Office indicators – Seeland, Canton of Berne - September 2004


The Seeland region – northwest part of the Canton of Berne
	Office vacancy • Office vacancy has reduced by approximately 3,000 m2 net, over the last 2 years to a current level of 19,000 m2 • Biel/Bienne continues to provide the bulk of the vacant space within the region at 63% of the region’s total.
Source: KREC 2004
	Rental values • Min. : CHF 150/ m2 p.a • Max. : CHF 250/ m2 p.a.
source: KREC 2004

Rental values by district

	Max	Average	Min
Chaux-de-Fonds	250	140	70
Jura-Bernois	130	120	110
Biel/ Bienne	200	170	120
Grenschen/Grange	120	110	100
Erlach (Aarberg & Lyss)	190	140	90
Morat/Murten	180	160	150

Commentary

The Seeland area is renowned for the three lakes, Neuchâtel, Morat and Bienne, and for a number of significant industries, including watch-making and sugar production. The former activity includes a concentration of major companies including many of the luxury brands as well as Swatch, and numerous cottage industries related to it. The latter takes advantage of the rich agricultural land around the lakes.

Traditionally these industries have been stable both in their output and employment. Recent events have begun to change the equation and we expect to see an increasing shift away from traditional industries, particularly precision engineering, as a move to mechanisation will significantly change employment prospects. The excellent communications has already led to this area becoming a popular commuter dormitory area for Berne, but it has also seen an increasing interest from service providers, gradually increasing demand for offices.

It should be noted that the KEY INDICATORS SERIES of briefing notes have been prepared to give clients an indication of market values and activities. They are based on a variety of sources of information, which are believed to be correct and reliable. However, no liability will be accepted by KREC for errors or inaccuracies.