Apartment Rents Are Rising Faster Than House Rents in Germany

Key Takeaways

• In 2021, apartments and houses were nearly equal in price per square metre, at €10.31 and €10.25 respectively.
• By 2026, apartments had grown faster, widening the gap to €1.09 more per m² than houses. Since Q1 2021, apartment rents have increased by 24%, while house rents have risen by 14%.
• In Q1 2026, the average asking rent was €12.78 per m² for apartments and €11.69 per m² for houses.
• Stronger urban demand and slower apartment construction have contributed to the widening rent gap between apartments and houses.
• Houses are more common in suburban and rural areas, where land is more available. This keeps rents per square metre lower.
• Houses remain cheaper per square metre, but their larger size often results in higher total monthly rent.

Apartment vs House Rent in Germany

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Learn something new about Germany every week and make informed decisions with confidence.

Both apartments and houses have become more expensive since 2021. But the growth rate differs.

Renting in Germany ->

In 2021, the two categories were almost equal in price per square metre. Apartments have seen sustained and stronger price increases. Houses have risen more moderately. By 2026, apartments cost around €1.09 more per m² than houses.

Although houses remain cheaper per square metre, they are typically larger. As a result, total monthly rent for a house is often higher in absolute terms.

At 2026 price levels:

• A 70 m² apartment would cost around €895 per month.
• A 120 m² house would cost around €1,403 per month.

However, apartments remain more expensive per square metre. At 2026 rates, a 100 m² property would cost roughly €1,278 as an apartment, compared to €1,169 as a house.

The price gap per square metre has therefore widened over time. 

Apartment rents have increased more quickly than house rents for several structural reasons:

• Location: Most apartments are located in cities, where demand is strongest. Urban areas continue to attract students, professionals, and smaller households.
• Supply constraints: In many cities, apartment construction has not kept pace with demand, putting upward pressure on prices.
• Land availability: Houses are more common in suburban and rural areas, where land is more available, and demand is less concentrated. This helps keep rental prices per square metre lower.

Tips on Finding a Rental Property in Germany ->

Asking rental rate per federal state ->

Since 2021, rents have increased every year for both apartments and houses. However, apartment rents have risen faster, gradually widening the price gap between the two.