NRW.BANK Wohnungsmarktprofil Bochum 2023

The NRW.BANK Wohnungsmarktprofil for Bochum 2023 presents a comprehensive analysis of the city’s housing market, compiled by the state development bank’s housing‑market observation team. The report is prepared by experts from NRW.BANK, including Melanie Kloth, Carolin Krüger‑Willim, Dr Thorsten Heitkamp and others, who coordinate data collection and interpretation for regional policymakers and stakeholders.

Bochum’s total housing stock in 2022 stood at 200 991 apartments, a modest 0.9 % increase over the previous year and 2.0 % growth over the past decade. Single‑family and two‑family homes account for 21.2 % of dwellings, while multi‑family buildings dominate with 73.9 %. The subsidised rental sector has contracted sharply, with 11 874 units—a 13.9 % decline over ten years—highlighting a shift away from price‑bound housing.

The report notes a 13.9 % reduction in subsidised rental apartments over the last ten years, reflecting reduced public funding and the ageing of older stock. This trend raises concerns for affordable housing availability, especially for low‑income households that rely on rent‑controlled units.

In 2022, 401 new apartments were completed, compared with 633 in the three‑year average and 477 in the ten‑year average for the state. Building permits reached 875, while building withdrawals (abgänge) averaged 83. The construction pipeline shows a modest surplus of 3 520 units (building backlog) relative to the existing stock, indicating potential future capacity to address demand.

Bochum’s population in 2022 was 365 742, with a stable overall figure (0.0 % change). The share of residents under 18 years old is 15.2 % (55 592 individuals), while those over 75 years account for 11.3 % (41 248 individuals). Average household size has slightly decreased to 1.9 persons, reflecting broader trends toward smaller households and an ageing population.

The labour market data show 20 000 unemployed persons in 2022, a 0.9 % rise from the three‑year average but a 0.7 % decline over ten years. Minijob positions remain significant, and the proportion of households receiving Wohngeld (housing benefit) is recorded, though exact figures are not disclosed. The mindestsicherungsquote (minimum‑security rate) is not available for the latest year, limiting a full assessment of social safety nets.

Median rent for existing apartments in 2022 ranges between €6.00 and €8.50 per square metre, with higher tiers exceeding €8.50. Purchase prices for new single‑family houses sit around €400 000, while the median price for existing homes is €2 230 000. The “Eigenheimerschwinglichkeit” indicator (years of net household income needed to buy a home) is not provided, but price levels suggest increasing affordability challenges.

All figures are derived from official statistics (IT.NRW, GfK, Bundesagentur für Arbeit) and the bank’s own calculations. The report combines census data, micro‑census updates and market observations to ensure a transparent, comparable picture across North‑Rhein‑Westphalia.

The decline in subsidised stock, coupled with rising construction costs and limited new completions, underscores the need for policies that promote energy‑efficient retrofits and the development of affordable, low‑carbon housing. The existing backlog of approved projects offers an opportunity to integrate sustainable building standards and renewable energy solutions, aligning Bochum’s housing market with broader European climate objectives.