Finding an apartment in Europe can feel overwhelming. Every country has its own rental culture, different platforms, and unique quirks that make the search challenging, especially if you're moving to a new country. Whether you're relocating for work, studying abroad, or simply looking for a fresh start, knowing where to look is half the battle.

This guide covers the best websites to find apartments across Europe, from pan-European platforms to country-specific portals that locals actually use.

Pan-European apartment search platforms

These platforms work across multiple European countries and are great starting points if you're flexible about location or searching in several countries at once.

HousingAnywhere

Originally built for students and young professionals, HousingAnywhere has grown into one of Europe's largest mid-term rental platforms. It covers cities across the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Italy, France, and beyond. The platform focuses on furnished apartments and rooms, making it ideal for people who need a place for a few months to a year.

What makes it stand out is the booking protection system - you don't pay until you've seen the place and confirmed it matches the listing. This reduces the risk of scams significantly.

Spotahome

Spotahome offers verified listings with detailed video tours, so you can rent an apartment without visiting in person. They operate in major cities across Spain, Italy, France, Belgium, Germany, and the UK. Each property is checked by their team, which adds a layer of trust.

The platform is particularly popular among expats and remote workers who need to secure housing before arriving in a new city.

Uniplaces

Focused primarily on students, Uniplaces operates in cities like Lisbon, Madrid, Berlin, and Milan. The platform offers verified listings and allows you to book directly online. It's a solid option if you're heading to university in Europe and need a room or small apartment.

Domily

Domily is a newer platform designed to cut through the noise of traditional rental markets. It focuses on transparency and fair pricing - no hidden fees, no agent commissions eating into your budget. While still growing, Domily is building a reputation for being tenant-friendly and straightforward, especially in Germany and other European markets.

Country-specific platforms

While pan-European sites are convenient, the best deals and most listings are often found on local platforms. Here's a breakdown by country.

Germany

Germany's rental market is notoriously competitive, especially in cities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg. Unlike many countries, Germans tend to rent for decades rather than buy, which means demand for quality apartments is constant and fierce. Most flats come unfurnished - sometimes without even a kitchen - so be prepared to invest in basics when you move in. The key platforms are:

• Immobilienscout24 - The largest platform with the most listings. It gets the job done, though you'll need patience navigating premium features and high competition.
• Immonet and Immowelt - Similar alternatives, worth checking for different listings.
• WG-Gesucht - The go-to site for shared apartments (WGs) and rooms.
• Kleinanzeigen (formerly eBay Kleinanzeigen) - A classifieds site where private landlords often post directly.

Be prepared with your documents (SCHUFA, payslips, ID) and act fast - apartments in popular cities can receive 100+ applications within hours. For more details, check out our complete guide on how to find a flat in Germany as a foreigner and learn what documents you need.

The Netherlands

The Dutch rental market is extremely tight, with vacancy rates among the lowest in Europe. Housing shortages have been a political issue for years, and cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht see intense competition for any available unit. The country has a large social housing sector, but waiting lists can stretch over a decade in popular areas.

• Funda - The main platform for buying and renting property in the Netherlands.
• Pararius - Focuses on rentals and is popular with expats and agencies.
• Kamernet - Best for rooms and shared housing, particularly for students.

Expect high prices and long waitlists for social housing. The private market moves fast, so set up alerts and respond immediately.

France

France has a unique rental system with specific requirements that can surprise newcomers. Landlords typically require a French guarantor (someone who will cover your rent if you default), proof of income showing you earn at least three times the rent, and extensive documentation. The bureaucracy is real, but tenant protections are strong once you're in.

• SeLoger - One of the largest platforms for rentals and purchases.
• Leboncoin - A classifieds giant where many private landlords list apartments.
• PAP (De Particulier à Particulier) - Direct listings from owners, no agency fees.
• Bien'ici - Aggregates listings from multiple sources.

In Paris especially, be ready to provide extensive documentation and possibly a French guarantor or use services like Garantme or Visale.

Spain

Spain offers a more relaxed rental market compared to Northern Europe, with less paperwork and more flexibility in negotiations. However, cities like Barcelona and Madrid are getting competitive as remote workers and digital nomads flock to the country. Rental contracts are typically for one year with automatic renewals, and landlords often prefer tenants who commit long-term.

• Idealista - The dominant platform for rentals in Spain.
• Fotocasa - Another major player with good coverage nationwide.
• Habitaclia - Popular in Catalonia and other regions.
• Milanuncios - A classifieds site with private listings.

Short-term tourist rentals have driven up prices in popular areas, so start your search early if you're looking for a good deal.

Italy

Italy's rental market varies wildly by region, reflecting the country's strong north-south economic divide. Northern cities like Milan are expensive and competitive with a professional rental culture, while the south offers more affordable options but often with older housing stock and less formal arrangements. Rental contracts are heavily regulated, typically lasting four years with automatic renewal for another four.

• Immobiliare.it - The largest property portal in Italy.
• Casa.it - Another major platform with good coverage.
• Idealista Italy - The Italian version of the Spanish giant.
• Subito.it - Italy's version of Craigslist, with many private listings.

Be aware that contracts in Italy often require a codice fiscale (tax code), which you'll need to obtain before signing.

Portugal

Portugal has seen rental prices skyrocket in recent years, driven by tourism, golden visa programs, and an influx of digital nomads and remote workers. Lisbon and Porto have become some of the most expensive cities in Southern Europe relative to local salaries. Many longtime residents have been priced out of city centers, and the government has introduced new regulations to cool the market.

• Idealista Portugal - The leading platform for rentals.
• Imovirtual - Good coverage across the country.
• OLX Portugal - Classifieds with direct-from-owner listings.
• Casa Sapo - A local alternative worth checking.

Competition is fierce in city centers. Consider looking at surrounding areas for better value.

Belgium

Belgium has a stable but sometimes slow rental market, split between the Dutch-speaking Flanders region and French-speaking Wallonia (plus bilingual Brussels). Rental practices and even contract terms can differ between regions. The market is less frantic than in neighboring Netherlands or Germany, giving you more time to make decisions, but good apartments in Brussels still go quickly.

• Immoweb - The main platform for rentals and purchases.
• Zimmo - An aggregator that pulls listings from multiple sources.
• Logic-immo - Another solid option with good coverage.

Brussels has a large expat community, and many listings are available in English, French, and Dutch.

Austria

Austria, particularly Vienna, offers a well-regulated rental market with strong tenant protections and some of the most affordable capital city rents in Western Europe. Vienna is famous for its social housing program - about 60% of residents live in subsidized or municipal housing. The private market is smaller but still accessible, with rents controlled by law in older buildings.

• Willhaben - Austria's largest classifieds platform, great for rentals.
• ImmobilienScout24 Austria - The Austrian version of the German platform.
• Bazar.at - Another classifieds site with private listings.
• Der Standard Immobilien - Listings through the newspaper's website.

Vienna has a large social housing sector (Gemeindewohnungen), but access can be limited for newcomers.

Tips for searching across Europe

No matter which country you're looking in, these tips will improve your chances:

Act fast

In competitive markets, apartments get snapped up within hours. Set up alerts and respond to new listings immediately. The best properties often never make it to the weekend - they're gone by Tuesday. If you see something good, drop everything and apply.

Prepare your documents

Have your ID, proof of income, work contract, and any credit reports ready to send at a moment's notice. Landlords favor organized applicants. Create a single PDF with all your documents so you can attach it within minutes of finding a listing. In competitive markets, being the first complete application matters more than being the best one.

Learn a few local phrases

Even a basic message in the local language shows respect and can make you stand out. Use translation tools if needed. A simple "Dear Mr./Mrs. [Name], I am very interested in your apartment..." in the local language signals that you're making an effort to integrate, which landlords appreciate.

Watch out for scams

Never pay a deposit before seeing the apartment or signing a contract. Be suspicious of prices that seem too good to be true, and verify the landlord's identity if possible. Common red flags include landlords who claim to be abroad and can't show the apartment, requests for payment via wire transfer or cryptocurrency, and listings that copy text or photos from other ads.

Consider short-term first

If you're moving to a new city, consider booking a short-term rental or Airbnb for the first month. This gives you time to explore neighborhoods and view apartments in person before committing. What looks great online might be next to a noisy bar, and the "central location" might actually be far from where you'll work. A month on the ground is worth more than weeks of online research.

Use multiple platforms

Don't rely on just one website. The best listings might appear on smaller local sites or classifieds. Cast a wide net. Some landlords only post on one platform, and private landlords often prefer local classifieds to avoid agency fees. Check at least three to four sites daily during your search.

Final thoughts

Finding an apartment in Europe takes patience, preparation, and knowing where to look. While pan-European platforms offer convenience, the real gems are often on country-specific sites where locals search. Start with the platforms relevant to your target country, prepare your documents, and be ready to move quickly when you find the right place.

And if you're tired of complex processes and hidden fees, keep an eye on platforms like Domily that are working to make the rental experience fairer and more transparent for everyone.

Good luck with your search!