The residential market remains strained in the Bern region. In the agglomeration, the vacancy rate in 2021 fell from 1.2 % to 1.0 %. In the city, it remained stable; since 2004, the rate has ranged from 0.4 % to 0.6 %. Contrasting trends were seen for prices, with rental prices largely falling or stagnating. In contrast, purchase prices largely trended upwards, in the inner city by about 20 %. The brisk demand for owner-occupied property in Greater Bern is also reflected in advertising periods, which largely declined. The number of apartments authorised for construction in the city reached a 10-year high in the previous year, which could temporarily ease the residential market. However, a real easing will come only with major projects, such as the new Viererfeld/Mittelfeld district, which will create residential space for about 1,100 households over the next several decades. However, completion of the first stage, with 300 to 400 apartments, is not scheduled until 2027/2028.