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Local renovation guide

Renovation of your home in Herlev.

Herlev is one of Denmark's smallest municipalities at just 12 km² — but compact and well-positioned in the heart of Greater Copenhagen, surrounded by Furesø, Gladsaxe, Rødovre and Ballerup. With Herlev Hospital as a landmark and direct metro/rail connections, Herlev is a central choice for those who want to live in Greater Copenhagen at lower prices than central Copenhagen itself.

Herlev in brief — context for your renovation.

apartmentA compact urban municipality in the heart of Greater Copenhagen

Herlev is small but well-located — surrounded by motorways and with easy access to Gladsaxe, Ballerup and Copenhagen. The municipality is mainly built up and does not offer large green areas, but offers access to most things.

location_cityHerlev Hospital

Herlev Hospital is one of Denmark's largest hospitals and was Denmark's tallest building until 2022. It dominates the municipality's skyline and is a major employer — proximity to the hospital is a plus for many residents.

homeA city of terraced houses and apartments

Herlev has a mix of terraced houses in Hjortespring and apartment buildings along Herlev Ringvej. The detached-house share is lower than most suburban municipalities — it is a relatively urban municipality.

Your housing type.

Apartment building

48% of homes in Herlev — approx. 6,700 dwellings (source: Statistics Denmark 2025)

Apartments are Herlev's largest housing type — from 1960s–80s brick blocks to newer development. Copenhagen-area proximity gives a price level 15–20% above the national average. With 6.2% vacancy in apartments, the market is stable.

What's typical?

  • — Brick apartment buildings from 1960–1980
  • — District heating
  • — Shared installations and laundry
  • — Mixed owner-occupied and rental

Common weaknesses

  • Older installations
  • Joint decisions required in owners' associations
  • Energetically outdated buildings

Typical costs

Façade renovation with insulation

1,600–3,000 kr/m²

Greater Copenhagen pricing including new surface finish. . Source: Bolius

New bathroom (apartment)

95,000–250,000 kr

Full renovation including plumbing. Copenhagen-area pricing. . Source: Bolius

New kitchen

85,000–260,000 kr

Complete kitchen including installation and electrical work. . Source: Bolius

Do you need an architect?

Probably not necessary for:

  • — Interior apartment renovation

Architect recommended or required for:

  • — Façade renovations
  • — Roof renovations
  • — Lifts and accessibility

Terraced house from 1950–1980

27% of homes in Herlev — approx. 3,900 dwellings (source: Statistics Denmark 2025)

Terraced houses mainly in Hjortespring — a popular neighbourhood with green communal areas and low-rise development. Prices close to the Greater Copenhagen average.

What's typical?

  • — Brick terraced houses in one to one-and-a-half storeys
  • — District heating
  • — Shared green areas
  • — Private garden

Common weaknesses

  • Insufficient insulation
  • Ageing windows and roof
  • Limited extension potential

Typical costs

New concrete tile roof

100,000–235,000 kr

Greater Copenhagen pricing. . Source: Bolius

Energy windows (per window)

5,000–10,000 kr

Installed energy window. Greater Copenhagen pricing. . Source: Bolius

Do you need an architect?

Probably not necessary for:

  • — Roof replacement using the same material
  • — Interior renovation

Architect recommended or required for:

  • — Extension
  • — Façade alterations

Detached house

21% of homes in Herlev — approx. 3,100 dwellings (source: Statistics Denmark 2025)

Detached houses mainly in the quieter neighbourhoods to the north and west. Attractive for families who want to live in Greater Copenhagen with a garden.

What's typical?

  • — Brick villa from 1950–1975
  • — District heating
  • — Garden of 400–800 m²

Common weaknesses

  • Older insulation standards
  • Worn roof covering
  • Limited space options in the small municipality

Typical costs

New bathroom

100,000–260,000 kr

Greater Copenhagen pricing. . Source: Bolius

Do you need an architect?

Probably not necessary for:

  • — Roof replacement
  • — Interior renovation

Architect recommended or required for:

  • — Extension over 35 m²
  • — Façade alterations

Local conditions in Herlev.

local_fire_department District heating — Vestforbrænding / VEKS

Herlev is connected to the district heating network via VEKS (Vestegnens Kraftvarmeselskab). District heating is supplied from large combined heat and power plants and is well-established in Greater Copenhagen's dense supply network. Almost all homes in Herlev are connected.

www.veks.dk

account_balance Heritage value

Herlev has very few heritage-listed buildings — the municipality was mainly built up in the post-war era and has no historic town centre. If your home is exceptionally registered, the usual rules apply.

Look up your address at the Danish Heritage Agency's FBB register

assignment Building permit in Herlev

Apply for a building permit via Byg & Miljø on the Herlev Municipality website. Interior alterations normally do not require a permit — but roof, façade and extensions do.

Apply for building permit at Herlev Municipality →

savings Grants for energy renovation

Subsidies for energy renovation are available via Sparenergi.dk. VEKS and HOFOR can provide guidance on energy savings in district heating-connected homes.

Find grants at sparenergi.dk →

Herlev in figures.

Data from Statistics Denmark (2025) and the Danish Heritage Agency — context for your property.

14,974

Dwellings total

4.3% vacancy rate

7,691

Social housing units

Source: Landsbyggefonden

CO₂ emissions by sector

64.1%

Energy

39,020 tonnes CO₂

28.4%

Transport

17,302 tonnes CO₂

2.9%

Chemical processes

1,790 tonnes CO₂

0.2%

Agriculture and land use

141 tonnes CO₂

3.3%

Waste disposal and biogas

2,011 tonnes CO₂

1%

Wastewater

607 tonnes CO₂

Frequently asked questions
about renovation in Herlev.

Yes — Herlev's location in the heart of Greater Copenhagen provides a stable housing market with 4.3% vacancy and Copenhagen-area pricing. Renovation investments pay off well, particularly in the terraced houses in Hjortespring and the detached houses to the north.

Yes — Herlev is almost fully covered by district heating via the VEKS network. This is an advantage for homeowners, as there is no need for individual heat sources.

Greater Copenhagen pricing — 15–20% above the national average. Always get 3 quotes and plan well in advance.

Roof, energy windows and bathroom typically deliver the best return in the Hjortespring terraced houses. With VEKS district heating, heating is already optimal — focus should be on the building envelope and interior.

Herlev has very few heritage-listed buildings — most renovations are not regulated beyond the general building regulations. Interior alterations normally do not require a permit, but extensions and façade changes do. Check herlev.dk.