Schriftlicher Bericht des BMWSB zum deutschlandweiten Büroleerstand

The resource titled "Schriftlicher Bericht des BMWSB zum deutschlandweiten Büroleerstand" is a report published by the Federal Ministry for Housing, Urban Development, and Building in Germany. This document addresses the issue of office vacancies across Germany, highlighting key trends and developments in the real estate market.

Since reaching a low of around 2% in 2019, office vacancies in Germany have been steadily increasing. Changes in workplace dynamics due to the pandemic, remote work, and flexible work models have structurally altered space demand. As of 2024, the vacancy rate across 127 relevant German office markets stood at 5.6%, translating to approximately 11 million square meters of empty office space, marking an increase of 1.6 million square meters from 2023. The seven largest cities, known as "Top-7" (Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Cologne, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, and Düsseldorf), are particularly experiencing rising vacancy rates due to high completion rates of new buildings amidst moderate demand.

The increase in vacancies is also extending to B and C cities, particularly in industrial or administrative areas, where consolidations and weaker demand coincide. As of 2024, vacancy rates were 5% in B cities and 4% in C cities. The German office market is currently undergoing a phase of market correction, where structural factors such as changing work models and sustainability criteria are gaining importance. While high-quality, energy-efficient buildings remain in demand, older properties that do not meet ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards are increasingly becoming vacant.

In response to the growing issue of vacant office buildings, the German government aims to facilitate the conversion of unused commercial properties into residential spaces. A funding guideline for the "Commercial to Residential" program is currently being coordinated, providing financial incentives to repurpose these buildings amidst a significant demand for housing. The government has allocated €360 million for this initiative in its 2026 budget, aiming to foster a climate-friendly and resource-efficient construction culture.

Under specific conditions for social housing promotion, conversions to social housing are considered for funding. The federal government supports financial aid for such transformations, which can also activate previously unused land for employee housing. This approach is expected to enhance the availability of housing options in urban areas.

The special depreciation for new rental housing can be utilized for the activation of vacant properties, contingent upon the extent of the renovation measures. A new apartment is recognized as such if it is newly built or acquired in the year of its completion. The government's "Commercial to Residential" initiative emphasizes the importance of generating apartments that meet legal standards.

The "Building Turbo" law facilitates the expansion of existing buildings and the conversion of old commercial spaces into residential units. This legislation aims to streamline the process of utilizing vacant office spaces for housing.

Since the 1970s, the federal and state governments have provided financial support for investments in the renewal and development of cities through urban development programs. This funding is available for projects that align with urban revitalization goals, particularly for former office buildings, supporting their transformation into spaces that meet contemporary needs.

The report outlines the pressing need for strategies to address rising office vacancies in Germany while providing sustainable housing solutions. The government's initiatives reflect an understanding of the changing landscape of work and the urgent demand for housing, contributing to a more sustainable urban environment.