Bochum as an investment location for real estate
370k city with a growing population base and strong knowledge economy
Bochum recorded around 375,200 residents at the end of 2024 according to the city's population register, the highest level in almost 20 years, while external series for 2024 show around 358,700 residents according to official updates - methodologically explainable differences that nevertheless demonstrate a robust order of magnitude in the upper middle class segment. The city publishes finely granular population data by district and characteristics, which in 2024 show Bochum-Mitte (105,118) and Wattenscheid (73,965), among others, as densely populated sub-areas-an indicator of broad demand in central and supply-oriented micro-locations. With Ruhr University, Bochum University of Applied Sciences and the Mark 51°7 innovation quarter, there is a resilient knowledge and employment anchor whose mobility concept addresses, among other things, direct, efficient connections between the campus and Mark 51°7 - a medium-term demand and exit lever for locations close to public transport.
Accessibility as a lever for letting: U35, 302/310 expansion and SPNV connection
Bochum's public transport system is supported by the U35 light rail line (campus line) and a dense tram/bus network operated by BOGESTRA; strategically discussed extensions (e.g. U35 extensions) and the planned extension towards Bochum University of Applied Sciences underline the strength of the corridor to university and development locations. Recently, the expanded/extended streetcar corridor 302/310 has improved access between Bochum and Witten as well as the connection to the Langendreer district, including close intervals and an optimized link to the S1 S-Bahn at Langendreer station - a clear advantage for micro-locations close to commuters and students with low fluctuation. Current operating and detour information shows active management of temporary construction measures, which increases network resilience and predictability for tenants in station and corresponding neighborhoods.
Planning and market framework: Housing 2024 action plan and housing market report
The city has politically adopted the Housing Action Plan 2024 and thus updated the conceptual basis for future housing policy and integrated urban development - relevant for access to funding, product selection and ESG measures in prioritized areas. The urban housing market report 2024 provides a detailed observation of supply, demand, rent/price levels and sub-areas and supports the micro-location-sensitive allocation between core profiles (city centre/local public transport, campus proximity) and value-add in portfolios with energy modernization leverage, ground floor repositioning and floor plan optimization on the investment side. Supplementary inner-city development modules within the ISEK framework provide for considerable public and private investment, which strengthens the quality of central locations and increases the ability to exit after ESG upgrades.
Standard land values for Bochum
The standard land values for Bochum can be found in the standard land values for North Rhine-Westphalia here.