Neuchâtel is channelling 28 million into tackling the maintenance backlog

The canton of Neuchâtel is allocating a framework grant of 28 million Swiss francs for the period 2027 to 2031 to maintain its building stock. Whilst this unanimous decision eases the pressure on maintenance, it does not yet close the gap to the recommended level of value retention.

The loan, which was approved unanimously, allocates 28 million Swiss francs across five annual instalments of 5.6 million Swiss francs each. It follows on from the first programme, worth 18.5 million Swiss francs, covering the period from 2023 to 2026, and is intended to continue the structural maintenance of the canton’s building stock from 2027 onwards.

What is controversial here is not so much the decision itself as the scale of the funding. According to the government report, with this new tranche, the canton will reach a maintenance rate of 0.76 per cent of its building portfolio. However, a rate of 1 to 2 per cent is regarded as the threshold for preventing deterioration. The additional funding eases the pressure, but does not eliminate it.

280 buildings remain the focus
The State of Neuchâtel owns around 280 buildings in the canton. Work is planned primarily on technical installations, roofs, façades and interiors. The loan is also intended to fund an additional technical post so that the building programme can be carried out at all. For owners of public property portfolios, this is a familiar pattern. It is not only money, but also staffing capacity that determines whether maintenance is carried out in a timely manner.

Energy efficiency as a lever
The government explicitly links building maintenance to energy targets. The loan is intended to ensure operational safety, preserve the value of the existing stock and, at the same time, improve the energy performance of the buildings. The framework loan thus remains more than just a fund for repairs. It becomes an instrument for combining value preservation and energy policy within the existing portfolio.

Existing stock in good condition, but under pressure
According to the canton’s assessment, the property portfolio is, on the whole, in good general condition. This is precisely why the decision is significant. The condition of the portfolio is stabilised through ongoing interventions and is not maintained of its own accord. For the years from 2027 onwards, Neuchâtel is therefore relying on a continuation of the phased refurbishment programme to date, whilst, in parallel, larger refurbishment programmes for individual priority buildings will continue.