Where Are the Biggest Challenges?
The top challenge for the coworking space industry in Germany has remained the same for years: attracting new members. Still, this is a regular part of day-to-day work, so it's not all that surprising.
At the top, increasing prices, insufficient demand, and financial issues remained prevalent, with the latter two especially affecting smaller locations. However, the proportion of spaces affected by all three of these issues has decreased, indicating a clear recovery.
Current Challenges of Coworking Spaces
There were also other differences between large and small towns in Germany. In large cities, competition with other providers was seen as a bigger challenge. In smaller towns, coworking spaces still often have to explain their business model.
Are German coworking spaces unique with their offerings?
Overall, there are no significant differences, but some unique features can be observed in a global comparison. For example, separate "social seating areas" are offered much less frequently in Germany. Instead, as is common worldwide, nearly all coworking spaces feature a café or kitchen lounge.
The use of so-called "third-party" apps like OneCoworking or Upflex is also less common in Germany. These platforms are more often utilized by larger providers. Additionally, German coworking spaces are less likely to offer "virtual offices" or a traditional reception desk.
The most common services of coworking spaces in Germany. Basic infrastructure was not included.
Due to the still high proportion of single-location spaces, cross-location access for members is less common. However, according to German operators, networking events are held more frequently on average than elsewhere.
Expectation of business development for the coming months
What do German coworking space operators expect for the future?
The outlook is significantly more optimistic than a year ago. Most coworking spaces expect rising membership numbers and higher revenues. Around half also expect improved profitability as a result.
Investments in new locations are set to continue—though by fewer coworking space operators than in the previous year.
Note: Only existing operators were included in the survey. Newly planned, i.e., not yet existing coworking space ventures could not be part of the study!
You can download these and many more results from the Coworking Trends Survey 2025 for Germany and as a free PDF-Report here (in German). The report also includes additional statistical information and some global results.
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