The office market in Essen presented itself as stable, yet subdued, in the first half of 2026. Analyses show a total leased area of 20,800 m², spread across 51 leases throughout the city area. Of this, 18,040 m² of office space was mediated by brokers. Brockhoff was involved in a significant portion of these transactions, facilitating 16 deals, which corresponds to a mediated area of approximately 7,200 m². Brockhoff's mandate thus comprised 40 per cent of the leases handled by brokers, underlining the company's market position in Essen.
The largest single transaction during this period was the rental of approximately 2,250 m² at Altendorfer Straße 3 by a public sector tenant, also facilitated by Brockhoff. This and other leases occurred in an environment characterised by an increase in vacancy. Office vacancy in Essen rose from approximately 7.5 per cent in the comparative period of 2025 to now around 8.5 per cent in 2026.
This increased vacancy currently opens up specific opportunities for companies. Particularly in central locations, such as the area around Essen Central Station, attractive spaces are currently available. A relevant proportion of these properties are in good condition and can be occupied at short notice. Another aspect is pricing: rents for many existing spaces are below the level of new-build projects, the supply of which remains limited. The prime rent in Essen remains stable at 20 €/m², primarily achieved in new buildings and in particularly sought-after inner-city areas.
The segment of smaller office spaces showed particular dynamism in the first half of the year. Of the 51 registered leases, 39 deals involved spaces up to 500 m². This reflects a consistently high demand from small and medium-sized enterprises for flexible office offerings. For these companies, the current market situation represents a favourable opportunity to optimise and adapt their space strategy. The increased selection offers options that were not available in previous market phases.
The development of demand over the remainder of the year is likely to remain closely linked to overall economic development. Nevertheless, the currently larger supply of space offers companies a special opportunity to secure high-quality office locations in Essen in the long term. Interested parties seeking modern and economical office spaces will find attractive alternatives, particularly in central locations, which allow for a reassessment and optimisation of their own real estate strategy.
