Wernigerode as an investment location for real estate
32,167 inhabitants (31.12.2024) and medium-sized center profile in the Harz district
Wernigerode has a population of 32,167 as at 31.12.2024 and thus forms a stable 32k tenant base with an urban density of around 189 inhabitants/km² - suitable for classic rental apartments, floor plans suitable for shared flats and low-barrier concepts in the core town and districts such as Schierke, Minsleben, Reddeber and Silstedt. The Harz district has a population of 205,484 (31.12.2024), which strengthens commuter links, supply functions and regional demand buffers for the location. Local reports show a slight decline in population by 61 people in 2024 after increases in 2022/2023, signaling an overall stable sideways movement at the 32k level-relevant for conservative business cases.
Accessibility and public transport: HVB city transport/regional bus, seasonal tourism lines and transparent construction management
Harzer Verkehrsbetriebe (HVB) operates the Wernigerode city transport service with day and night routes as well as the local Schierke service; up-to-date timetables and information on closures/diversions ensure transparency and predictability - a rental lever for city, railroad station and axis-related living. In regional transport, the HVB bundles corridors between Wernigerode, Halberstadt and Quedlinburg; temporary special timetables (e.g. due to B185 full closures 30.06.-08.08.2025) are clearly communicated, thus maintaining network resilience and tenant comfort during construction phases. Seasonal lines (e.g. line 274 "Ilsetaler" between Wernigerode, Plessenburg and Drei Annen Hohne) increase the frequency in tourist axes in the high season - an additional impulse for visibility and micro-locations with a leisure focus.
Urban development and ESG framework: new ISTEK as a funding and planning anchor
In 2024/2025, Wernigerode developed an Integrated Urban Development Concept (ISTEK) that bundles visions, goals and measures for 15-20 years and serves as a strategic guideline for administration and politics - a resilient basis for repositioning, EC activation and energy modernization in prioritized areas. The ISTEK emphasizes its role as a central steering instrument for urban development funding and provides orientation for implementation-oriented projects - important for exit security and ESG-driven value-add strategies. In addition, the city maintains dedicated contact points for urban development funding and is expanding its municipal climate fund, which provides operational support for private investments in energy efficiency, PV and neighborhood measures.
Investment theses: Core in refurbished, public transport-strong holdings in city/railway station peripheries for low fluctuation and predictable cash flows - supported by the 32k resident base and the transparently managed HVB network. Value-add via insulation, windows, efficient heating/PV and first floor occupancy in the ISTEK-prioritized axes; corridors frequented by tourists and seasonal additional lines also support visibility and frequency in selected sub-areas. A regional buffer provided by the 205k district and an overall stable demographic line facilitate conservative calculations and medium-term exit planning.
Standard land values for Wernigerode
The standard land values for Wernigerode can be found in the standard land values for Saxony-Anhalt here.