Buying a house in Sweden in 2025 (full guide)

Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Sweden Property Pack

Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Sweden Property Pack

Sweden's residential property market has rebounded strongly in 2025, with lower interest rates and increased investment activity driving renewed buyer confidence. Whether you're looking to relocate to Sweden or invest in Nordic real estate, this guide answers the 12 most important questions foreign buyers ask about purchasing Swedish property.

If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Sweden, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.

Who is the author of this content?

INVESTROPA

A team specialized in real estate investing in European countries (Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, etc.).

We are a team of financial experts, legal professionals, developers, and local real estate specialists dedicated to helping people like you avoid mistakes when investing in real estate in a foreign place, particularly in Sweden. If you'd like to learn more about us, you can check our presentation page.

Can foreigners buy property in Sweden without restrictions?

Foreigners can legally purchase any type of residential property in Sweden without nationality restrictions.

Sweden has one of Europe's most open property markets, treating foreign and domestic buyers equally. You can buy houses, apartments, or land regardless of your citizenship, with no special prohibitions or additional requirements based on your nationality.

The Swedish government maintains this open policy to encourage international investment and cultural diversity. Unlike many other European countries that impose restrictions on foreign buyers, Sweden allows complete freedom in residential property purchases for citizens of any country.

The only exception involves certain agricultural properties, which may require a special permit. However, this restriction applies to both Swedish citizens and foreigners equally, ensuring fair treatment for all buyers regardless of origin.

This welcoming approach makes Sweden an attractive destination for international property investors and those looking to relocate to the Nordic region.

Do I need residency or citizenship to buy Swedish property?

You don't need a visa, residency permit, or Swedish citizenship to purchase property in Sweden.

As a foreign buyer, you can purchase Swedish property as a tourist, visitor, or foreign investor without any immigration status in the country. This flexibility allows international buyers to invest in Swedish real estate without the bureaucratic hurdles common in other countries.

It's something we develop in our Sweden property pack.

However, it's crucial to understand that owning property in Sweden does not grant you residency rights or help you obtain a residence permit. The Swedish Migration Agency handles immigration completely separately from property ownership, meaning your property purchase won't give you any advantage in visa or residency applications.

If you plan to live in Sweden long-term, you'll need to apply for appropriate visas through normal immigration channels based on work, study, family ties, or other qualifying criteria.

Which Swedish cities attract the most foreign buyers?

Stockholm leads as Sweden's capital, attracting buyers seeking strong capital growth potential and access to innovation hubs.

The major cities popular with international buyers include Stockholm for its economic opportunities and cultural life, Gothenburg as Sweden's second city with lower prices and excellent rental demand from its large expat community, and Malmö as the most affordable major city benefiting from proximity to Copenhagen.

University towns are increasingly popular, with Uppsala offering Sweden's highest rental yields at 7.04% and Lund showing 8.9% annual price growth. These cities attract investor buyers due to steady student demand and strong appreciation potential.

Emerging destinations include revitalized industrial cities like Norrköping with waterfront developments, Västerås offering lakeside living 100km from Stockholm, and Jönköping with its central location and strong local economy. The Kronoberg Region has become particularly popular with German and Dutch buyers seeking rural vacation homes.

Each location offers different advantages depending on whether you're seeking capital growth, rental income, or a lifestyle purchase in Sweden's varied landscape.

What's the complete process for buying Swedish property?

The Swedish property purchase process is streamlined and can be completed in as little as 2 weeks for cash purchases.

The process begins with property searching on platforms like Hemnet and Booli, followed by arranging financing if needed. Once you've found a suitable property, you'll view it and potentially arrange inspections before making an offer through the seller's agent.

After your offer is accepted, you'll sign a binding purchase agreement and pay a 10% deposit within 5 days. The remaining 90% is paid on the completion date when you receive the keys.

You must register your ownership with Lantmäteriet (the Land Registry) within 3 months of purchase to secure your legal title to the property.

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Can I buy Swedish property without visiting the country?

You can complete a Swedish property purchase entirely remotely through local representation and digital communication.

Many foreign buyers, particularly from Asia and North America, successfully purchase Swedish property without ever visiting. The process involves hiring a Swedish real estate agent to view properties and handle negotiations on your behalf, while you sign contracts via notarized copies or grant power of attorney to your representative.

Property viewings can be conducted via video calls with detailed property reports provided by your agent. Purchase funds are sent via international bank wire, and your agent can submit all Land Registry paperwork on your behalf to complete the registration process.

While remote purchasing is entirely feasible and commonly done, visiting at least once is recommended to understand the local area and property condition firsthand. This personal inspection can help avoid potential misunderstandings about property features, neighborhood characteristics, or local amenities that might not be fully captured in virtual tours.

The Swedish system is well-adapted to remote transactions, making it one of the easier European countries for distance property purchasing.

What documents do foreign buyers need?

Foreign buyers need a straightforward set of documents to purchase Swedish property, with all documents acceptable in English.

Essential documents include a valid passport or national ID card for EU citizens, proof of your current address (foreign addresses are acceptable) such as a utility bill or bank statement, and bank statements showing sufficient funds for the purchase and associated costs.

During the transaction, you'll need to sign the purchase contract prepared by the real estate agent and obtain a certificate of title from the municipality confirming ownership status. If using Swedish bank financing, you'll also need a mortgage deed, and while optional, a property survey report is strongly recommended for due diligence.

After purchase, you'll need to complete a real estate tax return for local tax registration. Some documents may require Swedish translation for Land Registry submission, but your real estate agent typically handles this process.

The documentation requirements are relatively simple compared to many other countries, reflecting Sweden's efficient and transparent property market.

Do I need a lawyer or real estate agent?

Real estate agents handle 90% of Swedish property transactions and effectively replace the need for lawyers in residential purchases.

Swedish real estate agents (mäklare) are highly trained professionals who prepare all contracts, guide both parties through the process, handle negotiations, and ensure legal compliance. While paid by the seller, they're legally obligated to remain impartial and protect both parties' interests.

It's something we develop in our Sweden property pack.

Unlike many other countries, lawyers or notaries are not required for residential property purchases in Sweden. The real estate agents have specific legal training for property transactions, making separate legal representation unnecessary for most residential purchases.

You may choose to hire a lawyer for complex transactions, commercial property purchases, or simply for extra peace of mind, but this is the exception rather than the rule. The Swedish system's reliance on professional real estate agents streamlines the process and reduces costs while maintaining legal security.

What are current property prices across Sweden?

Swedish property prices in 2025 show significant regional variation, with Stockholm remaining the most expensive market at €9,744 per square meter.

Major cities offer different price points to suit various budgets. Gothenburg, Sweden's second city, averages €5,446/m² with strong 7.3% annual growth, while university cities Uppsala and Lund both average €4,446/m² with the fastest appreciation at 8.9% annually.

Malmö presents the best value among major cities at €2,500/m², making a typical 60m² apartment available for around €150,000. Helsingborg offers a middle ground at €3,446/m² with solid 6.7% annual growth.

Market trends in 2025 show Stockholm maintaining its premium position but with slower growth, while university cities lead appreciation rates due to consistent demand from students and young professionals.

We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Sweden 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 investment returns can I expect?

Swedish property offers attractive rental yields averaging 5.56% nationally, with Uppsala leading at 7.04%.

Investment returns vary significantly by city and strategy. Uppsala provides the highest gross rental yields at 7.04% with monthly rents around €1,564 for a 60m² apartment, making it excellent for income-focused investors. Malmö follows with 6.02% yields at more affordable entry prices.

Gothenburg offers balanced returns with 4.96% rental yields and 7.3% annual capital growth, while Stockholm focuses more on long-term appreciation with historical averages of 5-7% annually despite lower yields of 4.23%.

University cities ensure steady demand and reliable long-term gains, while coastal vacation areas offer seasonal but strong appreciation potential. Your best investment strategy depends on your goals: choose Uppsala and Malmö for maximizing rental income, or Stockholm for long-term capital appreciation.

The Swedish market's stability, transparent regulations, and strong tenant protections make it attractive for long-term property investment despite varying yields across different regions.

What are all the costs of buying and owning Swedish property?

Total upfront costs typically add 2.9% to your property purchase price in Sweden.

The main purchase costs include stamp duty at 1.5% of the purchase price or tax value (whichever is higher), a registration fee of 825 SEK, and if you're using financing, a mortgage deed fee of 2% of the loan amount plus 375 SEK.

On a €300,000 property with a €200,000 mortgage, you'd pay €4,500 in stamp duty, €80 for registration, and €4,037 for the mortgage deed, totaling €8,617 in extra costs. Property inspections typically cost 3,000-5,000 SEK, while agent fees of 1.5-3% are paid by the seller.

Ongoing ownership costs include low municipal property tax for primary residences, property insurance of €500-1,500 annually, and apartment fees of €200-600 monthly if applicable. Budget approximately 1% of property value annually for maintenance reserves.

If you rent out your property, rental income is taxed at 30%, but you can deduct expenses including mortgage interest, maintenance, and insurance from your taxable income.

Can foreigners get Swedish mortgages?

Swedish mortgages are technically available to foreigners but most banks require a Swedish personal ID number and local employment.

Cash purchases are fully allowed with no restrictions on foreign currency sources and typically close in 2-4 weeks. This makes cash the most straightforward option for foreign buyers without Swedish residency.

For Swedish bank mortgages, requirements typically include a Swedish personnummer (personal ID number), Swedish employment or significant ties to the country, a minimum 15% down payment, and proof of income in Sweden. The average mortgage rate as of June 2025 is 3.09%, with a maximum loan-to-value ratio of 85%.

It's something we develop in our Sweden property pack.

Alternatives for foreign buyers include using a foreign bank mortgage from your home country, working with international private banks that offer Swedish property loans, negotiating seller financing (though this is rare), or most commonly, purchasing with cash.

Most foreign buyers without Swedish residency choose cash purchases or arrange financing from their home country to avoid the complexities of Swedish mortgage requirements.

What mistakes do foreign buyers commonly make?

The most common mistake is assuming property ownership grants residency rights in Sweden.

Foreign buyers often believe that purchasing property helps with immigration applications, but property ownership and residency are completely separate in Sweden. The Swedish Migration Agency doesn't consider property ownership when evaluating visa or residency applications.

Another frequent error is not visiting the property or area sufficiently before purchase. Relying solely on photos and virtual tours can lead to disappointment. Visit the property at different times and seasons if possible, or hire a trusted local agent for detailed reports including neighborhood dynamics and seasonal variations.

Underestimating total costs catches many buyers off-guard. Beyond the purchase price, add 3-4% for taxes and fees, plus ongoing maintenance costs. Research recent sales in the specific neighborhood, not just city averages, to avoid overpaying due to unfamiliarity with local market values.

Finally, attempting to navigate the Swedish system without local expertise often leads to complications. Use a registered real estate agent (fastighetsmäklare) who understands both Swedish law and foreign buyer needs to ensure a smooth transaction.

Conclusion

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.

Sources

1. Wise - Buying Property in Sweden Guide
2. ELRA (European Land Registry Association) - Sweden Property Limitations
3. Visa Guide World - Sweden Golden Visa
4. LinkedIn - Swedish Real Estate Ownership
5. Investropa - Sweden Property Areas
6. FX Compared - Swedish Vacation Homes
7. Investropa - Sweden Property Investment
8. Currency Fair - Guide to Buying Property in Sweden
9. Reddit - House Buying Timeline Sweden
10. ERES Conference Paper - Swedish Property Transactions
11. Fastighetsbyrån - English Language Support
12. CBRE Sweden - Real Estate Market Outlook 2025
13. Global Property Guide - Sweden Rental Yields
14. Savills - Sweden Real Estate Market Overview
15. Lantmäteriet - Stamp Duties and Fees
16. Trading Economics - Sweden Mortgage Rate
17. Expat Network - Property Purchase Mistakes
18. Investropa - Sweden Real Estate for Foreigners
19. Hurghadian Property - Top 10 Sweden Investment Destinations
20. Passione Lifestyle - Nordic Property Hotspots