Rath/Heumar – Tranquility at the Edge of Cologne

Heumar is a peaceful suburban district in Cologne’s southeast, known for its abundance of greenery, residential charm, and village-like atmosphere. Bordering the Königsforst forest, the area is a magnet for nature lovers and families seeking space, serenity, and a high quality of life within reach of the city.

Character and Lifestyle

Heumar offers a distinct contrast to the dense urban feel of Cologne’s central districts. Detached houses with large gardens, quiet side streets, and a close-knit community define the local atmosphere. Outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling are integral to life in Heumar, thanks to its immediate access to forested areas and natural reserves.

Real Estate Overview

Heumar’s real estate is dominated by single-family homes, semi-detached houses, and generous plots of land. Property here is in high demand due to the limited number of new developments and the strong desire for green living. Rental options are less frequent, but home ownership is particularly strong. The architectural style ranges from classic brick homes to modern, energy-efficient builds.

Infrastructure and Transport

While Heumar offers a suburban ambiance, it is not isolated. The A3 and A4 motorways are nearby, enabling quick access to Cologne’s city center, Bonn, and even Düsseldorf. Public transit is available through bus lines and nearby S-Bahn stations. Local schools, shops, and medical services are available, though larger shopping centers are a short drive away.

Market Perspective

Heumar’s market remains stable and attractive, particularly for buyers looking for long-term residence and a healthier lifestyle. Demand is driven by limited supply and rising interest in suburban living. Properties here retain their value well, with slow but steady price increases expected over the coming years.

New Construction Projects in Rath/Heumar in 2025

Whats happening in this beautiful district?

Rather See Wohnviertel: Climate-Adapted Neighborhood Emerges

Encircling the serene Rather See, where Rath/Heumar's fields meet the water's edge, the new residential quarter is unfolding as a beacon of sustainable urbanism, blending up to 660 units across free-financed and publicly subsidized segments in a verdichtete, climate-resilient design. Spanning the former Madaus-Gartenland and Neubrücker Ring areas, this initiative by the city and GAG Immobilien promises minimal landscape intrusion while weaving in social infrastructure, public greens, and playgrounds that invite families to the lakeside paths. As October 2025 deepens, the early public engagement from July—held at the Ostheim school—has wrapped, with feedback shaping the 252nd Flächennutzungsplan amendment amid calls for broader ecological reviews.

The vision layers diverse housing: low-rise apartments for young starters rubbing shoulders with family homes edging the shore, all buffered by sports fields and potential school sites like the plot west of Hans-Schulten-Straße. Rather Burg areas get a nod too, with green corridors preserving the See's recreational pull while heat pumps and PV-ready roofs chase net-zero whispers. Locals who've scanned the online plans are split—thrilled at the infrastructure boost but wary of the 1,500-unit shadow over precious greens, pushing for windbreaks and wildlife havens in the mix.

With council eyes on the draft by year's end, shovels could drop in 2026, phasing the build to let the first waves settle amid the water's calm—a quarter that redefines Rath/Heumar's rim, balancing homes with the horizon's breath.

Grünes Wohnen am Königsforst: Multifamily Retreat in Heumar

Nestled in Heumar's wooded whisper near the Königsforst's trails, where Rath/Heumar's southern fringe invites forest forays, KSK-Immobilien's Grünes Wohnen is rising as three modern multifamily houses with underground garages and elevators, a green-tinged haven for families craving nature's nudge without isolation. As fall 2025's leaves carpet the paths, the site's foundations are set, with framing underway for a mid-2026 handover that layers two- to four-room units in a build chasing low-energy harmony.

Apartments span 70 to 120 square meters, blending open plans that flow to balconies framing treetop views, with ground-floor spots tuned for accessibility and shared greens spilling play nooks into the forst's edge. Prices hover in the accessible premium, drawing buyers who eye the S-Bahn's clip to Porz or the A3's dash to Bonn, all while heat pumps and insulated shells trim the carbon trail. The trio's design echoes the veedel's villa vibe—modest heights buffered by setbacks—ensuring the Königsforst's hush lingers amid the rise.

Prospects touring the models are already plotting woodland walks post-move-in, a project that slips into Rath/Heumar's fabric like a well-worn path—sustainable living that roots deep in the green, one elevator ride at a time.

Projekt Rath: Sports and Housing Identity Boost

At Rath's core, where the district's fields frame community fields, the KEG's Projekt Rath is reimagining sports facilities as a catalyst for 350 to 400 units, from single-family nooks to apartment stacks that infuse new identity into the veedel's heart. Approved amid the 2025 planning surge, this mixed-use push layers upgraded pitches and halls with residential rings, turning underused plots into a lively quarter steps from the Rather See's recreational rim.

The housing mix runs versatile: compact two-roomers for starters, up to four-bed family pads with gardens edging the greens, all tied to the sports hub's multipurpose vibe—perhaps clubhouses doubling as event spaces for neighborhood nights. Sustainability threads through: permeable surfaces sipping runoff, PV canopies over parking to power the lights, chasing a build that honors Rath's rural roots while easing the housing hum. As October's harvest wanes, site surveys feed the Bebauungsplan, with public nods guiding the flow toward 2027 shovels.

Locals at the Bürgerverein are toasting the dual lift—fields that draw youth leagues, homes that swell the schools without straining the seams—a project that crafts Rath/Heumar's story, pitch by promising plot.

Am Alten Turm 3: Compact Rentals Ready for November

Perched on Am Alten Turm 3, where Rath/Heumar's historic whispers meet modern needs, GO Immobilien's neubau is delivering 10 varied apartments in a sleek, contemporary shell, with rentals opening November 1, 2025, for those testing the district's affordable edge. As fall 2025 tests the chill, the four-story frame is topping out, interiors glowing with finishes ready for immediate unpack.

Units span two- to three-room layouts from 50 to 80 square meters, blending open kitchens with living zones that catch the Turm's shadow, all at rents that undercut Porz's premium while nodding energy smarts with insulated walls and efficient vents. Ground-floor spots invite small shops, perhaps a café to liven the corner, while balconies frame views over quiet streets toward the See. It's the practical pivot Heumar craves—modern minis in a veedel where the A59 zips to the airport, yet the paths stay pedestrian-paced.

Viewers lining up for the first lets are sizing up the flows, imagining coffee mornings with the Turm's tale—a compact cluster that knits Rath/Heumar's present to its past, one key at a time.

What we say

Rath/Heumar is one of Cologne’s green gems — a district that offers peaceful living, nature at your doorstep, and real estate stability. For those looking to combine city access with countryside calm, Heumar is a top-tier choice for homebuyers.

Land Values (Bodenrichtwerte) for Residential Land in Cologne-Rath/Heumar (€/m²)

Key Date	Average Official Land Value (Developed Land)	Range (Min - Max)
Official Key Date 01/01/2025 (Ortsteil Average)	ca. 832 €/m²	290 - 1,020 €/m²
Borough Average (Kalk District)	ca. 813 €/m²	240 - 1,590 €/m²

Background Information for Cologne-Rath/Heumar:

• Rath/Heumar is located in the east of Cologne within the Kalk district (District 8) and borders the Königsforst forest. It is known for its mixed housing structure, including detached houses and terraced housing.
• The average land value for Rath/Heumar for the 01/01/2025 key date is approximately 832 €/m². This places it at the higher end within the Kalk district, which has an overall average of about 813 €/m².
• The range (290 €/m² to 1,020 €/m²) indicates significant variations in value within the district, which is typical for areas with diverse residential structures and proximity to nature reserves (high value) or commercial areas/major roads (lower value).
• The price development for the 01/01/2025 key date shows a correction, with a reported decline of about -10.6% compared to the previous year, reflecting the general cooling trend in Cologne's property market, particularly on the right bank of the Rhine.

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. Please consult the official BORIS portal (or the local Gutachterausschuss) for definitive information.

Rath/Heumar – A Historic and Nature-Loving District in Cologne’s East

Rath/Heumar is a charming and historically rich district located in the eastern part of Cologne. It belongs to the borough of Kalk and is known for its village character, proximity to nature, and strong local identity. With a unique blend of historical roots and modern community life, Rath/Heumar stands out as one of Cologne’s more tranquil yet well-connected quarters.

Historical Background of Rath/Heumar

The origins of Rath and Heumar can be traced back to medieval times. Originally two separate villages, they developed independently before being administratively united and later incorporated into the city of Cologne in 1975. Archaeological finds indicate that the area had already been settled during Roman times, due to its proximity to ancient roads and forests.

Throughout the centuries, Rath and Heumar maintained their rural charm, with agriculture playing a central role in local life. Today, elements of the village past are still visible in historic buildings, narrow lanes, and traditional celebrations.

Churches and Religious Life in Rath/Heumar

St. Cornelius Catholic Church

One of the spiritual and architectural landmarks of the district is the St. Cornelius Church, located in Rath. With its distinctive neo-Romanesque structure and beautifully preserved interior, the church is not only a place of worship but also a gathering point for the local Catholic community. Regular services, youth activities, and seasonal festivals bring people together year-round.

Evangelical Church Cologne-Rath

Rath/Heumar is also home to a vibrant Evangelical congregation. The Protestant church offers a wide range of community services, including educational workshops, social support, and cultural events. The inclusive and dialog-oriented approach of the church has made it an important institution in the area’s social life.

Community Engagement

Both churches play a significant role beyond religious practice. They support local charities, organize music events, host senior groups, and provide counseling and educational support for families and youth.

Education and Schools in Rath/Heumar

Primary Education

Rath/Heumar offers several excellent primary schools. Among the most well-known is the GGS Rösrather Straße, which provides a comprehensive and child-centered educational experience. The school is praised for its dedicated teaching staff, inclusive atmosphere, and close cooperation with local organizations and parents.

Secondary Education Nearby

While Rath/Heumar itself has a limited number of secondary schools, several high-quality institutions are located in nearby districts such as Ostheim, Brück, and Kalk. These include:

• Gesamtschule Köln-Höhenberg – A modern comprehensive school with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
• Albertus-Magnus-Gymnasium – A renowned academic high school with a strong tradition and broad curriculum.

Kindergartens and Childcare

Numerous kindergartens, many of them operated by church and non-profit organizations, serve the area. These institutions offer bilingual programs, forest-based pedagogy, and strong developmental support, ensuring a well-rounded start for the youngest residents of Rath/Heumar.

Living Community and Nature in Rath/Heumar

Rath/Heumar is famous for its natural surroundings, including large parts of the Königsforst, a vast forest area ideal for walking, cycling, and outdoor relaxation. This makes the district particularly attractive for families and nature lovers.

Community life is marked by neighborhood festivals, local markets, and active associations, such as sports clubs and cultural groups. The area is well-connected by the Cologne Stadtbahn (Line 9), buses, and major roads, offering both serenity and accessibility.

Conclusion: Rath/Heumar – Tradition and Tranquility in Eastern Cologne

Rath/Heumar is a district that successfully combines historical depth, spiritual life, quality education, and green living. Its village charm and strong sense of identity make it a valued part of Cologne’s diverse cityscape – a place where tradition meets community and nature is never far away.