “Wohnung mit Einrichtung” search wording in German especially. Standard is empty rooms!
In many regions of the world, the idea of moving to a new apartment with a completely furnished kitchen is a normal part of the experience. However, in Germany, this is not the standard practice. This is partly due to the high cost of purchasing a home, where many Germans invest a significant amount into properties that they may keep for a long time. In contrast, landlords in Germany are less likely to invest in furnishing rental properties, as they benefit from lower rent prices, making the rental option more affordable compared to other parts of the world.
Modern Trends in German Rental Market
As the rental market continues to evolve, there have been changes in how people approach housing. Internationals and some Germans are now seeking housing for just a few years, and they may expect a more all-inclusive deal. Traditionally, student culture in Germany has been particularly creative, often salvaging old kitchen appliances from Craigslist ads to make them work. While this practice is still common among students, there is a growing trend of professionals seeking fully furnished rentals as well.
Conclusion
Although the lack of furnished kitchens in German apartments may seem peculiar to some, it is a reflection of the country's unique economic and cultural context. Customized arrangements and customized living spaces are valued, leading to a preference for empty or partially furnished rentals. While this practice is changing with global influences, it remains a significant characteristic of the German rental market.