ImmoScout24 vs. Immowelt: Which Platform is Best for Finding an Apartment?

Let's be honest, searching for an apartment in Germany can feel like a daunting rite of passage for any expat. You’ve navigated the visa bureaucracy, you’re tackling the language, and now you face the final boss: the housing market. In this digital-first country, your quest will inevitably lead you to two giants looming over the online rental landscape: ImmoScout24 and Immowelt.

Picture this: dozens of browser tabs open, a half-translated rental application on your screen, and a growing sense of dread. Which platform should you be dedicating your precious time to? Is one better than the other? As an expat who has been through this gauntlet, I'm here to break it down for you. We're going to go beyond the logos and dive deep into a head-to-head comparison to help you find your new Zuhause (home) in 2025.

First, A Reality Check: The German Rental Market in 2025

Before we compare the platforms, it's crucial to understand the battlefield. The German rental market, especially in major cities like Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, and Frankfurt, is fiercely competitive. A 2024 report from the German Property Federation (ZIA) highlighted a housing deficit of over 800,000 apartments, a number expected to persist into 2025. This means for every decent, reasonably-priced apartment listing, there can be hundreds of applicants.

To even get in the game, you need to speak the language of German rentals. Here are the non-negotiable terms you'll see everywhere:

Understanding this context is key. The best platform isn't just the one with the most listings; it's the one that helps you navigate this competitive environment most effectively.

ImmoScout24: The Undisputed Market Leader

If the German rental market were a kingdom, ImmoScout24 would be sitting on the throne. It is, by a significant margin, the largest and most-used real estate platform in the country.

Strengths of ImmoScout24

• The Sheer Volume of Listings: This is its biggest advantage. Virtually every real estate agent and major property management company lists on ImmoScout24. If an apartment is on the market, the odds are overwhelmingly high that it’s on this platform. For an expat in a major city, this vast selection is indispensable.
• Superior Search and Filtering: The platform’s search functionality is incredibly detailed. You can filter by the usual (price, size, number of rooms) but also by specifics like whether it has a balcony (Balkon), a fitted kitchen (Einbauküche - never assume it's included!), or is pet-friendly. You can even draw a specific search area on a map, which is perfect for zeroing in on a particular neighborhood.
• Expat-Friendly Features: ImmoScout24 has a fairly comprehensive English version of its site and app. More importantly, it has integrated services that are a lifesaver for newcomers. You can request your official SCHUFA report directly through their site and build a digital Bewerbermappe (application folder) to send to landlords with a single click.
• The "MieterPlus" (Premium) Advantage: In competitive markets, the premium subscription, MieterPlus, is almost a necessity. As of early 2025, it costs around €29.99/month. The key benefits are:
  • Early Access: You see some new listings up to 48 hours before free users. In a market where apartments are gone in hours, this is a game-changer.
  • Prominent Placement: Your application is highlighted and appears at the top of the landlord's inbox.
  • Free SCHUFA Check: It includes the cost of the credit check, which you'd have to pay for anyway.

Weaknesses of ImmoScout24

• The Competition is Intense: Because it's the biggest platform, you're competing against the largest pool of applicants. Sending an application for a trendy apartment in Berlin-Kreuzberg can feel like shouting into the void.
• The "Premium" Necessity: While MieterPlus is a strength, the fact that it's almost mandatory in big cities can feel like a pay-to-play system, adding another expense to the already costly process of moving.

Best For: Expats moving to large, competitive cities (Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, etc.) who need access to the maximum number of listings and are willing to invest in a premium membership to gain a competitive edge.

Immowelt: The Strong and Capable Challenger

Immowelt is the clear number two in the German market. It’s part of the AVIV Group, which also owns Immonet, another German property portal (in fact, their listings are often pooled). Don't make the mistake of ignoring it.

Strengths of Immowelt

• A Massive Pool of Listings: While not as large as ImmoScout24, Immowelt is still a huge platform with hundreds of thousands of listings. You will find a significant overlap with ImmoScout24, but crucially, you'll also find listings—especially from private landlords or smaller agencies—that aren't on the bigger site.
• Potentially Less Competition Per Listing: Anecdotally, many expats report that while the overall competition is still high, they sometimes get a better response rate from applications sent via Immowelt. This could be because some applicants focus solely on ImmoScout24.
• Stronger in Mid-Sized Cities: While ImmoScout24 dominates the major metropolises, Immowelt has a very strong presence in Germany's mid-sized cities and more regional areas. If you're looking for a place in Leipzig, Nuremberg, or Hannover, you'll find Immowelt to be just as essential.
• Comparable Premium Service: Immowelt also offers a premium service, "MieterPlus" (yes, confusingly the same name). Its features are very similar to ImmoScout24's, offering boosted application visibility and an included credit check, often at a slightly lower price point (around €24.99/month in early 2025).

Weaknesses of Immowelt

• Slightly Fewer Listings Overall: In a pure numbers game, especially in the top 5 cities, ImmoScout24 usually comes out ahead. You simply cannot rely on Immowelt alone in a city like Munich.
• User Interface and English Support: While the site is modern and user-friendly, its English translation is sometimes not as complete as ImmoScout24's. Some features and forms may revert to German, requiring a bit more reliance on your browser's translate function.

Best For: Everyone, but especially those looking outside the biggest metropolitan areas or expats who want to be absolutely sure they're not missing any opportunities by using it in conjunction with ImmoScout24.

Head-to-Head: A Feature Breakdown

Your Winning Strategy: Don't Choose, Conquer

The real secret to finding an apartment in Germany isn't choosing between ImmoScout24 and Immowelt. It's using them both as part of a broader, proactive strategy.

1. Prepare Your Bewerbermappe Now: Don't wait until you find the perfect apartment. Gather these documents and have them scanned as PDFs, ready to upload:

   • Photo ID: Passport or national ID card.
   • Visa/Residence Permit: Proof of your right to live in Germany.
   • Proof of Income (Einkommensnachweis): Your last three payslips. If you're just starting a job, your employment contract is crucial. Landlords typically look for your Kaltmiete to be no more than one-third of your net monthly income.
   • SCHUFA Credit Report: Get this as soon as you have a registered address (Anmeldung).
   • Tenant Self-Disclosure Form (Mieterselbstauskunft): A standard form where you detail your income, household members, etc. Both platforms provide templates.
   • (Optional) Letter from a Previous Landlord: A bonus if you have one.

2. Use Both Platforms and Set Up Alerts: Create profiles on both ImmoScout24 and Immowelt. Set up detailed search alerts for your desired neighborhoods and criteria. When you get a notification, you must act immediately.

3. Invest in ONE Premium Service: You don't need to pay for both. Given its "early access" feature and larger pool of listings in big cities, ImmoScout24's MieterPlus generally offers the best return on investment for expats in competitive areas.

4. Look Beyond the Duopoly: While they are the main players, don't forget other resources:

   • WG-Gesucht.de: The king for flatshares (Wohngemeinschaften), but it also has a growing number of full apartment listings, often from private landlords who prefer its simpler, free-to-list model.
   • Kleinanzeigen (formerly eBay Kleinanzeigen): Germany's version of Craigslist. You can find hidden gems directly from owners (von Privat), but you must be extremely cautious of scams. Never pay a deposit before seeing the apartment and signing a contract.

5. Craft the Perfect Introduction Message: When you apply, don't just click the button. Write a short, polite introduction in German (use DeepL or Google Translate if you must). Introduce yourself, your profession, why you're interested in the apartment, and confirm that your complete Bewerbermappe is attached. This small effort makes a huge difference.

The Verdict

So, ImmoScout24 vs. Immowelt: which is best?

ImmoScout24 is the essential, non-negotiable tool. Its sheer size, superior features, and integrated expat-friendly services make it the primary platform you should be using. In the hyper-competitive markets of Berlin or Munich, its premium service is a powerful weapon.

However, Immowelt is the indispensable sidekick. Ignoring it means you could miss out on the perfect apartment listed by a smaller agency or private landlord. It's a vital part of casting the widest possible net.

The search for a home in Germany is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires preparation, speed, and using all the tools at your disposal. By combining the power of ImmoScout24, the reach of Immowelt, and a perfectly prepared application folder, you're no longer just another hopeful applicant—you're a serious contender. Good luck, and happy hunting