Estimate renovation costs in Biel/Bienne

Local housing stock

In Biel/Bienne, the federal building register lists 6'314 residential buildings and 31'200 dwellings. These municipal benchmarks help put your home in context, but do not replace an individual assessment.

80 %built before 1980

83 %heated by oil or gas

23.6 %electric hot water

2.2 %with declared solar thermal

Age of residential buildings

80 % built before 1980

Before 191919 %
1919–194528 %
1946–196021 %
1961–19708 %
1971–19804 %
1981–19905 %
1991–20006 %
2001–20105 %
Since 20114 %

Construction year does not reveal past renovations: check the current insulation condition.

Main heating energy

58 % · Gas

Gas58 %
Heating oil25 %
Heat pump10 %
District heating4 %
Wood2 %
Electricity1 %

This distribution describes recorded buildings, not your system's consumption or efficiency.

Heating and hot water: which energies?

Energy	Heating	Hot water
Gas	58 %	44.6 %
Heating oil	25 %	18.8 %
District heating	4 %	3.3 %
Heat pump	10 %	6.7 %
Electricity	1 %	23.6 %
Wood	2 %	1.1 %
Solar thermal	0 %	1.4 %

Each line gives the share of buildings using that energy, separately for heating and for hot water. The two columns do not always reach 100%: some buildings combine two systems, or reported none.

Type of heating system

Boiler (unspecified)45.7 %
Standard boiler24.4 %
Condensing boiler14.8 %
Heat pump10.3 %
Heat exchanger (district)3.7 %
Central electric heating0.7 %

A standard non-condensing boiler is usually older and less efficient.

Houses or apartment buildings?

Single-family houses31.8 %
Two-dwelling houses8.7 %
Apartment buildings (3+)59.5 %

16.6 % of buildings mix housing with shops or offices.

The typical building

storeys (median): 3
median footprint: 132 m²
median dwelling area: 75 m²

Dwellings by number of rooms

7 %1 rm

17.5 %2 rm

40.4 %3 rm

25.1 %4 rm

9.9 %5+ rm

Dwellings per building

1 dwelling31.9 %
2 to 431.4 %
5 to 924.3 %
10 to 199.9 %
20 or more2.5 %

Renovations, heritage and volumes

For renovation projects in Biel, official building register figures highlight that nine buildings are under heritage protection, necessitating early consultation with municipal authorities for permit requirements. Regarding building volume, data coverage is currently very limited, with only four buildings measured according to SIA 416 standards out of 2011 units, showing a median volume of 683.5 m3. Because this data is highly partial, homeowners must conduct their own professional site measurements. Accurate volume assessments remain crucial for planning the appropriate scale of your heating and insulation upgrades to ensure your renovation project meets all technical and regulatory standards.

buildings flagged as protected

status known for 54 of 6'314 buildings; check with the municipality

683.5 m³

median house volume (SIA 416)

measured for 4 of 2'011 houses

Source : OFS — RegBL (export communal complet). Existing residential buildings; percentages of recorded values.

Building stock and building age

Biel possesses a rich and varied building stock with over 6,000 buildings. A significant majority of these structures dates from before 1960. Such dwellings often require targeted energy renovations and improved thermal insulation to meet modern standards.

It is important to note that nine buildings are under heritage protection. If your property is among these, specific aesthetic and structural constraints apply.

The stock is dominated by multi-family buildings, although over 30 percent of the structures are single-family homes. A precise analysis of the condition and age of your building is the essential first step for any successful energy renovation project.

Heating and energy efficiency

The heating system is a central aspect of renovations in Biel. Currently, a large part of the stock still relies primarily on gas or oil, while heat pumps are becoming more common.

To reduce your carbon footprint and energy bills, optimizing heat and hot water production is recommended. Transitioning to renewable energy sources, such as heat pumps, may be supported by the Canton of Bern.

Before replacing any boiler, ensure that your basic insulation is sufficient to maximize the efficiency of your new installation and minimize long-term operating costs.

Permits and authorizations

In Biel, early contact with municipal authorities is essential, particularly if your building is on the heritage list. Administrative procedures are designed to preserve urban quality.

Ensure you submit complete building permit applications, including technical plans and material descriptions. Failure to comply with local regulations can lead to significant delays.

Plan your projects with enough lead time to obtain the necessary approvals before starting your renovation works.

Priorities for homeowners

For homeowners in Biel, the building envelope should be the top priority. Effective insulation of the roof, facade, and window replacement are the most cost-effective measures before upgrading heating systems.

Although SIA 416 data is limited, it is advisable to have a professional conduct a precise survey of surfaces and volumes. This step is crucial for correctly sizing heating equipment.

Prioritize investments that increase the market value while improving your energy rating, thereby contributing to the sustainability goals of the Canton of Bern.

Using the estimator

The RenoIndex estimator is a powerful tool to guide your project. To obtain a reliable estimate, input specific details of your property: year of construction, materials, and living area.

Since SIA 416 data in Biel is sparse, precise manual input based on your own on-site measurements is necessary. The tool allows you to compare different renovation variants and estimate associated costs.

Use these results as a basis for discussion with your contractors or energy advisors. Planning based on realistic data is your best ally in avoiding financial surprises and ensuring project success.

Local data in detail

Choose your works in Biel/Bienne

Nearby municipalities : Bern · Thun · Köniz · Steffisburg · Langenthal · Lyss · Burgdorf · Ostermundigen

Frequently asked questions

Is my building protected?

Only nine buildings in Biel are currently under heritage protection. You can check with municipal authorities or the cantonal register to verify your property's status. Protection may limit your options for exterior renovations.

How important are SIA 416 measurements?

The SIA 416 standard allows for standardized calculation of building volume. Although poorly documented in Biel, it is essential for correctly sizing your heating system. It is recommended to have your volume measured by a professional.

Are there subsidies for renovation?

Yes, the Canton of Bern offers incentive programs to improve energy efficiency. Check with the 'Programme Bâtiments' for current conditions and eligible works before starting your renovation.

Do I need a permit to change windows?

The need for a permit depends on the aesthetic impact on the facade and the building's protection status. Contact the urban planning department of the city of Biel to clarify if your project requires authorization.

Why insulate before changing heating?

Insulation reduces the energy needs of your home. By insulating first, you can install a less powerful and therefore less expensive boiler or heat pump, while improving comfort for the long term.