Rent villas on Lake Starnberg — Houses and villas to rent in Starnberg and the lakeside areas

Its location in the Bavarian Alpine foothills and its proximity to the state capital, Munich, make Lake Starnberg – Germany’s fifth-largest lake – one of Bavaria’s most popular residential areas. This has a clear implication for the rental market: the supply of houses to rent on Lake Starnberg remains limited and carefully selected.

Many properties are never advertised publicly but are let through an established network of owners. The most interesting houses to rent in Starnberg are therefore rarely listed on the major property portals. Renting a house by the lake requires patience and a direct line of contact to the owners.

The spectrum ranges from city villas with lake views to estates with their own jetties. Luxury properties with lake access are particularly rare. Such properties are almost exclusively let to new tenants through personal contact. Different rules apply to buying: ‘Buying a house on Lake Starnberg’ covers the property market by the lake, whilst ‘Luxury properties in Munich’ covers the city’s broader range of premium properties. RIEDEL is familiar with both sides of this market in Munich and the Fünfseenland region.

A suitable property is rarely available straight away. It usually comes onto the market when an existing tenancy ends or owners change how they use the property. Prospective tenants should therefore enquire in good time and remain flexible regarding location and move-in date.

Not every situation in life calls for a purchase. Renting a villa by the lake combines the region’s high standard of living with flexibility, without tying up capital in the long term and without the responsibility of owning a property that you might only use for a few years.

For executives on a temporary assignment in Munich, a rented property is often the obvious solution: prestigious, conveniently located for the city and yet by the water. Families going through a transitional phase (such as whilst building a house or after a move) can also find temporary accommodation here. And for those who wish to get to know the region first, renting a villa in Starnberg allows them to experience everyday life by the lake before deciding whether to buy. Some prospective buyers combine both options and use the second home as a retreat alongside their city flat.

Renting a villa in Starnberg on a temporary basis places different demands on the floor plan, facilities and contract duration than a purchase would. The planned rental period should therefore be discussed at an early stage. For the long-term perspective, see ‘Buying a villa on Lake Starnberg ’.

A lakeside villa is one of the most challenging properties on the rental market, as the pool of potential tenants is small and discerning. The approach to marketing is crucial to the outcome here. RIEDEL consistently represents the interests of the property owner.

We begin with a realistic assessment of the achievable rental value based on location, condition, fixtures and fittings, and comparable lettings: not a wishful figure, but a sound basis. We take a measured approach to the marketing itself: a lakeside property does not need to be listed on every portal to find the right tenant. Prospective tenants are vetted carefully and in accordance with regulations, viewings are personally supervised, and the tenancy agreement is finalised right up to handover.

Through the international network of Christie’s International Real Estate, of which RIEDEL is a part, we also reach prospective tenants from abroad, which makes a noticeable difference in a sector with very limited demand. Thanks to its many years of experience in the Five Lakes Region, RIEDEL understands the requirements of both sides – the owner and the prospective tenant.

For owners, when it comes to a property of this scale, there is more at stake than just the rental amount. Anyone letting their house for several years wants a tenant who will treat the property with care and fit in with the local community. Rather than casting a wide net, we therefore approach individual prospective tenants in a targeted manner and only present the property in a personal setting. This keeps the number of viewings to a minimum and protects privacy on the owner’s own plot.

RIEDEL is a family-run business based in Munich, active in the market since 1982 and awarded ‘Estate Agent of the Year 2025’ (Bellevue). Since June 2026, we have been represented directly in the region with our own branch in Starnberg. Our comprehensive letting service for owners explains the step-by-step process of letting a property, which documents are required, and what needs to be taken into account regarding the tenancy agreement and handover.

Prospective tenants and property owners can also contact our team in Starnberg directly: