Jena, October 01, 2026 – The Jena office market experienced further transformation in 2025. According to the eleventh office market report by JenaWirtschaft, office space take-up declined again, while the vacancy rate rose slightly and corporate demands regarding property quality increased significantly.
- Topic: Presentation of the eleventh office market report for Jena
- Publisher: JenaWirtschaft
- Key figures 2025: Total stock 753,630 m², vacancy rate 2.9%, take-up 8,320 m²
- Outlook: Presentation at EXPO REAL 2026 in Munich (October 05 to 07)
Statistical data and stock development
The stock of office space in Jena grew by approximately 2,400 square meters in the 2025 reporting period to a total of 753,630 square meters. At the same time, vacant space increased by approximately 3,700 square meters to 21,980 square meters. However, this additional vacancy is concentrated primarily in individual properties, meaning the overall vacancy rate remains at a comparatively low level of 2.9 percent (previous year: 2.4 percent).
Office take-up fell to approximately 8,320 square meters in the same period, representing a decrease of about 710 square meters compared to the previous year. The total number of contract closures was particularly in decline. Approximately 85 percent of registered closures involved units of a maximum of 500 square meters. Market activity was concentrated primarily in the north of Jena, the city center, and the immediate vicinity of the universities.
Discrepancy between demand and quality requirements
The market report highlights a noticeable change in the behavior of local businesses. Due to security and cost considerations, companies are making fewer decisions regarding space and are evaluating their actual needs much more precisely. Economic uncertainties, changing work models, and general cost pressures are shaping these decisions. At the same time, requirements regarding location, energy efficiency, and flexible usage options are rising noticeably.
“Market dynamics continued to decline last year. Companies are making fewer decisions regarding space and are evaluating their actual needs more precisely,” explains Patrick Werner, project manager at JenaWirtschaft. “At the same time, we do not see a uniformly weak market: modern and well-positioned offices continue to find demand, while other spaces are becoming more difficult to lease.”
Overview of rents and construction activity
Despite the declining take-up, recorded rents increased. The average rent rose from 11.30 to 11.60 euros per square meter, while the area-weighted average rent increased from 12.10 to 12.80 euros. The commercial investment volume recovered significantly, reaching 9.2 million euros.
In terms of construction activity, approximately 5,060 square meters of new office space were created in 2025. It is noteworthy that approximately 77 percent of this space was built for owner-occupancy and is therefore not available on the open rental market. A further 63,360 square meters are currently under construction, also almost entirely for owner-occupancy. Meanwhile, the project pipeline for future projects that have not yet commenced fell to 28,250 square meters – the lowest level since 2017.
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Official hiking map for Jena and the Saale Valley
Ideal for a relaxing hike after the workday in the hills of Jena.
Background: Jena as a dynamic business location
Jena is traditionally characterized by a strong connection between high-tech, science, and a strong university presence. The local commercial and office market is therefore in a constant state of tension between the settlement of research-oriented companies and the limited spatial capacities in the Saale Valley. Targeted modernization of existing stock is therefore all the more important for urban development.
Outlook: Presentation at EXPO REAL
JenaWirtschaft will present the complete 2025 office market report at the real estate trade fair EXPO REAL 2026 in Munich from October 05 to 07. At the joint stand of the European Metropolitan Region Central Germany, the City of Jena will present current market data alongside forward-looking urban development projects. Interested parties can find the detailed report directly at jenawirtschaft.de/bueromarkt.
Source:
Jena Office Market: Take-up declines, vacancy rises slightly
Transparency note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.