The mayoral election in Cologne will take place on September 14, 2025. The race for the highest political office in Cologne will be exciting, as the current independent mayor, Henriette Reker, will not be running for re-election after two terms in office. Several candidates have announced their intention to run, including Berivan Aymaz (Greens), Markus Greitemann (CDU), Torsten Burmester (SPD), Volker Görzel (FDP), Mark Benecke (Die Partei), Hans Mörtter (independent), Inga Feuser (voter group "GUT") and Roberto Campione (Kölner Stadt-Gesellschaft).

Although the detailed election programs of the individual candidates have not yet been published in full, some common priorities can be identified from the information available. Several candidates emphasize:

1. The need for improved transport policy and mobility
2. Safety and cleanliness
3. Citizen participation and urban development
4. Housing construction/real estate market

The real estate market is particularly hard hit, as it is closely linked to political decisions on urban development, infrastructure, and economic development.

The situation in Cologne is particularly exciting at the moment: with rising rents, high construction costs, and economic uncertainty, many are wondering what impact the election will have on the real estate sector. This is not just about the housing market, but also the development of commercial real estate—i.e., offices, retail space, and industrial areas. A new city leadership could either boost or slow down this area.

Commercial real estate is the lifeblood of a city: it provides space for companies, start-ups, and established businesses. Whether a city remains attractive as a business location depends on the political framework conditions. A new mayor can provide positive impetus through targeted measures—or deter investors through regulations and rising costs.

• A mayor who is committed to improving transport links and digital infrastructure can significantly increase Cologne's attractiveness for businesses.
• Improvements in public transportation and the promotion of sustainable mobility concepts (e.g., car-free zones, more bike lanes) could increase the value of real estate in well-connected locations.
• Restrictions on car traffic or higher parking fees could make commercial real estate in car-friendly locations less attractive.
• Office and retail space could benefit from better infrastructure if access for customers and employees is made easier.

• Improved safety in certain neighborhoods could increase demand for commercial space there.
• Upgrading neighborhoods through cleanliness measures could increase the attractiveness of residential and commercial real estate.
• If new rules on order and cleanliness lead to higher ancillary costs for commercial and residential properties, this could place a burden on investors and tenants.

• Greater citizen participation could slow down planning processes if project developers have to take residents' interests more into account.
• At the same time, participatory urban planning could increase acceptance of new real estate projects and enhance the value of neighborhoods in the long term.
• If a "movement" toward shaping the city by the population takes hold, new trends for neighborhoods could emerge that would affect real estate prices and demand.

• More investment in the city – Business-friendly policies can ensure that companies have confidence in Cologne as a location and are willing to rent or build new premises.
• Faster approval procedures – Facilitating construction projects and investments makes it easier for companies to settle in the city and create new commercial space.
• Increasing requirements and regulations – Stricter environmental requirements or lengthy approval processes could delay the construction of new commercial properties and make them more expensive.
• Displacement of smaller businesses – When prices for commercial space rise, it can become more difficult for small shops, craft businesses, or start-ups to find suitable premises.

The mayoral election in Cologne will undoubtedly have an impact on the commercial real estate market. Business-friendly policies can attract companies and stimulate the market. At the same time, however, smart regulation is needed to ensure that small businesses do not fall by the wayside.

Whether the market develops positively or negatively ultimately depends on the decisions made by the new city leadership. It is therefore important to follow the election closely and pay attention to the concepts for urban development, infrastructure, and economic promotion that are put forward. These will determine whether Cologne remains an attractive location for businesses in the future.