Berlin’s office market is recovering in leasing volume while still carrying a large vacancy burden. JLL’s Q2 research reported 386,100 square metres leased in the first half of 2026, well above last year, but vacancy also edged up to 8.6 percent and more than 1.98 million square metres remained empty.<\/p>\n
A 62 percent year-on-year rise in leasing makes Berlin one of Germany’s clearer office rebounds. The improvement is led by occupiers choosing better-connected, higher-quality space rather than a broad return to every building type.<\/p>\n
The same report shows vacancy rising, so tenants still have leverage in older or poorly located stock. Owners of fringe assets need refurbishment, conversion plans or rent realism to compete with modern space.<\/p>\n
Berlin’s prime rent increased to EUR 48 per square metre per month, showing that the best buildings can lift pricing even in a market with empty space. Location and specification now matter more than the citywide headline.<\/p>\n
Germany’s next local signal is whether Mitte and City Ost leasing spreads to weaker Berlin submarkets. Investors should separate prime rent growth from vacancy risk before underwriting office or mixed-use acquisitions.<\/p>\n
For Germany, the practical check is whether this local signal is visible in signed contracts, bank approvals, lease negotiations, registered transfers or completed works. Buyers should compare Berlin offices, JLL, Mitte with recent transaction evidence, title documents, service charges, building condition and realistic exit demand before treating the latest news as a price guarantee.<\/p>\n