Bremen's market for office space closed 2025 with take-up of 74,000 m². "The main reason for the lower annual result was the lack of major deals – no lease agreement for 5,000 m² was registered in the entire year," says Siljan Tietjen, Head of Office Space Leasing at Robert C. Spies in Bremen, explaining the decline of around 20 percent compared to the previous year. As in 2024, the result is thus well below the long-term five-year average of 106,000 m².
Bremen robust
in national comparisonThe continued challenging overall economic situation also led to noticeable reluctance to make leasing decisions. Companies are more cost-conscious, decision-making processes have taken longer. In a national comparison, Bremen's office market is nevertheless robust. The rent level remains stable and the demand for high-quality, modernly equipped space in central locations with good car and public transport connections continues to exist. Outside the 1A locations, however, the dynamics are lower.
Infrastructure and quality as decisive criteria
The quality standards of the tenants remain high. In addition to modern equipment, energy efficiency and sustainable energy supply play an important role in the decision-making process. "We are looking for central, high-quality and well-connected areas – these can also be more compact," says Tietjen. Modern offices in attractive locations continue to be considered an important factor in attracting and retaining skilled workers. New construction activity remains low, which means that the shortage of modern space in the urban area tends to increase.
No large-scale deal over 5,000 m²
Market activity in 2025 was characterised by deals in the mid-range and small-scale segments. Around 29 per cent of total take-up was attributable to the size class between 2,501 and 5,000 m², a further 25 per cent to the segment between 1,001 and 2,500 m² and 23 per cent to space between 501 and 1,000 m².
The largest registered take-up of rental space was by a technology company with around 4,900 m² in the new "Wing" building of EUROPA-CENTER AG at Bremen Airport. This was followed by an extension lease of around 4,600 m² in the city for the school use of the Senator for Children and Education of the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen and the Sparkasse Bremen with around 4,500 m² at Brill. Other major leases were attributable to MSC Germany (around 2,900 m²) in Überseestadt and UZUNER Holding (around 2,700 m²) in the Technology Park.
Subletting increases slightly
In 2025, apart from the lease by the Senator for Children and Education, no significant deals were registered by the City of Bremen, which had often accounted for a significant share of total sales in the past. Bremen's office market has traditionally been strongly dominated by medium-sized companies. At the same time, the current economic situation is putting a particular strain on SMEs. "The uncertainty leads to longer decision-making processes and more cautious land management," Tietjen observes. In addition, there was a slight increase in large-volume sublettings, which indicates increased space optimisation within existing tenancies.
Stable rent level with shorter contract terms
The average rent in the entire city area is around 12.20 EUR/m². The prime rent is 17.50 EUR/m² and is thus almost at the previous year's level. In prime locations in the city of Bremen, rents of over 20.00 EUR/m² are selectively achieved.
The vacancy rate is around 4.8 percent and thus remains moderate in a nationwide comparison. Vacancies primarily affect less well-connected locations as well as stocks that are no longer up to date. At the same time, lease terms have continued to shorten as companies increasingly rely on flexible models.
Outlook for 2026
Robert C. Spies expects a stable market development for 2026. Take-up is likely to pick up slightly again due to upcoming large-scale lettings and range between 80,000 and 90,000 m². Rents and vacancy rates are expected to remain stable. Due to the continued low level of new construction activity, the focus is on existing properties and revitalisations. New construction space is currently available mainly in Überseestadt and occasionally in the Technology Park.
In the future, more stable economic conditions could provide a revival. Nevertheless, a cost-conscious space strategy for many companies is likely to remain formative in 2026. Positive impetus is coming from the logistics market, whose development is historically considered an early indicator for the office market.
