I think this flat offer is a scam
The situation
Beautiful flat, suspiciously fair price, landlord "currently abroad", wants a deposit via transfer to "reserve" the flat — or you already paid and the keys never came.
The way out
The scam checklist — any ONE of these means walk away:
- Payment requested before a viewing (in person or live video)
- Landlord "abroad", keys "with an agency" or "sent by courier after payment"
- Price clearly below market for the area
- Pressure and urgency ("three other applicants, pay today")
- Payment via Western Union, MoneyGram, gift cards, or crypto
- They send you a contract without ever asking about you
If you're unsure: ask for a live video viewing where they show the flat AND respond to your requests in real time. Scammers use stolen photos and pre-recorded videos; "walk to the window and show the street" defeats them.
Already paid?
- Contact your bank immediately — transfers can sometimes be recalled within hours.
- Report to the police (online reporting exists; the report also helps chargebacks).
- Report the listing to the platform.
Safer channels: Studierendenwerk dorms, WG-Gesucht (with the checklist above), employer/university housing services, and established furnished-apartment platforms with payment protection.
General information, not legal advice. If your case has deadlines or legal stakes, free migration counselling (Migrationsberatung) exists in every city — use it.