Düsseldorf as an investment location for real estate
600k+ population base and strong economic and purchasing power profiles
Düsseldorf is the state capital and a growing metropolis: as of 31.12.2024, the official state update lists 618,685 inhabitants, while the city's municipal register of residents shows 658,245 people with their main residence - a methodically explained difference that nevertheless confirms an extremely broad tenant base in the 600k-plus range. The growth in 2024 resulted primarily from positive net migration (+3,663), flanked by a slight increase in births with a continued higher number of deaths, which underlines net demand-effective immigration as a driver. As a leading economic center in the Rhineland/Rhine-Ruhr region with a high level of international networking, a financial/stock exchange center and a profile as a fashion/service location, Düsseldorf offers an environment with above-average purchasing power that supports central residential, mixed-use and premium locations.
Accessibility and public transport upgrade: RheinTakt, more frequent services and airport connections
With the launch of the RheinTakt on 7.1.2024, Rheinbahn has converted the light rail/tram network to a harmonized timetable concept (typically 10/20 minutes on weekdays until the evening, more frequent services with overlapping lines) and more robust operations management - a structural lever for corridor locations and re-lettability. Further optimizations will follow in 2025/26, including a new, direct airport connection between the main station and the airport, which will sustainably enhance micro-locations close to the city, trade fair and airport. At the same time, the VRR is developing its target regional rail network (2032/2040) with service expansions and optimized frequencies in the S-Bahn corridor, which will further strengthen Düsseldorf's regional connections in the long term and secure hub/station locations.
Urban development and investment theses: Raumwerk D, "Future City Center" and Core to Value-Add
The city centre focus is being driven forward via the Raumwerk D urban development concept and the "Future City Centre" implementation strategy with specific projects for quality of stay, logistics, mobility and mixed use - a clear framework for repositioning, first floor activation and ESG modernization in prime/1B locations. On the investment side, there are three possible paths: Core in refurbished, public transport-strong City/Hbf/Kö/Rhein locations with low fluctuation and high visibility, supported by the 600k+ tenant base and the quality-assured public transport upgrade. Value-add via energy efficiency, windows/insulation, efficient heating and PV as well as floor plan and ground floor optimization along densely populated axes and future airport relations increases rentability and exit prospects. For conservative calculations, the official 618.685 size is suitable as a base, while the municipal register 658.245 signals an upside scenario for absorption in premium and node locations.
Standard land values for Düsseldorf
The standard land values for Düsseldorf can be found in the standard land values for North Rhine-Westphalia here.