Overview of the Report
The article “Wohnungssuche in Aachen: Mieten steigen stark (GREIX)” is published by t‑online and authored by Luke Rothfuchs. It analyses recent rental market developments in Aachen, Germany, drawing on data from the German Real Estate Index (GREIX) compiled by the Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW). The piece is part of a broader local journalism effort that highlights the pressure on tenants in the city and references the GREIX project lead, Jonas Zdrzalek.
Recent Rental Increases in Aachen
In the fourth quarter of 2025, average rents in Aachen rose by approximately 5.9 percent compared with the same period in the previous year. This increase is higher than the national average growth of 4.5 percent and places Aachen’s rent rise between Düsseldorf (5 percent) and Cologne (6.4 percent). The average cold rent reached €11.58 per square metre, still below Cologne’s €15.71 but above Gelsenkirchen’s €7.53, the lowest in North‑Rhine Westphalia.
Declining Housing Supply
Since 2015, the number of rental listings in Germany has fallen by roughly 20 percent, and the share of temporary or furnished apartments has hit a record level of one in six listings nationwide in 2025. This contraction of supply intensifies competition for tenants, as noted by GREIX project leader Jonas Zdrzalek.
Long‑Term Trend in Aachen’s Rental Market
The GREIX index shows that rents in Aachen have risen by about 39 percent since 2015. Ten years ago, the average net cold rent was €8.10 per square metre; today it stands at €11.58, indicating a sustained upward trajectory with no signs of reversal.
Implications for Sustainable Housing
Higher rents and a shrinking stock of long‑term, affordable homes challenge the development of sustainable, inclusive housing. The increasing prevalence of short‑term contracts and furnished units often leads to higher turnover, greater resource consumption, and reduced opportunities for energy‑efficient retrofits. These trends underscore the need for policy measures that stabilise supply, promote affordable long‑term tenancy, and integrate sustainability criteria into new and existing housing stock.
Key Data Points
- Rental growth Q4 2025: +5.9 % (Aachen) vs +4.5 % (Germany).
- Average cold rent Q4 2025: €11.58 / m² (Aachen).
- National share of temporary/furnished listings 2025: ≈ 16 %.
- Rental increase since 2015 in Aachen: ≈ 39 %.
- Listing decline since 2015: ≈ 20 %.
Context for European Readers
The situation in Aachen mirrors broader European challenges where urban rent pressures, limited affordable supply and a rise in short‑term tenancy models complicate efforts to achieve sustainable, long‑term housing solutions. The data presented by GREIX, backed by the Kiel Institute, provides a reliable benchmark for comparative analysis across cities and regions.