“Foreign buyers contribute positively to the Swedish property market by increasing competition and international demand, particularly in vacation home areas.” -Swedish Property Federation (Fastighetsägarna), (Report: Foreign Investment in Swedish Property, 2023)
I have been living in Sweden for more than 10 years as a permanent resident. I have not bought any property yet. One of my friends bought a house. I was with him from the beginning to the end of the process. I’ve seen how exciting it can be to buy a house in Sweden, even if you’re not from here. But before you jump in, it’s important to understand the process. I made this simple guide to help you follow the steps, avoid mistakes, and feel confident when buying property in Sweden.
🌍 Can Foreigners Buy Homes in Sweden?
Yes! There are no restrictions for foreigners buying homes here.
But you’ll need:
- A Swedish personal number (personnummer)
- A Swedish bank account
⚠️ Buying a house does not give you a visa or residency. Sweden has no “Golden Visa” program.
🏡 Step-by-Step: How to Buy Property in Sweden
1. Start with Research and Viewings
First, search for homes on trusted Swedish sites like:
In Sweden, homes are usually shown during open house viewings. That means several buyers visit at the same time.
👉 Tip: Get your mortgage pre-approval ready before visiting. The process can move fast.
2. Place a Bid
After seeing a home you like, send your bid to the estate agent. Most bids are made by phone or text.
- Bids are not legally binding in Sweden. You can change your mind later.
- Bidding can be competitive, so act fast.
3. Sign the Contract and Pay Deposit
If your bid is accepted, you’ll sign a purchase contract within about 14 days.
You’ll also need to pay a deposit (usually 15% of the price).
✔️ Make sure you understand everything in the contract before signing.
4. Inspect the Property
Always hire a professional inspector to check the home.
This step protects you from costly surprises later.
5. Complete the Purchase
Once the inspection is done:
- You pay the rest of the money.
- The seller gives you a bill of sale (köpebrev).
- The deal is registered with the Swedish Land Registry.
- After paying all fees, you’ll get the keys to your new home.
🏦 Can Foreigners Get a Mortgage in Sweden?
Yes, foreigners can get mortgages from Swedish banks like:
- Swedbank
- SEB
- Handelsbanken
But there are some rules. You may need to show:
- Proof of income or job
- Credit report
- Swedish personal number (personnummer)
- Residence permit (if needed)
- Swedish ID card
📌 Most banks give up to 85% of the home’s value, so you need at least 15% down payment.
💰 Extra Costs When Buying Property in Sweden
Besides the home price, keep these costs in mind:
| Type of Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Land Registry Fee | Around 825 SEK (fixed) |
| Stamp Duty | 1.5%–4.25% of price or tax value |
| Property Tax (yearly) | 0.2%–2.8% of property tax value |
| Legal/Agent Fees | Usually paid by seller (3–5%) |
💡 Tip: Use Wise or similar services for sending money from abroad to avoid high bank fees.
📈 What’s the Property Market Like in Sweden?
- In 2022, prices dropped but started rising again in 2023.
- As of 2024, prices are going up and may rise 5–10% in 2025.
- There are many homes for sale—especially in Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö.
🏘️ Example Property Prices in Sweden
| City | City Centre (SEK/sq.m) | Outside City (SEK/sq.m) |
|---|---|---|
| Stockholm | 103,322 | 54,010 |
| Gothenburg | 57,646 | 36,668 |
| Malmö | 37,555 | 22,375 |
👉 For cheaper homes, look in Uppsala, Linköping, Örebro, or Västra Götaland.
🔍 Where to Find Properties
You can use:
- Real estate agents (local or UK-based)
- Online portals like Hemnet.se, Booli.se, Svenskfast.se, Lansfast.se, HSB.se
⚠️ Watch Out for These Risks
- Housing cooperatives (Bostadsrätt): You don’t own the apartment, just the right to live in it. Always check the co-op’s financial health.
- Old tax records: The tax might go up after you buy.
- Public access laws: In Sweden, people can walk across most land, including near holiday homes.
- Scams: Always check paperwork and seller identity carefully.
“Buying property in Sweden is very secure for foreigners. But don’t skip legal advice—housing cooperatives and land rights are unique compared to other countries.”-Mats Holmström, Real Estate Lawyer, Stockholm.
🏠 How to Choose the Right Home
Think about:
- Your budget
- The type of home (apartment, villa, summer house)
- The area (transport, shops, schools, vibe)
Visit the area if you can. Always book a home inspection.
🚚 Getting Ready to Move In
- Insurance: Buy home insurance before you move in.
- Utilities: Set up electricity, heating, and water early.
- Energy: Improve insulation or heating, especially for older homes.
Frequently Ask Questions
Can foreigners buy property in Sweden?
Yes, foreigners can buy property in Sweden. There are no legal restrictions. But you’ll need a Swedish personal identity number (personnummer) and a Swedish bank account to complete the purchase.
Do I need to live in Sweden to buy a house there?
No, you don’t need to live in Sweden to buy a home. Many foreigners buy vacation homes or investment properties without living in the country.
Does buying property in Sweden give me residency or a visa?
No, buying property in Sweden does not give you residency or a visa. Sweden does not have a “Golden Visa” program.
Can I get a mortgage in Sweden as a non-resident?
Yes, some Swedish banks offer mortgages to non-residents. But you may need to show proof of income, credit score, and sometimes a residence permit. Most banks ask for a 15% down payment.
What websites can I use to find property in Sweden?
You can search for homes on trusted websites like:
Hemnet.se
Booli.se
Svenskfast.se
✅ Final Thoughts
Buying property in Sweden is possible and even easy—if you plan well.
I hope this guide helps you take the right steps. Get your documents ready, search for the right home, and take your time to decide.
Good luck with your new life or investment in Sweden!
🧠 Sources:
- Swedish Tax Agency
- Hemnet.se
- Booli.se
- Swedbank, SEB, Handelsbanken
- Property industry reports (2023–2024)
