The Honest Truth About Both Approaches
We're going to be completely transparent here: DIY housing search IS possible. Some people succeed with it. But it's important to understand the real costs, timelines, and success rates of both approaches before deciding.
Our Goal: Help you make an informed decision based on YOUR situation. If DIY makes sense for you, we'll tell you. If professional help makes sense, we'll explain why. No pressure, just facts.
🔨 DIY Search
Total Cost
€2K-4K
Temporary housing while searching
Advantages:
- No service fee
- You control the process
- Learn the market yourself
- Works if you have time
- Satisfying if you succeed
Challenges:
- 10-30% response rate from landlords
- 8-12 weeks average timeline
- €2-4K in temporary housing costs
- Time-consuming (30-50 applications)
- Frustrating rejection cycle
- Hard from abroad
- Language barriers
🤝 Professional Service
Total Cost
€1.5K-3.5K
Service + minimal temp housing
Advantages:
- 70-80% success rate
- 4-8 weeks faster timeline
- Local vouching to landlords
- Off-market property access
- Admin support (bank, registration)
- Works from abroad
- Less stress
Challenges:
- €1,200-2,500 service fee
- Need to trust the partner
- Less control over process
- Not available everywhere
Complete Cost Breakdown
Here's what each approach ACTUALLY costs when you include everything:
| Cost Item |
DIY Approach |
Professional Service |
| Service Fee |
€0 |
€1,200-2,500 |
Temporary Housing
Airbnb while searching |
€2,000-4,000
(8-12 weeks @ €250-350/week) |
€0-800
(1-2 weeks @ €250-350/week) |
Applications
Time cost if employed |
€500-1,000
(30-50 apps @ 2-3 hrs each) |
€0
(handled by service) |
Viewings
Transport/time if abroad |
€200-500
(flights/transport for viewings) |
€0
(partner handles, virtual option) |
Admin Setup
Registration, bank, etc. |
€100-300
(mistakes, delays, extra services) |
€0
(included in service) |
| TOTAL COST |
€2,800-5,800 |
€1,200-3,300 |
| Timeline |
8-12 weeks |
4-8 weeks |
| Success Rate |
10-30% |
70-80% |
Key Insight: Professional service often costs LESS than DIY when you factor in temporary housing, time, and travel costs. Plus you get 2-3x higher success rate and save 4-8 weeks.
Which Approach Is Right for You?
✅ DIY Makes Sense If:
- You have 3+ months before you need housing (no timeline pressure)
- You have local friends who can vouch for you to landlords
- You're already in the city (can do viewings easily)
- You're flexible on neighborhood (okay with outskirts, lower competition)
- Budget is very tight (under €700/month for rent)
- You speak the local language fluently
- You enjoy the challenge and learning process
- You have time to dedicate 10-20 hours/week to the search
⚠️ Professional Help Probably Worth It If:
- Timeline under 8 weeks (INSEAD students, job start dates)
- Relocating from abroad (can't easily do in-person viewings)
- Already tried DIY for 3+ weeks with <10% response rate
- Budget for competitive neighborhoods (city centers)
- No local friends/network who can help
- Don't speak local language fluently
- Your time is valuable (hourly rate > €30-40)
- You value certainty over saving money
💡 Hybrid Approach (Smart Move):
- Try DIY for 2-3 weeks (gives you market knowledge)
- If response rate is <10%, switch to professional service
- We offer €200 discount if you tried DIY first
- Best of both worlds: learn the market, save weeks if needed
Common Objections Addressed
"€1,500 is too expensive for just finding an apartment"
Fair concern. But consider:
- DIY costs €2,000-4,000 in temporary housing while searching (8-12 weeks)
- Professional service saves you 4-8 weeks = faster to start earning/studying
- Success rate goes from 10-30% to 70-80%
- Includes admin support (bank, registration) worth €200-300
- Time saved = 30-50 hours of application work
Real cost comparison: €1,500 service vs. €2,500-4,000 DIY total cost
"I'll just Airbnb for a few weeks and find something"
Many people think this. Reality:
- 3 weeks Airbnb = €750-1,200 already
- Most people need 8-12 weeks, not 3 weeks
- That's €2,000-4,000 in Airbnb costs
- Landlords are skeptical of Airbnb addresses for applications
- By week 4, you're stressed and still applying
"Can't I just use a real estate agent?"
Different service:
- Agents show you available listings (same ones on ImmoScout)
- We focus on landlord relationships and vouching (trust gap solution)
- Agents charge 1 month rent too (€800-1,200)
- Agents don't handle admin settlement (bank, registration, etc.)
"What if I try DIY and it doesn't work?"
Smart approach:
- Try DIY for 2-3 weeks
- If response rate <10%, you'll know it's not working
- Switch to professional service (we offer €200 discount for DIY attempts)
- You've learned the market + saved time by switching early
Still Not Sure Which Approach Is Right?
We're happy to discuss your specific situation and give honest advice - even if that means telling you DIY will work fine.
No pressure consultations. If DIY makes sense for you, we'll tell you. If professional help makes sense, we'll explain why.