How long does a typical flat viewing take?

Many viewings are tightly timed, especially group appointments with several interested parties. Even so, allow at least half an hour and go through your checklist in order. For larger flats or houses you need more time. Put any questions that remain open to the landlord in writing afterwards.

Which documents do I need for the flat viewing?

The usual documents are your ID card, a tenant self-disclosure form (Mieterselbstauskunft) , proof of income and a credit report, for example from Schufa; some landlords want a certificate from your previous landlord confirming you have no rent arrears. Hand over copies rather than originals, and only what is needed for the decision. A prepared folder improves your chances with sought-after flats.

How do I spot mould at the viewing?

Look out for dark stains on walls and ceilings, a musty smell and peeling wallpaper. Damp is a frequent problem especially in the bathroom and kitchen . Actively ask the landlord about earlier mould damage to avoid surprises after moving in.

Should I view the flat more than once?

Yes, a second viewing at a different time of day often reveals other aspects such as noise levels or lighting. The neighbourhood and parking situation can also be judged better this way. This additional check helps you make a well-founded decision about your planned move .

How do I measure the rooms correctly?

Use a laser distance meter or a folding rule to record wall lengths, door widths and ceiling heights. These measurements are important for planning your furniture later on and help our team prepare the move as well as possible and choose the right van.

What should I know about parking for the removal van?

At the viewing, check whether a removal van can stop in front of the building. If not, a parking restriction zone makes sense: in Berlin you apply for it at the district office (Bezirksamt) two to four weeks in advance; the signs must be in place 72 hours before the move.

How do I check a flat's service charges?

Ask for the last service charge statement and compare it with similar flats in the area. Pay particular attention to heating costs and water consumption. Realistic service charges are crucial for estimating the total rent correctly and avoiding budget surprises.

What do I do if the flat is in another city?

For a flat in another city, planning the long-distance move early is worthwhile. At the viewing, clarify access, a parking spot and any restrictions such as pedestrian zones. You will find the routes we cover from Berlin under long-distance moves .

How can I tell whether the floor plan is practical?

A practical floor plan offers a clear room layout without unnecessary circulation space. Check whether furniture can be placed sensibly and doors can be opened without obstruction. Good room planning also makes the move and setting up the furniture much easier later on.

Which questions should I ask the landlord?

Ask about the amount of the deposit (at most three months' net basic rent), the rules on cosmetic repairs, pets and subletting, and any planned renovations. Earlier defects and the time until the handover are also important. Clear answers help you make a well-founded decision.

How does a removal company support me even before I move in?

For an accurate quote, a removal company mainly needs information on the floor, lift, walking distances and parking spot – exactly the points you see at the viewing. Send us photos and measurements, and we will plan your private move early and avoid typical mistakes when moving in.

BEFORE YOU SIGN

Flat viewing: checklist

Q: What should I pay particular attention to at a flat viewing?

Look out for damp , mould, the condition of the windows and the heating and electrics. Also check the noise level and the lighting at different times of day. A structured checklist helps you not to overlook anything and to assess the flat realistically before you decide to move.

With our flat viewing checklist you spot defects, cost traps and obstacles for moving day in good time.

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CHECKLIST TO TAKE ALONG

Finding a flat

Flat viewing: what matters before you say yes

Point by point

Unsere Firma Check the condition, service charges, agreement and moving logistics before you sign the tenancy agreement.

A flat viewing often decides many years of living in just a few minutes. If you only go by your first impression, it is easy to overlook damp, draughty windows or outdated wiring. That is why a viewing checklist that you work through point by point is worthwhile – from the heating to the last service charge statement. This way you avoid nasty surprises shortly before the move.

At the viewing, also think about moving day: is there a lift, how wide are the stairwell and doors, and where can a removal van stop? If a parking restriction zone (Halteverbotszone) is needed, in Berlin you should allow two to four weeks for the application. These details have a direct effect on the effort and price of a private move. You can read what our private move includes on the service page – it is best to photograph the access and stairwell at the same time.

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PERSONAL ADVICE

Got the flat? Request a fixed price

After a survey, with no surcharge

Have you found the right flat and have the tenancy agreement in your hands? Call us on 01625978461. After the survey you receive a fixed price, and your household goods are covered by liability under the German Commercial Code (HGB). Planning, transport and assembly come from a single source.

Offers available individually, depending on effort, scheduling and the scope of services required.

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THINKING AHEAD TO THE MOVE

What we contribute to your flat search

Fair, punctual and insured

At every survey we look at the routes first: stairwell, lift, courtyard entrance, parking space. You can adopt this view at your flat viewing – then you know early on whether furniture will fit through the door or an external furniture lift will be needed. We are based in Berlin (Stromstraße 21), know period-building back courtyards and new-build underground car parks, and operate nationwide. So after the viewing, the move also goes ahead without surprises.

Furniture dimensions

Measure doors, alcoves and ceiling height at the viewing. That way you know whether the wardrobe and sofa will fit before we load them.

Check the access

Narrow stairwell, no lift, long path across the courtyard? Make a note of it – points like these determine how many helpers and how much time the move needs.

Senior moves

For older people, the lift, thresholds, bathroom and the way to the shops matter. We plan the move to the new flat calmly and help with unpacking.

No-parking zone

If there is no space in front of the building, we apply for a parking restriction zone on request; in Berlin the signs must be in place at least 72 hours beforehand.

THE CHECKLIST

Six points for every viewing

At a flat viewing, a trained eye and the right questions count. With these six points you check the condition, costs and suitability for the move before you say yes.

Damp and mould

Dark stains, a musty smell, peeling wallpaper – look closely especially in the bathroom, kitchen and behind cupboards on exterior walls.

Windows and heating

Do the windows close tightly, do all the radiators work? Ask about the age of the heating system and the energy performance certificate.

Service charges

Ask to see the last service charge statement. Heating and water often make up the largest share of the service charges.

Deposit and agent's commission

The deposit may be at most three months' net basic rent (§ 551 BGB). For rented flats, the estate agent is paid by whoever engaged them.

Noise and light

A second appointment at a different time of day reveals traffic noise, neighbours and the position of the sun – easily overlooked.

Access for the move

Note the lift size, stair width and a parking spot. We need this information for an accurate quote and the right removal van.

SMALL LOADS

Part load for your first flat

Save on small loads

With a part load, several orders share the loading space on the same route. For students, singles or anyone moving into a furnished flat, this is often the cheapest solution. As the delivery date is a little more flexible, a small buffer between the start of the tenancy and moving out of the old flat is worthwhile.

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ONCE YOU HAVE THE FLAT

From
getting the flat to moving day

So that you can relax

Around the flat viewing, many topics begin that are closely linked to the move: furniture dimensions and floor plan, parking restriction zone, giving notice on the old flat and choosing a removal company. How high the deposit may be and when you get it back is explained in the article Rent deposit. If the new flat is in another city, you will find routes under long-distance moves.

Coordinate notice and dates

As a tenant, you usually give three months' notice. Time the start of the tenancy, your notice and moving day so that your private move, senior move or student move manages without paying double rent.

Plan furniture, check routes

With the measurements from the viewing, we plan the packing service, furniture transport and small transport so that wardrobe, bed and sofa fit through the door, stairwell and lift and nothing has to be sawn apart on moving day.

Estimate costs realistically

Deposit, move, new furniture: add everything up before you say yes. For small amounts, a part load or furniture taxi saves money; for offices there is the office move.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions about flat viewings

Defects, documents, questions, the move.

Look out for damp, mould, the condition of the windows and the heating and electrics. Also check the noise level and the lighting at different times of day. A structured checklist helps you not to overlook anything and to assess the flat realistically before you decide to move.

The most important points at a flat viewing

Before you sign a tenancy agreement, you should check the walls, floors and windows carefully. Look out for traces of mould, cracks and whether the heating and sanitary facilities work. The noise level from neighbours or road traffic can also be judged well at a viewing.

Do not forget to ask about service charges, the cable connection and internet availability. This information helps you assess the flat realistically and avoid cost traps later on.

From viewing appointment to a successful move

As soon as you have the flat, you should plan the moving date and give notice on the old flat. At the viewing, clarify whether a removal van can stop in front of the building or whether a parking restriction zone has to be applied for.

With a removal company at your side, the switch to the new flat is more relaxed. We take care of planning, packing and transport – at a fixed price after a survey and covered by liability under the HGB.

What the move to the new flat costs

Type of move	Price
1 room	from €375
2 rooms	from €615
3 rooms	from €879
4 rooms	from €1,289
House/villa	individual quote
Long-distance move	from €4.20/km

Plan your budget with us – arrange a free survey.

How the price of the move is made up

The costs of a move depend primarily on the volume and the distance to be covered (from €4.20/km). Added to this are the floor and whether there is a lift. Any parking restriction zone also plays a role. Additional services such as furniture assembly or part load also affect the final price.

Services for moving into the new flat

Once you have the flat, combine what you need for the move.

Part load	The part load – for one room or a few pieces of furniture.
Furniture transport	Furniture transport – individual items safely packed.
House clearance	The house clearance – whatever is not coming along is disposed of.
Private move	The private move – the entire household.
Company relocation	The company relocation – if the office is moving too.
Move with assembly	The move with assembly – furniture dismantled and reassembled.

A new flat in another city

We are based in Berlin (Stromstraße 21) and operate nationwide – no matter how far away the new flat is and whether you are moving into a period building, a new build or a terraced house. You will find destinations with their own page in the locations overview, and longer routes under long-distance moves.

Tenancy Law & Housing

Beste Umzug Redaktion

September 2, 2026

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