Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Norway Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Bergen's property market is included in our pack
Yes, foreigners can legally own and rent out residential property in Bergen in 2026, though the rules differ significantly depending on whether you choose long-term or short-term renting.
This guide covers everything you need to know about rental yields, tenant demand, legal restrictions, and neighborhood performance in Bergen's rental market.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest regulations and market conditions in Bergen.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Bergen.
Insights
- Bergen's gross rental yields typically range from 3.8% to 5.2%, with smaller units like studios delivering the highest returns due to strong student and young professional demand.
- If your Bergen property is in a borettslag (co-op), you are limited to just 30 days per year of short-term renting, which often makes long-term tenants the only viable strategy.
- Neighborhoods like Laksevåg and Åsane offer better rental yields than central Bergen because purchase prices are lower while tenant demand remains solid thanks to good Bybanen connections.
- Bergen's short-term rental market now has over 3,000 active listings, and local reporting suggests supply is growing faster than tourist demand, which puts pressure on occupancy rates.
- A realistic vacancy allowance for Bergen long-term rentals is about 0.5 to 1 month per year, with the slowest leasing periods typically falling outside the university semester cycles.
- Furnished apartments in Bergen rent noticeably faster in student-heavy areas like Nygårdshøyden and Kronstad, where tenants often arrive without furniture for 6 to 12 month stays.
- Bergen landlords cannot raise rent freely during a tenancy and must follow either CPI indexing or the "gjengs leie" adjustment process, both of which require proper notice periods.
- The average nightly rate for Bergen short-term rentals sits around NOK 1,500 (about $140 or €130), but summer rates can run 30% to 50% higher than winter rates due to tourism seasonality.
Can I legally rent out a property in Bergen as a foreigner right now?
Can a foreigner own-and-rent a residential property in Bergen in 2026?
As of early 2026, Norway allows foreigners to own residential property in Bergen without nationality-based restrictions, so renting it out is legally possible once you comply with tenancy law and tax requirements.
The most common ownership structures for foreigners holding rental property in Bergen are direct personal ownership or ownership through a Norwegian-registered company (AS), with personal ownership being simpler for single-property investors.
The main practical constraint foreigners face in Bergen is not ownership itself but rather the building type rules: if you buy in a borettslag (co-op), short-term renting is typically capped at 30 days per year, which can severely limit your rental strategy options.
If you're not a local, you might want to read our guide to foreign property ownership in Bergen.
Do I need residency to rent out in Bergen right now?
You typically do not need Norwegian residency to be a landlord in Bergen, as remote foreign landlords are common and legally permitted.
However, you do need proper tax identification to legally collect rental income in Bergen, because Norway is strict about reporting and platforms share data with tax authorities across countries.
A Norwegian bank account is not always legally required, but it is highly practical for Bergen landlords because deposit handling must follow strict rules, and mistakes on deposits are a frequent source of disputes.
Managing a Bergen rental entirely remotely is feasible, though most foreign owners work with a local property manager or "utleiemegler" to handle move-in inspections, maintenance, and emergencies.
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What rental strategy makes the most money in Bergen in 2026?
Is long-term renting more profitable than short-term in Bergen in 2026?
As of early 2026, long-term renting in Bergen is often the safer and more consistent strategy, though short-term rentals can generate higher gross revenue if you have the right building type and tolerance for operational complexity.
A well-managed short-term rental in Bergen might gross NOK 180,000 to 280,000 per year (about $17,000 to $26,000 or €15,500 to €24,000), compared to NOK 150,000 to 210,000 (about $14,000 to $20,000 or €13,000 to €18,000) for a comparable long-term rental, but short-term has higher costs and more effort.
Properties in Bergen's tourist-heavy central areas like Bryggen, Sentrum, and Nordnes tend to favor short-term renting financially, especially compact units that appeal to couples and small groups visiting during the summer season.
What's the average gross rental yield in Bergen in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average gross rental yield for residential properties in Bergen sits around 4% to 4.5%, which is moderate by European standards but typical for Norway's high-price cities.
The realistic gross yield range that covers most Bergen residential properties runs from about 3.8% on the low end (prime central locations) to around 5.2% on the high end (well-located but less expensive neighborhoods).
Studios and one-bedroom apartments in Bergen typically achieve the highest gross rental yields because purchase prices scale down faster than rents do, making smaller units more efficient from a yield perspective.
By the way, we have much more granular data about rental yields in our property pack about Bergen.
What's the realistic net rental yield after costs in Bergen in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average net rental yield after all costs for residential properties in Bergen typically falls between 2.8% and 3.2% for a reasonably well-managed property.
The realistic range that most Bergen landlords actually experience runs from about 2.2% on the low end (higher-cost buildings or remote management) to around 3.6% on the high end (hands-on owners with efficient properties).
The three main cost categories that reduce gross yield to net yield in Bergen are felleskostnader (common charges, which can be substantial in older buildings), property management fees for remote owners, and the maintenance reserves needed to handle Bergen's wet climate and building wear.
You might want to check our latest analysis about gross and net rental yields in Bergen.
What monthly rent can I get in Bergen in 2026?
As of early 2026, typical monthly rents in Bergen run around NOK 12,000 ($1,100 or €1,000) for a studio, NOK 15,500 ($1,450 or €1,350) for a one-bedroom, and NOK 20,500 ($1,900 or €1,750) for a two-bedroom apartment in good condition.
A realistic entry-level monthly rent for a decent studio in Bergen ranges from NOK 10,500 to 13,500 (about $980 to $1,260 or €900 to €1,150), depending on location and condition.
A typical one-bedroom apartment in Bergen commands monthly rent in the range of NOK 13,500 to 17,500 (about $1,260 to $1,630 or €1,150 to €1,500), with units near Bybanen stops or the city center at the higher end.
A standard two-bedroom apartment in Bergen rents for NOK 17,500 to 23,500 per month (about $1,630 to $2,190 or €1,500 to €2,000), with proximity to Sentrum and good schools pushing rents toward the top of that range.
If you want to know more about this topic, you can read our guide about rents and rental incomes in Bergen.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Norway versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
What are the real numbers I should budget for renting out in Bergen in 2026?
What's the total "all-in" monthly cost to hold a rental in Bergen in 2026?
As of early 2026, the total "all-in" monthly cost to hold and maintain a typical rental property in Bergen ranges from NOK 4,000 to 7,000 (about $370 to $650 or €340 to €600) for most standard apartments, excluding mortgage interest.
The realistic range runs from about NOK 3,000 per month ($280 or €255) for a hands-on local owner with minimal services, up to NOK 8,500 per month ($790 or €725) for a remote owner using full property management and maintaining proper reserves.
The single largest contributor to monthly holding costs in Bergen is typically the felleskostnader (common charges), which cover building maintenance, insurance, and shared utilities and can run surprisingly high in older apartment buildings with expensive upkeep.
You want to go into more details? Check our list of property taxes and fees you have to pay when buying a property in Bergen.
What's the typical vacancy rate in Bergen in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical vacancy rate for rental properties in Bergen runs between 4% and 7% annually, which translates to roughly two to four weeks empty per year for a well-located unit.
A Bergen landlord should realistically budget for about 0.5 to 1 month of vacancy per year because even in this high-demand city, tenant turnover, cleaning, and minor repairs between leases take time.
The main factor causing vacancy rates to vary across Bergen neighborhoods is proximity to the university campuses and Bybanen light rail, with areas like Nygårdshøyden and Kronstad filling faster than outlying districts.
The highest tenant turnover and vacancy in Bergen typically occurs in late summer around August and September, when students move and leases reset around the academic calendar.
We have a whole part covering the best rental strategies in our pack about buying a property in Bergen.
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Where do rentals perform best in Bergen in 2026?
Which neighborhoods have the highest long-term demand in Bergen in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three neighborhoods with the highest overall long-term rental demand in Bergen are Sentrum, Nygårdshøyden, and Sandviken, all of which benefit from walkability, transit access, and a mix of tenant types.
Families looking for long-term rentals in Bergen tend to concentrate in Fana (especially around Nesttun), Åsane, and Landås, where they find more space, good schools, and a calmer residential feel while staying connected to the city.
Students drive the strongest rental demand in Bergen neighborhoods like Nygårdshøyden, Møhlenpris, Kronstad, and the Fantoft area, all of which sit close to University of Bergen or NHH campuses and have established student housing ecosystems.
Expats and international professionals in Bergen typically prefer Sentrum, Nordnes, and Sandviken for walkability and services, or Ytrebygda (Sandsli/Kokstad area) for proximity to major employers and the airport corridor.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Bergen.
Which neighborhoods have the best yield in Bergen in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three neighborhoods with the best rental yield in Bergen are Laksevåg, Åsane, and the Årstad/Kronstad corridor, all of which offer solid tenant demand at meaningfully lower purchase prices than central areas.
The estimated gross rental yield range for these top-yielding Bergen neighborhoods runs from about 4.5% to 5.5%, compared to 3.5% to 4% in prime central locations like Nordnes or Sentrum.
The main characteristic that allows these neighborhoods to achieve higher yields is their position along Bybanen (light rail) routes, which keeps tenant demand strong while purchase prices remain 20% to 35% below waterfront or city center levels.
We cover a lot of neighborhoods and provide a lot of updated data in our pack about real estate in Bergen.
Where do tenants pay the highest rents in Bergen in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three neighborhoods where tenants pay the highest rents in Bergen are Sentrum, Nordnes, and Sandviken, all commanding premium prices due to their central location and lifestyle appeal.
A standard apartment in these premium Bergen neighborhoods typically rents for NOK 18,000 to 28,000 per month (about $1,680 to $2,610 or €1,530 to €2,400), depending on size and specific location within the neighborhood.
The main characteristic that makes these neighborhoods command Bergen's highest rents is the combination of waterfront proximity, historic architecture, and "no-car-needed" walkability, which is especially valuable given Bergen's rainy climate.
The typical tenant profile in these highest-rent Bergen neighborhoods includes senior professionals in energy, shipping, or finance, international executives on corporate packages, and dual-income couples willing to pay for short commutes and quality of life.
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Norway. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
What do tenants actually want in Bergen in 2026?
What features increase rent the most in Bergen in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three property features that increase monthly rent the most in Bergen are proximity to a Bybanen (light rail) stop, high-quality insulation and efficient heating systems, and in-unit laundry facilities.
Proximity to a Bybanen stop can add an estimated 8% to 12% rent premium in Bergen because tenants highly value avoiding car dependency in a city known for rain and limited parking.
One commonly overrated feature that Bergen landlords invest in but tenants do not pay much extra for is high-end kitchen appliances, since most renters prioritize location and warmth over premium cooking equipment.
One affordable upgrade that provides a strong return on investment for Bergen landlords is adding proper storage solutions for outdoor gear, because Bergen tenants often have hiking, skiing, or cycling equipment and will pay more for a place that accommodates their lifestyle.
Do furnished rentals rent faster in Bergen in 2026?
As of early 2026, furnished apartments in Bergen typically rent about one to three weeks faster than unfurnished ones, especially in student-heavy areas like Nygårdshøyden, Kronstad, and Møhlenpris where tenants often arrive without furniture.
Furnished apartments in Bergen command a rent premium of roughly 10% to 18% over unfurnished equivalents, though this comes with higher wear-and-tear costs and more management overhead for inventory and replacements.
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How regulated is long-term renting in Bergen right now?
Can I freely set rent prices in Bergen right now?
In Bergen, landlords have full freedom to set the initial rent price when signing a new lease, as there is no rent control on starting rents and you can agree on any amount with your tenant.
However, once a tenant is in place in Bergen, rent increases are regulated: you can only raise rent through annual CPI indexing (with proper notice) or by adjusting toward "gjengs leie" (market-comparable rent) after specific time periods and following strict procedural rules.
What's the standard lease length in Bergen right now?
The standard lease length for residential rentals in Bergen is typically one to three years for fixed-term contracts, though open-ended leases are also common and provide more flexibility for both parties.
In Bergen, landlords can legally require a security deposit of up to six months' rent, which translates to roughly NOK 60,000 to 140,000 ($5,600 to $13,000 or €5,100 to €11,900) depending on the property, but three months is more common in practice.
Norwegian law requires the deposit to be held in a separate, regulated deposit account (not given as cash to the landlord), and at the end of the tenancy, the landlord can only withhold funds for documented damages or unpaid rent with the tenant's agreement or a formal dispute resolution.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Norway compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
How does short-term renting really work in Bergen in 2026?
Is Airbnb legal in Bergen right now?
Yes, Airbnb-style short-term rentals are legal in Bergen, but the rules depend heavily on your building type and you must comply with time limits and tax reporting requirements.
Norway does not require a universal national license for short-term rental hosts, but you must follow your building's rules (borettslag or sameie) and register your rental income properly with the tax authorities.
Annual night limits in Bergen depend on building type: in a borettslag (co-op), you are typically limited to 30 days per year of short-term renting, while in an eierseksjonssameie (condo), the default cap is 90 days per year with stays of up to 30 days each.
The most common consequence for operating a non-compliant short-term rental in Bergen is enforcement action from your building's board, which can include fines, forced termination of rentals, or legal action, plus potential tax penalties from Skatteetaten for unreported income.
By the way, we also have a blog article detailing whether owning an Airbnb rental is profitable in Bergen.
What's the average short-term occupancy in Bergen in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average annual occupancy rate for short-term rentals in Bergen sits around 55% to 65% for a well-managed, whole-unit listing in a good location.
The realistic range that most Bergen short-term rentals experience runs from about 45% on the low end (less desirable locations or poor reviews) to around 70% on the high end (prime central listings with excellent management).
The highest occupancy rates for Bergen short-term rentals typically occur from May through August, when summer tourism peaks and the city attracts visitors for its fjords, historic Bryggen district, and gateway status to western Norway.
The lowest occupancy rates in Bergen fall during November through February, when fewer tourists visit, daylight hours are short, and demand drops significantly outside of holiday periods.
Finally, please note that you can find much more granular data about this topic in our property pack about Bergen.
What's the average nightly rate in Bergen in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average nightly rate for short-term rentals in Bergen sits around NOK 1,500 to 1,600 (about $140 to $150 or €130 to €140) for a typical whole-unit listing.
The realistic range that covers most Bergen short-term rental listings runs from about NOK 1,000 ($95 or €85) for basic studios in less central areas to NOK 2,500 ($235 or €215) for well-appointed apartments in prime locations like Nordnes or near Bryggen.
The typical nightly rate difference between peak season (June to August) and off-season (November to February) in Bergen is roughly NOK 400 to 700 ($35 to $65 or €35 to €60), with summer rates running 30% to 50% higher than winter rates.
Is short-term rental supply saturated in Bergen in 2026?
As of early 2026, the short-term rental market in Bergen is becoming increasingly crowded, with competition intensifying and professional operators raising the bar for pricing, reviews, and overall guest experience.
The number of active short-term rental listings in Bergen has been growing steadily, with AirDNA showing over 3,000 active properties and local reporting citing rapid year-over-year increases in Airbnb supply.
The most oversaturated neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Bergen are Sentrum, Nordnes, and the areas immediately around Bryggen, where listing density is highest and competition for bookings is fiercest.
Neighborhoods that still have room for new short-term rental supply in Bergen include Sandviken, parts of Årstad, and transit-connected areas like Laksevåg, where demand is solid but competition is not yet as intense as in the historic core.
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What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Bergen, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| Statistics Norway (SSB) Rent Survey | Norway's official statistics office and the core rent dataset | We used it as the ground truth for typical Bergen rent levels. We then cross-checked against other market data to ensure accuracy. |
| SSB Accommodation Statistics | Official tourism data updated consistently by the government | We used it to understand seasonality and demand tied to tourism. We kept our short-term occupancy assumptions realistic for Bergen. |
| Lovdata (Norwegian Tenancy Act) | The official legal publication channel for Norwegian law | We used it to explain how rent increases work under the law. We described what landlords can and cannot do once a tenant moves in. |
| Skatteetaten (Tax Administration) | The definitive source for Norwegian rental tax treatment | We used it to explain what gets taxed and what you can deduct. We structured our net yield section around real-world tax categories. |
| Huseierne (Homeowner Association) | Major national organization tracking how rules work in practice | We used it to distinguish borettslag vs sameie short-term limits. We cross-checked the legal text so we don't misstate everyday rules. |
| AirDNA | Widely used STR data provider for professional investors | We used it to estimate Bergen's typical occupancy, ADR, and supply. We made it the quantitative backbone for our STR profitability analysis. |
| Husleietvistutvalget (HTU) | Public authority focused on tenancy disputes and guidance | We used it to translate the law into practical steps. We confirmed notice periods and timing rules for rent increases. |
| Forbrukerrådet (Consumer Council) | Public consumer authority with tenant and landlord guidance | We used it to keep the article beginner-friendly and low cognitive load. We double-checked the legal ways to raise rent. |
| Regjeringen.no (Government Brochure) | Central government publication on common legal mistakes | We used it to explain deposit handling in plain language. We highlighted pitfalls that frequently trigger disputes. |
| Eiendom Norge | Industry's primary nationwide housing statistics publisher | We used it for macro context on how fast prices have been moving. We kept our purchase price assumptions consistent with the 2025/2026 market. |
| Bergens Tidende | Major local newspaper citing named analytics firms | We used it as a local reality check on supply growth. We added a local media datapoint about how fast listings have grown. |
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Norway. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
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