Lennart Beck,  Wednesday, 26 July 2023

 

If you are considering emigrating to Sweden, finding a suitable apartment can be a challenge. There are big differences in availability and price of rental apartments between cities and the countryside in Sweden. But don't worry, with the right information and patience, you can find your new Swedish home.

The majority of Swedes live in urban areas, primarily because of better infrastructure and job opportunities. However, the housing situation in large cities like Stockholm, Gothenburg or Malmö is very tense. There is an extreme shortage of housing, leading to high rental prices. As a result, subletting, where a main tenant rents out his rental object to third parties, is a common practice and could be an option for newcomers.

Rental apartments are usually built and rented by municipal housing companies or private investors. Companies are the main players in the housing market, private landlords are more the exception. Some municipalities offer central waiting lists, but this is not the case everywhere. It is advisable to register early on the waiting lists of the companies. A latent lack of affordable housing unfortunately often leads to long waiting times.

A positive aspect of the Swedish rental market is that leases are usually concluded indefinitely, with a notice period of three months. This gives tenants a certain security. However, the open market offers limited options for new Swedes. Leases on the open market are often limited in time.

Rental deposits are allowed in Sweden, but are not required by all landlords. If you want to rent an apartment, it is recommended to be on site and be cautious with advance payments. Fraudsters often take advantage of the high demand and lack of housing to lure people into financial traps.

The costs for heating and water are usually included in the rent, but additional payments are required for electricity, telephone, and internet. It is important to inform yourself about the exact costs before signing a lease.

Swedish landlords expect the tenant to thoroughly clean the apartment before it is returned. The standards for cleaning are high and if there are problems with the handover of the apartment, a professional cleaning company can be hired to make improvements. It is advisable to plan enough time for the final cleaning and, if necessary, to hire a professional cleaning company.

A special feature of the Swedish housing market is the "Bostadsrätt". This is a permanent right of residence that includes specific rights and obligations for the owner. The "Bostadsrätt" is a kind of hybrid between ownership and rent and is widely used in Sweden. You acquire the right to use an apartment indefinitely, but you also have to become a member of a housing cooperative and pay monthly contributions.

At first glance, it may seem like renting in Sweden is the more expensive option compared to buying an apartment. In fact, in some cases it may be cheaper to take out a loan and buy an apartment instead of renting. However, this depends on many factors, such as the location of the apartment, interest rates, your financial possibilities, and your future planning.

Renting an apartment in Sweden is certainly a challenge, especially for newcomers. But with the right information, patience, and perhaps a little luck, you can find your new home in Sweden. It's important to carefully consider your options, be careful with upfront payments, and stay flexible in terms of location and type of apartment.

In conclusion, a few pieces of advice: Remember that Swedish culture values privacy and peace. Make sure to respect the house rules and take good care of the apartment. And don't forget to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of Swedish nature, whether you live in the city or in the countryside.

So renting apartments in Sweden can be both a challenge and an exciting experience. However, with the right preparation and the right information, you can make the process smoother and maybe even find the perfect Swedish home for yourself. Good luck with your search!