What are the best areas for real estate in Bergen? (January 2026)

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

What's the Current Real Estate Market Situation by Area in Bergen?

Before diving into specific neighborhoods, here is some context: Norges Bank kept its policy rate at 4.0% in December 2025, meaning financing remains expensive by recent standards. This pushes buyers toward walkable central areas, university zones, and transit nodes where demand stays resilient. That dynamic directly shapes which Bergen neighborhoods are thriving and which are lagging.

Which areas in Bergen have the highest property prices per square meter in 2026?

As of early 2026, the three most expensive areas in Bergen are Sentrum core around postcode 5003 (Torgallmenningen and Byparken area), the broader Bergen: Sentrum sub-area covering Nordnes, Bryggen, Nygård, and Møhlenpris, and the prestige hillside pockets like Bellevue and Starefossen with exceptional views.

In these premium Bergen neighborhoods, typical prices range from around 60,000 NOK per square meter in the broader Sentrum sub-area up to 74,000 NOK per square meter in the tightest central postcodes, with ultra-luxury hillside properties occasionally exceeding 150,000 NOK per square meter.

Each of these high-priced Bergen areas commands premium prices for distinct reasons:

• Sentrum core (5003/5005): Extreme scarcity of apartments combined with maximum walkability to shops, restaurants, and transport.
• Nordnes and Møhlenpris: Waterfront charm, historic architecture, and easy access to the city center without being in the tourist zone.
• Bellevue and hillside pockets: Panoramic fjord views that cannot be replicated, attracting wealthy buyers seeking unique properties.

Which areas in Bergen have the most affordable property prices in 2026?

As of early 2026, the most affordable property prices in Bergen are found in Bergen: Nord/Øst (including Åsane and Eidsvåg), parts of Bergen: Vest (such as Loddefjord, Olsvik, and Kjøkkelvik), and the Arna district further east.

In these more affordable Bergen neighborhoods, typical prices range from around 42,000 NOK per square meter in Nord/Øst areas up to roughly 51,000 NOK per square meter in Bergen: Vest, representing a significant discount compared to central Bergen prices.

Buyers should expect certain trade-offs in these lower-priced Bergen areas: in Åsane and Eidsvåg, longer commute times to the city center remain the main drawback until the Bybanen light rail extension opens; in Loddefjord and Olsvik, many buildings are older cooperative housing (borettslag) with stricter rental rules; and in Arna, the commute profile is more car-dependent, which affects tenant appeal.

You can also read our latest analysis regarding housing prices in Bergen.

Which Areas in Bergen Offer the Best Rental Yields?

Which neighborhoods in Bergen have the highest gross rental yields in 2026?

As of early 2026, the Bergen neighborhoods with the highest gross rental yields are Loddefjord, Olsvik, and parts of Fyllingsdalen (typically 4.5% to 6.0% gross), followed by student-focused areas like Møhlenpris, Nygård, and Kronstad near universities and hospitals (typically 4.0% to 5.5% gross).

Across Bergen as a whole, typical gross rental yields range from around 3.0% in the most expensive central areas up to approximately 6.0% in value-priced outer neighborhoods, with most investors landing somewhere in between depending on their location and property type choices.

These top-yielding Bergen neighborhoods deliver higher returns than other areas for specific reasons:

• Loddefjord and Olsvik: Lower purchase prices combined with steady demand from families and workers who accept longer commutes.
• Fyllingsdalen: Bybanen light rail access improved connectivity, but prices have not fully caught up to the new transit advantage.
• Møhlenpris and Nygård: Constant demand from university students and young professionals means minimal vacancy and reliable rental income.
• Kronstad and Landås: Proximity to Haukeland University Hospital creates a deep pool of healthcare worker tenants.

Finally, please note that we cover the rental yields in Bergen here.

Which Areas in Bergen Are Best for Short-Term Vacation Rentals?

Which neighborhoods in Bergen perform best on Airbnb in 2026?

As of early 2026, the Bergen neighborhoods that perform best on Airbnb are Bryggen and the Vågen waterfront area, Nordnes, inner Sandviken with harbor views, and the central Sentrum grid around Byparken and Torgallmenningen, where summer occupancy rates are highest and nightly rates can exceed 1,500 NOK.

In these top-performing Bergen Airbnb neighborhoods, well-managed properties typically generate between 15,000 and 30,000 NOK per month during peak summer season, though revenue drops significantly during shoulder seasons when tourist demand is much lower.

Each of these Bergen neighborhoods outperforms others for short-term rentals due to specific advantages:

• Bryggen and Vågen waterfront: Walking distance to Bergen's UNESCO-listed wharf, the main tourist attraction in the city.
• Nordnes: Local neighborhood feel with cafés and parks, while still being a short walk to the city center attractions.
• Inner Sandviken: Harbor views and proximity to Fløibanen funicular and fish market draw tourists seeking authentic experiences.
• Sentrum around Byparken: Central transport hub and dining options make it convenient for tourists exploring Bergen.

By the way, we also have a blog article detailing whether owning an Airbnb rental is profitable in Bergen.

Which tourist areas in Bergen are becoming oversaturated with short-term rentals?

The Bergen tourist areas becoming oversaturated with short-term rentals are the tight historic core around Bryggen and Vågsbunnen, the Nordnes peninsula, and inner Sandviken near the waterfront, where Airbnb listings have grown significantly while local resident pushback has intensified.

In these oversaturated Bergen areas, Airbnb shows over 1,300 active stays in the broader Sentrum zone, and the listing density in postcodes like 5003 and 5005 means properties increasingly compete for the same pool of tourists during peak season.

The main sign of oversaturation in these Bergen areas is not just listing numbers but rising political pressure: Bergen media has covered local calls to give municipalities more power to restrict short-term rentals, and building boards in these neighborhoods are increasingly enforcing stricter bylaws against Airbnb use.

Which Areas in Bergen Are Best for Long-Term Rentals?

Which neighborhoods in Bergen have the strongest demand for long-term tenants?

The Bergen neighborhoods with the strongest demand for long-term tenants are Nygård and Møhlenpris near the University of Bergen, Landås and Wergeland close to Haukeland University Hospital, Sandsli and Kokstad near business parks and the airport, and family-friendly areas like Nesttun, Hop, and Paradis.

In these high-demand Bergen rental neighborhoods, well-priced apartments typically find tenants within two to four weeks, and vacancy rates remain low even during slower rental periods because of the steady flow of students, healthcare workers, and families.

The type of tenant profile driving demand differs by Bergen neighborhood:

• Nygård and Møhlenpris: University students and young professionals studying or starting careers in Bergen.
• Landås and Wergeland: Doctors, nurses, and hospital staff working at Haukeland University Hospital.
• Sandsli and Kokstad: Airport workers and employees at technology and business parks in the corridor.
• Nesttun, Hop, and Paradis: Young families seeking space and good schools with Bybanen access to the center.

One key characteristic that makes these Bergen neighborhoods especially attractive to long-term tenants is reliable public transport: all of them have either Bybanen light rail stops or frequent bus connections, which matters greatly in a city where parking is expensive and weather makes cycling impractical much of the year.

Finally, please note that we provide a very granular rental analysis in our property pack about Bergen.

What are the average long-term monthly rents by neighborhood in Bergen in 2026?

As of early 2026, average long-term monthly rents in Bergen range from around 9,500 NOK for a one-room apartment in outer areas like Åsane up to 23,000 NOK for a three-room apartment in the central Sentrum core, with significant variation depending on neighborhood and property condition.

In the most affordable Bergen neighborhoods like Åsane, Eidsvåg, and Arna, entry-level one-room apartments typically rent for 9,500 to 11,500 NOK per month, while two-room units range from 12,500 to 14,500 NOK per month.

In mid-range Bergen neighborhoods like Fyllingsdalen, Loddefjord, and Landås, one-room apartments typically rent for 10,000 to 13,000 NOK per month, two-room units for 13,000 to 17,000 NOK, and three-room apartments for 16,500 to 21,500 NOK per month.

In the most expensive Bergen neighborhoods like Sentrum core, Nordnes, and Møhlenpris, one-room apartments typically rent for 11,500 to 14,500 NOK per month, two-room units for 14,500 to 18,500 NOK, and three-room apartments for 18,000 to 23,000 NOK per month.

You may want to check our latest analysis about the rents in Bergen here.

Which Are the Up-and-Coming Areas to Invest in Bergen?

Which neighborhoods in Bergen are gentrifying and attracting new investors in 2026?

As of early 2026, the Bergen neighborhoods that are gentrifying and attracting new investors include Mindemyren in Årstad with significant new development, Kronstad which benefits from educational institution growth, the ring expanding through Wergeland and Fridalen, and parts of Fyllingsdalen near Bybanen line 2 stops.

These gentrifying Bergen neighborhoods have experienced annual price appreciation of roughly 5% to 8% in recent years, outpacing the city average as new residents and improved amenities gradually shift their reputation from "affordable" to "up-and-coming."

Which areas in Bergen have major infrastructure projects planned that will boost prices?

The Bergen areas with major infrastructure projects expected to boost property prices are the Sandviken to Åsane corridor along the planned Bybanen extension, the Kaigaten and Bergen station area with improved city center connectivity, and Eidsvåg which will transform from a commute-dependent location to a light rail-connected neighborhood.

The key infrastructure project is the Bybanen extension to Åsane, approved in 2023 with construction starting March 2026, which will add multiple new stations connecting northern Bergen to the city center; the Bergen municipality's regulation plans show the Kaigaten to Sandviken section was adopted in autumn 2024.

Historically in Bergen, neighborhoods that gained Bybanen access have seen price increases of 10% to 20% above citywide trends over the five years following station openings, as Fyllingsdalen demonstrated after Bybanen line 2 opened and ridership jumped significantly.

You'll find our latest property market analysis about Bergen here.

Which Areas in Bergen Should I Avoid as a Property Investor?

Which neighborhoods in Bergen with lots of problems I should avoid and why?

Rather than specific "bad neighborhoods," Bergen investors should avoid certain scenarios: any building where your rental strategy conflicts with legal limits, properties directly adjacent to multi-year construction zones, and buildings with unclear cooperative (borettslag) bylaws that may restrict your intended use.

The main problems to watch for differ by Bergen situation:

• Eierseksjon buildings for short-term rental: Norway's 90-day annual cap on Airbnb-style rentals makes full-time STR illegal in most condos.
• Borettslag cooperatives: Rules can be even stricter than the law requires, with some boards prohibiting any short-term letting.
• Sandviken and inner approaches (2026 to 2028): Bybanen construction will cause disruption that affects lettability for several years.
• Older buildings in Bergen: Vest: Many have deferred maintenance and high cooperative fees that eat into rental returns.

For these Bergen areas to become viable investment options, the key changes needed would be: clearer building bylaw communication before purchase, completion of the Bybanen construction phase, or renovation programs that address deferred maintenance in older cooperative housing stock.

Buying a property in the wrong neighborhood is one of the mistakes we cover in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying property in Bergen.

Which areas in Bergen have stagnant or declining property prices as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the Bergen areas showing relative price stagnation include outer parts of Bergen: Nord/Øst (especially car-dependent pockets of Åsane), some cooperative-heavy segments of Bergen: Vest with strict rental bylaws, and parts of Arna where commute times discourage buyers in a high-rate environment.

These underperforming Bergen areas have shown near-flat quarterly price changes even when yearly figures appear positive, with some outer zones lagging the citywide average by 3% to 5% over the past two years as buyers prioritize shorter commutes during the high interest rate period.

The underlying causes of stagnation differ by Bergen area:

• Outer Åsane: Buyers are waiting for Bybanen completion rather than paying current prices for car-dependent locations.
• Cooperative-heavy Bergen: Vest: Strict borettslag rental rules reduce investor demand and limit the buyer pool.
• Arna: The commute profile has not improved, and families prioritize Bybanen-connected alternatives like Fyllingsdalen.

Which Areas in Bergen Have the Best Long-Term Appreciation Potential?

Which areas in Bergen have historically appreciated the most recently?

The Bergen areas that have historically appreciated the most over the past five to ten years are the tight Sentrum core around postcodes 5003 and 5005, the Nordnes peninsula, Møhlenpris and Nygård near the university, and more recently Fyllingsdalen following the Bybanen line 2 opening.

These top-performing Bergen areas have achieved notable appreciation:

• Sentrum core (5003/5005): Prices reached approximately 74,000 NOK per square meter, up roughly 40% over ten years.
• Nordnes: Consistent 4% to 6% annual growth driven by scarcity and waterfront desirability.
• Møhlenpris and Nygård: Around 5% annual appreciation supported by constant student and young professional demand.
• Fyllingsdalen: Accelerated growth of 6% to 8% annually since Bybanen line 2 opened in 2022.

The main driver of above-average appreciation in these Bergen areas has been the combination of walkability to employment centers (universities, hospitals, city center offices) and reliable public transport access, which matters more than ever when high interest rates force buyers to prioritize practical locations over larger spaces further out.

By the way, you will find much more detailed trends and forecasts in our pack covering there is to know about buying a property in Bergen.

Which neighborhoods in Bergen are expected to see price growth in coming years?

The Bergen neighborhoods expected to see the strongest price growth in coming years are the Sandviken to Eidsvåg corridor along the Bybanen extension route, Fyllingsdalen where light rail benefits are still being priced in, Kronstad and Mindemyren with ongoing densification, and parts of Åsane that will gain direct Bybanen access.

Projected annual price growth for these high-potential Bergen neighborhoods:

• Sandviken and Eidsvåg: Expected 6% to 10% annually once Bybanen construction disruption passes and stations open.
• Fyllingsdalen: Continued 5% to 7% annual growth as the market fully adjusts to improved connectivity.
• Kronstad and Mindemyren: Projected 4% to 6% annually driven by new development and employer proximity.
• Åsane (near future stations): Potential 8% to 12% appreciation once Bybanen access becomes certain and operational.

The single most important catalyst for future price growth in these Bergen neighborhoods is the Bybanen extension to Åsane, which will fundamentally change the commute equation for northern Bergen and make car-optional living possible in areas that currently require driving.

What Do Locals and Expats Really Think About Different Areas in Bergen?

Which areas in Bergen do local residents consider the most desirable to live?

The Bergen areas that local residents consider most desirable to live are Nordnes, inner Sandviken with hillside views, Møhlenpris, and the tight Sentrum grid around postcodes 5003 and 5005, where prices reflect this strong local demand.

Each desirable Bergen area appeals to locals for specific reasons:

• Nordnes: Walkable peninsula with parks, cafés, and a neighborhood feel despite being minutes from the center.
• Inner Sandviken: Historic wooden houses, harbor views, and a quieter atmosphere than the tourist core.
• Møhlenpris: Young, vibrant area with good restaurants and proximity to both university and waterfront.
• Sentrum core: Maximum convenience for dining, culture, and transport with the trade-off of higher noise and cost.

The resident demographic in these locally-preferred Bergen areas tends to be established professionals, academics, and families with higher incomes who prioritize walkability and urban amenities over space, often choosing apartments over houses.

Local preferences in Bergen largely align with what foreign investors target, with one key difference: locals often value neighborhood character and long-term livability, while foreign investors may prioritize rental yield or short-term rental potential, which can lead to different building and location choices.

Which neighborhoods in Bergen have the best reputation among expat communities?

The Bergen neighborhoods with the best reputation among expat communities are Nordnes, the central Sentrum grid near Bryggen, inner Sandviken, and Nygård/Møhlenpris near the University of Bergen campus.

Expats prefer these Bergen neighborhoods for practical reasons:

• Nordnes and Sentrum: Easy to navigate without a car, with English widely spoken in shops and restaurants.
• Inner Sandviken: Scenic harbor views and historic charm while remaining walkable to the city center.
• Nygård and Møhlenpris: Strong international student and academic community creates a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers.

The expat profile most commonly found in these Bergen neighborhoods includes international students and researchers at the University of Bergen, professionals working in energy and maritime industries, and English-speaking families who want to minimize the challenges of adapting to a new city.

Which areas in Bergen do locals say are overhyped by foreign buyers?

The Bergen areas that locals commonly say are overhyped by foreign buyers are the tightest Bryggen and Vågen waterfront core, parts of Nordnes closest to tourist attractions, and prestige hillside addresses like Bellevue where foreign buyers pay extreme premiums.

Locals believe these Bergen areas are overvalued for specific reasons:

• Bryggen and Vågen core: Tourist crowds, cruise ship noise, and short-term rental conflicts make daily living less pleasant than prices suggest.
• Tourist-adjacent Nordnes: Summer congestion and rising neighborhood tensions over Airbnb reduce quality of life.
• Bellevue and prestige hillsides: Extreme prices for views that locals consider nice but not worth multiples of normal Bergen prices.

Foreign buyers typically value the iconic postcard views, historic atmosphere, and perceived prestige of these Bergen addresses, while locals prioritize practical factors like grocery access, parking, neighborhood quiet, and avoiding tourist-related inconveniences that affect daily life.

By the way, we've written a blog article detailing the experience of buying a property as a foreigner in Bergen.

Which areas in Bergen are considered boring or undesirable by residents?

The Bergen areas that residents commonly consider boring or undesirable are the outer parts of Åsane far from planned Bybanen stations, car-dependent sections of Arna, and some monotonous post-war housing blocks in outer Loddefjord and Olsvik.

Residents find these Bergen areas boring or undesirable for specific reasons:

• Outer Åsane: Strip-mall character, car dependency, and lack of cafés or walkable neighborhood centers.
• Car-dependent Arna: Long commutes, limited evening activities, and a dormitory-suburb feel.
• Outer Loddefjord and Olsvik: Uniform 1960s-70s block architecture with few distinctive amenities or character.

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.