Düsseldorf office market: Restrained full-year results in the Rhine metropolis, clear focus of market activity on small spaces

Düsseldorf's office market was comparatively subdued in 2025: although the weak previous year's result was almost offset with take-up of 218,000 m², the 5-year average remained unmatched (-18%). The below-average performance is due to subdued letting activity in the first half of the year, with the disappointing first quarter (39,000 m²) being particularly noteworthy. On the other hand, the slight market recovery in the second half of the year should be noted positively. The fourth quarter was the best quarter of the year (63,000 m²). In total, 93% of the total result, around 203,000 m², is attributable to the Düsseldorf urban area. Almost a quarter of this was implemented in central city locations. This is the result of the analysis by BNP Paribas Real Estate.

"Currently, the focus of market activity is much more on small and medium-sized spaces. Around 86% of total take-up is attributable to the space segments up to 5,000 m². There were no large-scale lettings with more than 10,000 m² of office space," explains Philip Bellenbaum, Düsseldorf branch manager of BNP Paribas Real Estate GmbH.

The development of rents in the absolute top segment is remarkable. The increase in prime rents by a further €2.50/m² (+6%) to €46/m² is largely attributable to project developments around Königsallee. As in most other German office locations, high demand for modern space in absolute premium locations meets a comparatively low vacancy volume in Düsseldorf.

In 2025, consulting firms again topped the industry ranking with a market share of a good 19% or around 42,000 m². They benefited in particular from a high number of deals (62) in the small and medium-sized space segment. Nevertheless, the Rhine metropolis has a broad demand base. This is underlined by the fact that five user groups have a share of the result with shares of just under 11% and almost 20% respectively. The largest deal in the Düsseldorf city area over the course of the year was concluded by Landesbank Hessen-Thüringen with almost 8,000 m² in the Kennedydamm submarket. Three of the five largest deals were concluded regardless of the location in the new building for the first time, which underlines the demand focus on modern space in the market.