The loan relates to the properties at Zelgstrasse 24, 26, 28 and 28a in Bümpliz-Oberbottigen. Plans include energy-efficiency upgrades, new floor plans and the conversion of the previously unused attic spaces. As a result, the number of flats will increase from 18 to 23 following the refurbishment.
Affordable housing remains a priority
Following the refurbishment, 18 flats in the ‘affordable housing’ category, subject to tenancy criteria, and a further five in the ‘new-build affordable housing’ category are to be let. The city is thus ensuring that the entire refurbished portfolio in this row of houses is allocated to affordable housing. For the Bern housing market, this is a small step in terms of quantity, but a clear one in terms of direction, because the public sector is not selling or increasing prices here, but rather expanding the housing stock and regulating prices.
Construction to begin only after the first phase
Construction is scheduled tobegin at the end of 2028. It will only commence once the neighbouring row of buildings at Zelgstrasse 18, 20, 20a and 22 has been fully refurbished. This first phase is already underway as a separate project by the City of Bern and has a construction loan of around 5.6 million Swiss francs. The phased approach is intended to enable those affected to move into newly refurbished neighbouring flats.
Evictions remain the sticking point
The buildings will not be renovated whilst occupied. Tenants must vacate their flats because, according to the project documentation, the works will extend too deeply into the building’s structure. The City of Bern’s property department is offering support measures such as letters of reference, information on available flats and priority rights. Nevertheless, it remains a politically sensitive issue that additional affordable housing will only be created here after a period of forced eviction.
