The Broker Problem in Germany — and How modeiland Solves It

What Is the Maklerprovision?

In Germany, renting an apartment through a broker (Makler) typically comes with a fee called Maklerprovision or Courtage. It's usually 1.5 to 2 times the net monthly rent, plus VAT — meaning a €900/month apartment could cost you an extra €1,500 to €2,000 before you even move in.

On top of the security deposit and first month's rent, this is a significant upfront burden — especially for students, recent graduates, people relocating for work, or anyone who doesn't have significant savings to draw on.

The Bestellerprinzip: Good Idea, Incomplete Execution

In 2015, Germany introduced the Bestellerprinzip: whoever hires the broker pays the fee. In theory, this protects tenants. In practice, landlords who pay broker fees often incorporate those costs into the rent. The burden shifts but doesn't disappear.

Why Big Portals Don't Help

Platforms like Immoscout24 or ImmoWelt are dominated by agency listings. Private landlord listings exist but are rare, go quickly, and are hard to find. The business model of these portals depends on broker subscriptions — not on the interest of apartment seekers.

The modeiland Approach

modeiland was built as a deliberate alternative. Only private landlords can list properties. Brokers are excluded by design. Seekers pay a transparent, small monthly subscription fee — a software usage fee, not a brokerage charge.

The math is straightforward: even if your search takes three months, you'd pay €15 total on modeiland. That's a fraction of what a single broker fee would cost. And if you find your apartment without paying a commission, the savings speak for themselves.