Hürth: all about Real Estate

Located just 6 kilometers southwest of Cologne in the Rhein-Erft-Kreis district, Hürth is a thriving town of approximately 61,847 residents as of 2025, covering 51.22 square kilometers across thirteen distinct districts. Once a collection of independent villages, Hürth has transformed into a suburban hub that balances its industrial heritage with modern urban aspirations, making it an attractive location for real estate investment and commercial activity. The town's proximity to the vibrant Domstadt Cologne enhances its appeal, offering residents and businesses easy access to a major economic center via excellent transport links, including Stadtbahn line 18 and the Hürth-Kalscheuren train station. The neighboring districts and towns are: Cologne Klettenberg, Junkersdorf or Rondorf. Erftstadt is not far away.

This year (2025), Hürth's real estate market is experiencing steady growth, with apartment prices rising by 3.2% in Q2 compared to the previous year, driven by demand from commuters and families seeking affordable alternatives to Cologne’s pricier properties. The commercial sector, historically rooted in heavy industry like the Knapsack chemical plants, is diversifying into retail, logistics, and sustainable enterprises, supported by a stabilizing German economy with projected 0.5% GDP growth. Hürth’s districts, such as Efferen and Hürth-Mitte, are seeing new residential and mixed-use developments that integrate green spaces, reflecting national trends toward sustainability.

The town’s cultural and natural assets, including the Otto-Maigler-See and proximity to the Kottenforst-Ville nature reserve, add value to its real estate offerings, while its commercial vibrancy is anchored by landmarks like Hürth Park, one of the region’s largest shopping centers. As Germany navigates global trade challenges, Hürth’s strategic location and evolving infrastructure position it as a promising destination for investors and businesses seeking stability and growth in a suburban setting.

Real Estate Market Dynamics in Hürth

Hürth’s real estate market in 2025 reflects a balanced recovery, aligning with Germany’s broader stabilization trends following years of fluctuating interest rates. Apartment prices in central districts like Hürth-Mitte average 3,100 € per square meter, a 2.5% increase from Q1 2024, while rental rates have climbed to 13.50 € per square meter, up 12% year-over-year, driven by demand from young professionals and families commuting to Cologne. The town’s transformation from rural roots to a modern suburb has spurred residential development, particularly in areas like Komturring and Stotzheim, where new projects incorporate energy-efficient designs to meet stringent environmental standards.

Hürth’s appeal as a more affordable alternative to Cologne, where apartment prices rose 4.5% in 2025, is evident in its growing popularity among first-time buyers and investors. The short-term rental market is also thriving, with properties near tourist attractions like the Max Ernst Museum generating average monthly revenues of $12,000 at 50% occupancy, catering to visitors and business travelers. Developments in former industrial zones, such as Berrenrath, now host modern housing estates built on reclaimed land, blending urban amenities with proximity to green spaces like the Bleibtreusee. Challenges include affordability pressures, as some neighborhoods have seen property values rise by 15% since 2019, prompting local debates about housing accessibility.

Real estate websites highlight a diverse inventory, from compact apartments in Efferen to spacious family homes in Alstädten, with developers leveraging Hürth’s excellent connectivity to market properties to Cologne’s workforce. The town’s focus on sustainable construction, including solar-powered residences and green roofs, aligns with national policies, positioning Hürth as a forward-thinking market for eco-conscious buyers and investors seeking long-term value.

Commercial Sector and Business Opportunities

Hürth’s commercial sector is a cornerstone of its economy, evolving from its industrial legacy to a diverse landscape of retail, services, and logistics in 2025. The town’s industrial past, centered in Knapsack with major players like LyondellBasell, has given way to a more varied economic base, with the closure of older plants like the Goldenberg-Werk paving the way for modern commercial developments. Hürth Park, a sprawling shopping mall in Hürth-Mitte, remains the commercial epicenter, drawing regional shoppers and supporting a vibrant retail ecosystem with brands catering to diverse consumer needs.

The commercial property market benefits from Cologne’s spillover, with office and retail leasing in Hürth rising by 10% in Q2 2025, driven by demand for flexible workspaces near the city. Logistics is a growing sector, fueled by Hürth’s strategic position along major highways like the A1 and proximity to Cologne Bonn Airport, making it ideal for distribution hubs serving the Rhine-Ruhr region. The presence of the Bundessprachenamt, a federal language office, supports niche industries like translation and education, while events in nearby Cologne, such as the Anuga food fair, boost Hürth’s hospitality and service sectors. Local businesses are increasingly adopting sustainable practices, with companies in Knapsack investing in eco-friendly production methods to align with Germany’s 2025 environmental targets.

Challenges include global economic uncertainties, with trade tensions impacting industrial output, yet Hürth’s diversified economy and connectivity provide resilience. Mixed-use developments, combining retail, office, and residential spaces, are gaining traction, particularly in areas like Hermülheim, where new complexes cater to startups and established firms. Social media discussions highlight optimism about job creation but also concerns about rising commercial rents, which have increased by 8% since 2023, affecting small businesses. Hürth’s commercial sector is poised for growth, leveraging its proximity to Cologne and robust infrastructure to attract investment and foster innovation.

Key Developments and Future Prospects

Hürth’s urban development in 2025 is marked by transformative projects that enhance both its real estate and commercial landscapes, positioning the town as a suburban powerhouse. The Knapsack Innovation Park is a flagship initiative, converting former industrial sites into a hub for tech startups, sustainable manufacturing, and office spaces, with 5,000 square meters leased in Q2 2025 alone. Residential projects, such as the Eco-Village Efferen, are introducing modular housing with net-zero energy features, addressing both affordability and environmental goals, with 300 new units planned by 2026. In Hürth-Mitte, mixed-use developments are revitalizing the town center, integrating retail, apartments, and green spaces to create walkable communities. The Otto-Maigler-See area is seeing tourism-driven real estate growth, with boutique hotels and short-term rentals capitalizing on its recreational appeal.

Infrastructure improvements, including expanded Stadtbahn services and cycling paths, are boosting property values, particularly in districts like Fischenich, where new family homes are marketed to Cologne commuters. Commercial prospects are enhanced by Hürth’s role as a logistics gateway, with new warehousing facilities in Alt-Hürth supporting e-commerce growth. Local regulations, such as incentives for green building, are shaping development, though developers face challenges from zoning restrictions and rising construction costs, up 5% since 2024. Community feedback on platforms like local forums reflects excitement about new amenities but also concerns about preserving Hürth’s small-town charm amid rapid growth. As Germany’s economy projects 1.1% growth in 2026, Hürth’s blend of residential affordability, commercial diversification, and strategic location ensures its continued rise as a key player in the region’s real estate and business sectors, offering opportunities for sustainable and inclusive urban progress.

Land Values (Bodenrichtwerte) for Residential Land in Hürth (€/m²) by District

District / Zone (Ortsteil)	Approx. Average BRW (€/m²)	Range (Min - Max BRW Zone) (€/m²)	General Characteristics
Hermülheim (Central Area)	450	380 - 580	Highest values; proximity to the "Hürth Park" and central infrastructure.
Efferen	440	370 - 550	Popular due to immediate proximity to Cologne (Klettenberg/Sülz).
Kendenich / Fischenich	380	300 - 450	South-eastern areas, mixture of older centers and new development.
Berrenrath / Alt-Hürth	350	250 - 420	Western/peripheral areas; generally lower average values.
Hürth City Average	~410	~250 – 580

Disclaimer: The legally binding land values are officially determined and published by the Expert Committee for Property Valuation (Gutachterausschuss) with the key date of January 1st of the respective year. The values stated here originate from various market analysis and forecasting sources. The highest residential values (up to 580 €/m²) are typically found in sought-after areas like Hermülheim and Efferen due to Cologne proximity. Please consult the official BORIS portal for definitive information.

The city of Hürth in North Rhine-Westphalia

Here you find some historical informations about this nice city.

The historical roots of Hürth

The history of Hürth stretches back to Roman times, when the fertile soils near the Rhine and the surrounding highlands made the area attractive for early settlements. Archaeological finds such as remains of Roman villas and roads illustrate how the region was already integrated into the transport and supply networks of the Roman Empire. Over the centuries, Hürth developed from a collection of rural hamlets into a community that played a role in the broader agricultural and industrial history of the Rhineland.

During the Middle Ages, the region was influenced by monasteries, local lords and the city of Cologne, which often held economic and political control over the smaller villages that later became part of Hürth.

The development of industry and mining

One of the defining characteristics of Hürth in more recent history has been its strong connection to mining and heavy industry. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the discovery and exploitation of lignite deposits in the surrounding Ville area transformed the local economy. Open-cast mining and the establishment of power plants created thousands of jobs, and Hürth became known as an important center for energy production.

Alongside mining, chemical industries and manufacturing also took root, giving the city a distinctly industrial profile. For many decades, the daily rhythm of Hürth was shaped by the shifts of miners and industrial workers, who formed the backbone of the community’s social and cultural identity.

The people who lived and worked in Hürth

Traditionally, the population of Hürth consisted of farming families who cultivated the fertile fields and pastures around the town. With the rise of industry in the 19th century, the demographic composition changed significantly. Workers from across the Rhineland, and later from other parts of Germany, settled in Hürth to take advantage of the growing job opportunities in mining, energy production and industrial plants.

Over time, a working-class culture took hold, with strong traditions of solidarity and community life. Neighborhoods grew around factories and mines, and many families built their lives across multiple generations in the same industries. In the post-war period, guest workers from countries such as Italy and Turkey also came to Hürth, enriching the social fabric and shaping the cultural diversity that characterizes the city today.

The natural landscape of Hürth

Despite its industrial past, Hürth is also defined by its rich natural environment. The area lies in the transitional zone between the Cologne lowlands and the Ville hills, which are covered with forests, lakes and agricultural land. Many of the lakes that exist today are the result of former open-cast mines that were later recultivated and transformed into recreational areas.

The forests of the Ville provide a green belt that invites residents to hike, cycle or simply enjoy nature, while the fields and meadows continue to support agriculture. This mixture of reclaimed industrial land, farmland and woodland creates a unique landscape that tells the story of both human activity and natural regeneration.

The origins of Otto Maigler See

The Otto Maigler See, located in Hürth near Cologne, is a lake with a history deeply rooted in the industrial development of the Rhineland. It was originally created through open-cast lignite mining, a practice that shaped much of the surrounding Ville landscape during the 20th century. As mining activities shifted and older pits were no longer needed, some were allowed to fill with groundwater, resulting in the formation of artificial lakes.

Over time, these areas underwent recultivation projects, and the Otto Maigler See became one of the most well known examples of this transformation. What once was an extraction site turned into a leisure and recreation area, attracting visitors from Hürth, Cologne, and beyond.

The transformation into a recreational landscape

After mining ceased in the area, efforts were made to create a green environment that would restore balance between human activity and nature. The Otto Maigler See, with its wide water surface and surrounding woodlands, was developed into a popular destination for swimming, sailing, hiking and other outdoor activities. A sandy beach was added to make the lake more attractive for visitors, while walking and cycling paths were built to connect the lake with the nearby forests and villages.

This transformation illustrates how former industrial sites in North Rhine-Westphalia have been reimagined, showing the resilience of the landscape and the ability of communities to adapt once-heavy industrial areas into places of leisure and natural beauty.

The role of the Ville forests

The Otto Maigler See is surrounded by parts of the Ville forest, which forms a green belt west of Cologne. These woodlands are themselves shaped by centuries of human influence, but in modern times they serve as an important ecological counterbalance to urban development. The combination of forest and lake creates an environment that is rich in biodiversity, offering habitats for birds, fish, amphibians and small mammals.

For locals, the proximity of such a green space to the dense urban landscape of Cologne makes it a valuable retreat. Many residents come here to spend weekends enjoying the tranquility of the forest paths and the cooling effect of the water during hot summer months.

Cultural and social significance of the lake

Since its development into a recreational site, the Otto Maigler See has played a role not only as a natural landmark but also as a social meeting place. Families, groups of friends and visitors from nearby cities gather here for picnics, barbecues, and celebrations. Sports clubs use the lake for rowing and sailing, while the beach area attracts swimmers and sunbathers. Events and gatherings are often hosted in the surroundings, adding to the cultural importance of the lake in the region.

For many people in Hürth, the Otto Maigler See is strongly associated with childhood memories, summer weekends and communal life, making it much more than just a body of water created by industrial activity.

The balance between nature and human activity

One of the challenges for areas like the Otto Maigler See is to balance recreation with environmental protection. The lake and its surrounding forests are home to sensitive ecosystems, and the presence of large numbers of visitors can place pressure on these natural spaces. Over the years, measures have been introduced to regulate access, such as designated swimming areas, waste management systems, and restrictions on certain water sports in order to preserve the clarity of the lake.

At the same time, these efforts ensure that the area remains accessible and enjoyable for visitors, showing how careful planning can create harmony between leisure use and the preservation of nature.

The legacy of industrial history in Hürth

The story of the Otto Maigler See cannot be told without acknowledging the industrial legacy of Hürth and the surrounding Ville region. The lake is part of a larger network of former mining pits that were transformed into lakes and green spaces, serving as reminders of the region’s industrial past. For decades, mining defined the lives of local workers and shaped the physical landscape.

The recultivation projects that followed represent both an end and a new beginning, demonstrating how human activity can alter a landscape but also how it can be rehabilitated. The Otto Maigler See stands as an example of how former scars of extraction can evolve into symbols of leisure and regeneration.

The continuing importance for local identity

Today, the Otto Maigler See is not only a place to relax but also an important part of local identity in Hürth. It reflects the journey from a working-class, industrially dominated environment to a modern suburban community that values both its history and its green surroundings. The lake symbolizes the ability of the region to reinvent itself, offering a balance between remembering its past and looking toward a sustainable future.

For visitors, it is an attractive natural destination near Cologne, but for locals it represents a deeper connection between their own history, their environment, and the way the community has grown over time.

The transformation from rural to modern urban character

Before the expansion of mining and industry, Hürth was primarily a rural area where farming dominated daily life. Villagers cultivated grains, vegetables and fruits, and livestock farming played an important role in the local economy. The transition to an industrial town in the 19th and 20th centuries changed not only the economic base but also the structure of the community. Workers’ settlements, schools, sports clubs and cultural associations developed alongside the factories, shaping a modern urban identity.

In more recent decades, as mining declined, Hürth has reinvented itself as a residential and commercial hub, still connected to Cologne but maintaining its own character. This transformation highlights the adaptability of the city and its residents, who have managed to preserve traditions while moving toward new economic and cultural opportunities.

The connection between history and landscape

What makes Hürth particularly fascinating is the interplay between its historical development and its physical environment. The fertile soils made agriculture possible, while the lignite deposits under the Ville hills gave rise to centuries of mining. These natural resources shaped the social and economic life of the community, determining what people worked in, how they lived, and even how the land looks today.

Villages that once consisted of farmers became neighborhoods filled with miners, and lakes that were once industrial scars have become areas of leisure and biodiversity. The story of Hürth is thus not only the story of its people but also of the land itself, which has continuously changed through both natural processes and human intervention.