Question 1

What is the price per m² of an apartment in Bern?

Accepted Answer

The median price per m² of an apartment in Bern is about CHF 8'395, and 60% of the apartments analysed are in the range CHF 5'128 – CHF 10'565. The price varies with the neighbourhood, floor, view, condition and energy performance: a renovated apartment with a view often sells above the range, one that needs work below it. For a 100 m² apartment, that is around CHF 840'000.

Question 2

What is the price per m² of a house in Bern?

Accepted Answer

The median price per m² of a house in Bern is about CHF 11'563 (typical range: CHF 8'006 – CHF 12'889). For a house, living space is only part of the picture: plot size and orientation, year of construction, heating and the work needed weigh heavily on the price. A 150 m² house at the median price costs around CHF 1'734'000.

Question 3

Is Bern more expensive than the rest of the canton?

Accepted Answer

The median price per m² in Bern is +47 % compared with the cantonal median. The gap mainly comes down to location: access to jobs, transport and schools, scarce building land and the appeal of the lake or mountains. Within Bern itself, differences between neighbourhoods can be as large as between municipalities.

Question 4

First-time buyer: how much equity do I need to buy in Bern?

Accepted Answer

Swiss banks usually require at least 20% equity, at least half of it from outside the 2nd pillar, and theoretical costs (interest calculated at around 5%, amortisation and maintenance) of no more than a third of gross income. For a 100 m² apartment at the median price in Bern, around CHF 840'000, that means at least CHF 168'000 of equity. Purchase costs (transfer tax, notary, land registry) come on top, up to around 5% depending on the canton, and are paid from your equity.

Question 5

Families: what budget for a house in Bern?

Accepted Answer

At the median price of CHF 11'563 per m², a house with 150 m² of living space costs around CHF 1'734'000. Plot size, age and condition make this amount vary a lot. Also consider schools, transport and municipal taxes, which differ from one municipality to another, and have the house you want valued to check that the asking price is fair before making an offer.

Question 6

Investors: is buying to let worthwhile in Bern?

Accepted Answer

The yield depends on the ratio between rent and purchase price: the higher the price per m², the lower the gross yield tends to be. Compare the price with the typical range and local rents, and factor in charges, maintenance, vacancy and tax. For a buy-to-let property, banks often require more equity than for a main residence.

Question 7

Owners: should I sell before buying in Bern?

Accepted Answer

Selling first avoids paying for two properties at once (bridging loan, double costs) and having to sell in a rush at a discount. Have your current property valued before you start looking: you will know your real budget and can make a strong offer. If the timing is tight, a local agency can coordinate the sale and the purchase, and some banks offer bridging finance.

Question 8

How can I value my property precisely?

Accepted Answer

The price per m² gives an order of magnitude, not the price of your property. An online valuation compares it with similar sales and listings in the area, taking into account its floor area, floor, view, condition and exact location. A visit from a local expert then refines the result before you set an asking price.

Bern: price per m²

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