Germany Live-Work-Shop Report 2023

In the first survey of its kind, CBRE polled more than 20,000 people across the globe and across generations – from baby boomers to Gen Zers – to collate their views on how they will live, work and shop in the future, and how this will impact the real estate they use. 

This report summarizes the findings from the 1,080 respondents resident in Germany and included in the poll. Cross-generational behaviors were also studied in the survey.

Key takeaways:

Live

• Of the respondents in Germany, 28% intend move home and live elsewhere in the next two years, with the majority preferring to rent rather than buy. Middle-aged cohorts (millennials & Gen X) are the keenest prospective buyers.
• The determinants in selecting a home come down to money rather than infrastructure and commute time.

Work

• Most people in Germany prefer hybrid working arrangements but are still keen to work from the office, with 65% of respondents wanting a three-day week in the office and a high proportion of 26% preferring a full working week in the office.
• Exchanging ideas and information with colleagues is the most important reason for white collar workers wanting to work in the office.

Shop

• In a European and global comparison, consumers in Germany display a greater affinity for shopping online, though preference is generally given to purchasing in a physical store rather than the e-commerce option.
• Omnichannel purchasing is less popular in Germany – if orders are placed online, preference is for processing these orders without bricks-and-mortar stores.
• People in Germany who are less confident about their financial situation focus first on reducing their food bills.