Sweden, known for its high quality of life, beautiful landscapes, and progressive policies, has become a popular destination for expats and international students alike. However, finding suitable accommodation in Sweden can be a challenge, especially in major cities like Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö where demand often outstrips supply. Whether you are looking to rent an apartment or buy a property, understanding the housing market is essential to navigating the process successfully.

In this blog, we will provide an overview of the rental market, discuss the process of buying property, and introduce some of the most useful websites for finding accommodation in Sweden.

Rental Market Overview in Sweden

Renting an apartment in Sweden can be a tricky and sometimes lengthy process, especially if you are unfamiliar with the system. The rental market is characterized by high demand, especially in urban areas, and a regulated rental system. Here are some important points to keep in mind:

1. Regulated Market with Queue Systems

In Sweden, rental apartments are largely controlled through a regulated system. Many landlords, especially for first-hand rental contracts, operate through a bostadskö (housing queue). The longer you have been in the queue, the better your chances of securing an apartment. Some cities, such as Stockholm, have waiting lists that can take several years to secure an apartment.

• First-hand contracts: These are long-term rental agreements directly with the landlord. These contracts are difficult to come by, especially in the largest cities, as they are regulated and often involve waiting in the queue for many years.

• Second-hand contracts: This refers to subletting from someone who holds a first-hand contract. These contracts are easier to obtain but tend to be more expensive and less secure.

2. High Demand in Major Cities

The rental market in cities like Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö is highly competitive. Because of the shortage of housing in these cities, it's common for rental prices to be significantly higher than in other parts of the country. In Stockholm, for example, it is common for people to wait more than 10 years to get a first-hand rental contract through the public queue system.

3. Rental Prices and Types of Housing

Rental prices vary depending on the location and size of the property. In Stockholm, for example, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost anywhere between 12,000–18,000 SEK per month (around €1,000–1,500), while the same apartment in a smaller town could cost between 6,000–10,000 SEK.

Types of housing include:

• Apartments (lägenhet): The most common form of rental housing, often part of large residential complexes.
• Shared apartments (delat boende): Particularly popular among students and younger professionals, sharing apartments can be a more affordable option.
• Single-family homes (villa): Less common in cities, but widely available in suburban and rural areas.

4. Useful Rental Websites

To find rental properties, both first-hand and second-hand, several websites can assist you in your search. Here are some of the most popular ones:

• Qasa.se: This website connects tenants with landlords, offering both short-term and long-term rental options. It's a reliable platform for second-hand rentals, sublets, and shared housing.

• Kvalster.se: Kvalster is a rental aggregator, pulling listings from multiple websites and displaying them in one place. It is particularly helpful for finding second-hand rental contracts.

• Blocket.se: A popular marketplace for second-hand items, Blocket also has a housing section where individuals can list apartments for rent. It’s often used for second-hand rental contracts and shared housing.

Buying Property in Sweden

While renting may seem like the most accessible option for short-term stays, those planning to settle in Sweden for the long term might consider buying property. The process is relatively straightforward compared to other countries, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

1. Eligibility to Buy Property in Sweden

Unlike renting, there are no residency requirements to buy property in Sweden. This means that both foreigners and Swedish citizens have the same rights when purchasing a home. You can buy an apartment, house, or vacation home in Sweden without having to be a resident.

2. Types of Ownership

There are two main types of property ownership in Sweden:

• Freehold (Friköpt): This is typically for houses and villas. As a freehold owner, you have full ownership of the property and the land it stands on.

• Leasehold (Bostadsrätt): This is the most common form of ownership for apartments. When you buy a bostadsrätt, you are purchasing the right to live in the apartment, but you do not own the building itself. Instead, you own a share in a cooperative housing association that manages the building.

3. The Buying Process

The process of buying property in Sweden is quite transparent and is typically managed by an estate agent. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

1. Find a property: You can use property listing websites or real estate agents to find available properties. Most listings are available online, and viewings are arranged either in person or virtually.

2. Bidding (Budgivning): Once you find a property you’re interested in, you can place a bid. The bidding process is often open, meaning that all interested parties can see the current highest bid.

3. Inspection and Mortgage: Before finalizing the purchase, it’s common to have a home inspection (besiktning) carried out. If you require a mortgage, the bank will conduct a property valuation.

4. Contract and Transfer: Once the bid is accepted, a contract (köpekontrakt) is signed between the buyer and seller. After the final payment is made, the ownership of the property is officially transferred to the buyer.

4. Property Prices

Property prices vary depending on the location and type of housing. In Stockholm, apartments in the city center can cost between 80,000–120,000 SEK per square meter, while the cost in smaller towns or rural areas is much lower.

5. Popular Property Search Websites

To find property listings in Sweden, the following websites are useful:

• Hemnet.se: The largest property portal in Sweden, Hemnet is the go-to website for buying and selling homes. It offers a wide range of listings, from apartments to houses and vacation properties.

• Booli.se: Another popular property search website, Booli aggregates property listings from across Sweden and provides information on historical prices and neighborhood statistics.

• Boneo.se: Boneo is a property search portal that focuses on real estate for sale and is often used as an alternative to Hemnet. It provides detailed listings and allows you to compare different properties.

• Fastighetsbyrån.se: One of Sweden’s largest real estate agencies, this site offers listings for both buying and selling homes.

Final Thoughts

Whether you are looking to rent or buy, finding accommodation in Sweden requires a good understanding of the market and a bit of patience. The high demand for housing, especially in major cities, means that both rental and property prices can be steep. However, with the right tools and resources, navigating Sweden’s housing market becomes much easier.

By using the websites mentioned in this guide and keeping in mind the nuances of the rental and property buying processes, you can find the perfect home in Sweden. Whether you’re looking for a short-term rental or planning to settle down permanently, there are plenty of options available to suit your needs.