When I moved to Frankfurt more than 10 years ago, I stayed in a short term furnished apartment organised by my company for a couple of months while I found my feet and got to know the housing market. The place they put me was just a random little building near Oederweg, a little lonely for a new comer but a great opportunity to visit all of the different residential areas and do some viewings. Now though, everything is a lot more professional and there are some really nice managed apartment blocks just for furnished rentals. I was offered the chance of a tour at one of the newest to open, Havens Living in Bockenheim, and it really is impressive.

Short term rentals really are a godsend for foreigners though as we have no idea where to move to and how to navigate the rental market. There’s a few key problems when you are trying to find an apartment in Frankfurt:

1. You only have to look online at expat discussion groups to see that it’s really hard to find an affordable apartment. There are stories of people with decent budgets unable to find a place for months

2. When you do find a place online, and they answer, you need to be quick. The viewing will be within the next couple of days, there might be a crowd of other people queuing and you’ll have to decide and submit your application the same day.

3. You can rarely apply without a viewing as the agent or landlord will want to meet in person and have a good impression. There may also be a tenant to negotiate with regarding buying their furniture/kitchen.

And all of this is before you think about checking out the local neighbourhood, schools, transport, safety etc. it really isn’t feasible to organise before arriving.

Which brings me back to finding a temporary home. Taking a tour of Havens Living was really eye opening. A newly and really smartly furnished apartment block with everything you need to get set up. The building is right next to the Tram line 17 with a direct connection to the main station and set in a nice new district of Bockenheim with everything you need nearby. Rooms from 20sqm up to 100sqm on the luxury side and each unit efficiently designed with plenty of storage space, private kitchen, bathroom etc. In the shared areas are,a gym and wash room in the basement, shared rooftop terrace with a few of the city, and a large shared ground floor with lounge areas, communal kitchen, and coworking space. Underground parking is also available but with an extra rental contract.

Of course, the price is more than you’d pay for your long term home with basic rooms Starting at about €1600 a month. Best thing is that everything can be managed and supported in English and the room, services and even door key can all be done through a phone app remotely.

Thanks to Havens Living for sponsoring this post!