Estimate renovation costs in Thun

Local housing stock

In Thun, the federal building register lists 7'167 residential buildings and 22'890 dwellings. These municipal benchmarks help put your home in context, but do not replace an individual assessment.

69 %built before 1980

69 %heated by oil or gas

22.6 %electric hot water

2 %with declared solar thermal

Age of residential buildings

69 % built before 1980

Before 191910 %
1919–194519 %
1946–196017 %
1961–197013 %
1971–198010 %
1981–19909 %
1991–200011 %
2001–20108 %
Since 20114 %

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

Main heating energy

41 % · Gas

Gas41 %
Heating oil28 %
Heat pump22 %
District heating3 %
Wood3 %
Electricity2 %

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

Heating and hot water: which energies?

Energy	Heating	Hot water
Gas	41 %	33.9 %
Heating oil	28 %	30 %
District heating	3 %	1.3 %
Heat pump	22 %	8.8 %
Electricity	2 %	22.6 %
Wood	3 %	1.6 %
Solar thermal	0 %	1.5 %

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 %
Heat pump23.9 %
Standard boiler21.3 %
Condensing boiler5.2 %
Central electric heating1.6 %
Heat exchanger (district)1.3 %
Stove1.2 %
Direct electric heaters0.5 %

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

Houses or apartment buildings?

Single-family houses50 %
Two-dwelling houses10.9 %
Apartment buildings (3+)39 %
Other0 %

9.6 % of buildings mix housing with shops or offices.

The typical building

storeys (median): 3
median footprint: 118 m²
median dwelling area: 80 m²

Dwellings by number of rooms

5 %1 rm

12.8 %2 rm

34.2 %3 rm

33.3 %4 rm

14.7 %5+ rm

Dwellings per building

1 dwelling50 %
2 to 425.4 %
5 to 919.7 %
10 to 194.3 %
20 or more0.6 %

Renovations, heritage and volumes

For renovation planning in Thun, official registry data identifies 4 heritage-protected buildings. If your property falls under this category, contact the municipality early to navigate permit requirements. Regarding building volume, the median is 914 m3 according to the SIA 416 standard; however, this figure covers only 5 houses out of 3587, representing a highly partial data set. Because recorded data for the year of renovation is unavailable for the local building stock, homeowners cannot rely on these statistics to determine the age of their property's last significant upgrades or specific energy efficiency needs.

buildings flagged as protected

status known for 685 of 7'167 buildings; check with the municipality

914 m³

median house volume (SIA 416)

measured for 5 of 3'587 houses

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

Housing stock and building age

Thun has a diverse building stock totaling 7167 buildings, with a large share of single-family homes.

While official records do not specify the year of recent renovations, the city features a rich architectural heritage, including 4 protected historical buildings. If your property is protected, specific restrictions will apply to your renovation.

The median building volume is 914 m3 according to the SIA 416 standard, though this figure relies on a small sample.

We strongly recommend commissioning a professional assessment to determine the actual condition of your building before beginning any renovation works.

Heating and energy

Energy transition is a priority for many homeowners in Thun. Currently, the housing stock uses various heating solutions, including heat pumps, gas, and oil boilers. Energy efficiency depends heavily on the insulation of the roof, walls, and windows.

It is advisable to replace outdated systems with cleaner technologies like heat pumps, which are supported by cantonal subsidies in the Canton of Bern.

Consult the Canton of Bern authorities regarding current support programs to optimize your investment, reduce your carbon footprint, and benefit from long-term energy savings.

Permits and regulations

Protected buildings undergo careful scrutiny by local authorities to preserve the town's heritage. Before submitting your application, ensure all documents are complete.

A preliminary consultation with the municipal building office often helps avoid refusals or delays. Following these steps ensures your renovations comply with current cantonal and municipal standards.

Priorities for owners

Planning a successful renovation starts with setting priorities. The thermal envelope, including insulation of the roof, facades, and window replacement, should generally precede the replacement of the heating system.

A well-insulated house requires less heating power, lowering installation and operating costs. Create a coherent project schedule, especially if you reside on the premises. Consider the potential for property value increase as well.

Consulting local professionals to obtain detailed quotes and compare technical solutions is an essential step for any investment-minded homeowner.

Using the estimator

The RenoIndex cost estimator is a powerful tool to guide your financial planning in Thun. To use it effectively, enter accurate information about your building, such as surface area, estimated construction year, and the type of work planned.

While the municipal register lacks data on renovation years, your own input will help generate a realistic price range for the local market. Don't forget to include a contingency margin, which is common in older building renovation projects.

Use the results to engage with contractors and better negotiate your future construction contracts.

Local data in detail

Choose your works in Thun

Nearby municipalities : Bern · Biel/Bienne · Köniz · Steffisburg · Langenthal · Lyss · Burgdorf · Ostermundigen

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to change my windows?

It depends. If your building is protected, any change, even minor, requires a permit. For non-protected buildings, identical replacements often do not require a permit, but it is always recommended to check with the municipal building department in Thun before starting your project.

What subsidies are available in the Canton of Bern?

The Canton of Bern offers financial support under the Building Program for energy-efficient renovations, such as thermal insulation or replacing fossil fuel heating with renewable energy systems. Visit the official cantonal website to check the latest eligibility criteria and application details.

How do I know if my building is protected?

You can check the local register in Thun or contact the cantonal heritage conservation office. It is important to clarify this early, as renovations on such buildings require specific methods and materials that match the building's historical character.

Should I insulate before replacing the heating?

Yes, it is generally advised. Better insulation reduces the required heat output. By installing a heat pump in a well-insulated house, you will lower your energy bills and increase living comfort while optimizing the size of your heating installation.

How much does an energy renovation cost?

Costs vary significantly depending on the current state of your house, the area, and the chosen materials. Use the RenoIndex estimator by entering your specific building data to receive a personalized cost estimate based on local pricing in the Thun area.