According to Savills, take-up in the top six office markets, Berlin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Cologne and Munich, totalled 2.4 million sq m in 2025, a 2.8% increase compared with 2024. The average leased office size stood at 930 sq m, below the multi-year average of 1,060 sq m (2017-2022). While prime rents continue to rise owing to high demand for modern space in central locations, average rents are under pressure. Average prime rents across the top six cities rose by 2.1% while median and average rents fell by 2.4% and 1.8%, respectively, says the international real estate advisor.

The average vacancy rate across the top six cities stood at 8.2% at the end of 2025. This represents an increase of 40 basis points compared with the previous quarter.

Jan-Niklas Rotberg, Managing Director and Head of Office Agency, Savills Germany, says: “Many occupiers remain reticent when it comes to relocation decisions and, when they do relocate, this often entails a reduction in space. Companies often only decide upon a new letting when there is pressure to act, such as the current space no longer fulfilling ESG requirements or technical demands. In the absence of such reasons, existing leases are often being extended, normally by another five years. Overall, occupiers have become more selective, which, combined with the sustained trend towards greater efficiency of space, is keeping take-up at below-average levels.”

Antonia Wecke, Senior Research Consultant, Savills Germany, says: “As a result of the overall decline in demand for space, vacancy rates are continuing to rise. The vacancy rate across the top six cities exceeded the 8 per cent mark for the first time since 2012.”
Rotberg adds: “In markets with a relatively high new-build supply, such as Berlin and Düsseldorf, competition among owners of modern space is more intense. Where development pipelines are becoming leaner, such as in Frankfurt and Hamburg, well-refurbished existing space is becoming noticeably more popular.”

Further graphics and data on this press release can be found on our Online dashboard on the top six office markets.