How profitable are Airbnb rentals in Norway? (January 2026)

If you're thinking about investing in Norwegian rental property, understanding actual returns is essential before making any purchase.

Norway has a unique rental market where property prices are high relative to rents, meaning yields tend to be more modest than in many other European countries.

We constantly update this blog post with the latest data so you always have current figures.

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 Norway.

Who is the author of this content?

INVESTROPA

A team specialized in real estate investing in European countries

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 Norway. If you’d like to learn more about us, you can check our presentation page.

What are the rental yields in Norway as of 2026?

What's the average gross rental yield in Norway as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the average gross rental yield across all residential property types in Norway is approximately 4.2%, meaning landlords typically collect annual rent equal to about 4.2% of their property's market value before expenses.

Most typical residential properties fall within a gross yield range of 3.3% to 5.5%, with variation depending on location, property type, and unit size.

Compared to the broader European market, Norway's gross yields are on the lower end because the country has one of the highest price-to-rent ratios in the OECD.

The most important factor influencing gross rental yields in Norway right now is the combination of persistently high property prices and a tight rental market where rents grow steadily but not fast enough to catch up with purchase prices.

What's the average net rental yield in Norway as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the average net rental yield in Norway is approximately 3.1%, which is what landlords actually keep after paying all recurring ownership costs.

The typical difference between gross and net yields in Norway is around 1 to 1.2 percentage points, reflecting the country's meaningful landlord cost stack.

The expense category that most significantly reduces gross yield is property management and maintenance combined, especially since many landlords use professional managers charging 8% to 10% of rent.

Most standard investment properties deliver net yields between 2.3% and 4.1%, depending on whether you self-manage, property age, and whether your municipality levies property tax.

By the way, you will find much more detailed rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Norway.

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.

What yield is considered "good" in Norway in 2026?

Local investors in Norway generally consider a gross rental yield of 4.5% or higher to be "good" because it meaningfully exceeds the national average and provides a cushion above borrowing costs.

The threshold separating average from high-performing properties is around 5.5% gross yield, achievable in select neighborhoods with strong renter demand but more affordable purchase prices.

How much do yields vary by neighborhood in Norway as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the spread in gross rental yields between the highest and lowest-yield neighborhoods is substantial, ranging from around 2.8% in prime areas to 6.5% in well-connected but less prestigious pockets.

Neighborhoods delivering the highest yields are well-connected "non-prime" areas like Grünerløkka, Ensjø, and Løren in Oslo, Laksevåg and Fyllingsdalen in Bergen, or Moholt and Ranheim in Trondheim.

The lowest-yield neighborhoods are prestigious, expensive areas where property prices outpace rents, including Frogner and Majorstuen in Oslo, Bergenhus in Bergen, Midtbyen in Trondheim, and Eiganes in Stavanger.

Yields vary dramatically because property prices in premium areas reflect lifestyle appeal and scarcity, while rents are constrained by what tenants can actually afford.

By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Norway.

How much do yields vary by property type in Norway as of 2026?

As of early 2026, gross rental yields range from around 3% for detached houses up to nearly 6% for compact apartments.

Small apartments, particularly studios and one-bedroom units, deliver the highest average gross yield at 3.8% to 5.8% because they command high rent per square meter while having lower purchase prices.

Detached houses deliver the lowest average gross yield at 3% to 4.6%, because their higher purchase prices are not matched by proportionally higher rents.

Yields differ because tenant demand concentrates in urban, convenience-driven locations where apartments dominate, while detached houses attract fewer renters.

By the way, you might want to read the following:

What's the typical vacancy rate in Norway as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the average residential vacancy rate in Norway is estimated at 3% to 5%, roughly two to three weeks per year when a property sits empty between tenants.

Vacancy rates range from 2% in high-demand central areas of Oslo, Bergen, and Stavanger, up to 6% in student-heavy submarkets where leases cluster around the academic calendar.

The main factor driving vacancy rates is the persistent shortage of rental housing in major cities, keeping demand strong for well-located units.

Norway's vacancy rate is low compared to many European markets, reflecting a structurally tight rental market where construction has not kept pace with urban population growth.

Finally please note that you will have all the indicators you need in our property pack covering the real estate market in Norway.

What's the rent-to-price ratio in Norway as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the average rent-to-price ratio in Norway is approximately 0.35% monthly, meaning monthly rent equals about 0.35% of a property's purchase price, annualizing to roughly 4.2% gross yield.

Buy-to-let investors consider a rent-to-price ratio of 0.38% monthly or higher favorable, corresponding to about 4.5% gross yield and providing enough margin for positive cash flow.

Norway's rent-to-price ratio is lower than most comparable European markets because the price-to-rent ratio sits around 30 years, among the highest in the OECD.

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.

Which neighborhoods and micro-areas in Norway give the best yields as of 2026?

Where are the highest-yield areas in Norway as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the highest-yield neighborhoods include Ensjø, Løren, and Grønland in Oslo, Laksevåg and Fyllingsdalen in Bergen, and Moholt in Trondheim, all combining strong renter demand with prices below city-center peaks.

These areas typically deliver gross yields of 5% to 6.5%, significantly above Norway's national average.

The main characteristic they share is good transit connections and proximity to employment or education centers without commanding premium prices, creating a sweet spot where rents are strong relative to purchase costs.

You'll find a much more detailed analysis of the areas with high profitability potential in our property pack covering the real estate market in Norway.

Where are the lowest-yield areas in Norway as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the lowest-yield neighborhoods include Frogner and Majorstuen in Oslo, Bergenhus and Sandviken in Bergen, and Eiganes in Stavanger, where prestigious addresses command premium prices that rents cannot justify.

These areas typically deliver gross yields of 2.8% to 3.5%, barely covering financing costs for many investors.

Yields are compressed because buyers pay a substantial premium for prestige and lifestyle amenities, while tenants pay rents based only on practical value.

Buying a property in a low-yield area is one of the mistakes we cover in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying property in Norway.

Which areas have the lowest vacancy in Norway as of 2026?

As of early 2026, neighborhoods with the lowest vacancy rates include Grünerløkka and Sagene in Oslo, Sentrum in Bergen, and Midtbyen in Trondheim, where central locations and excellent transit keep demand strong.

These areas typically experience vacancy rates of just 1% to 2.5%, meaning properties rarely sit empty for more than a week or two.

The main demand driver is proximity to jobs, public transport, and urban amenities, attracting young professionals and students who prioritize convenience.

The trade-off is that property prices are higher, compressing yields, so you get reliable occupancy but lower percentage returns.

Which areas have the most renter demand in Norway right now?

The neighborhoods with strongest renter demand include inner east Oslo around Grünerløkka and Gamle Oslo, central Bergen near Bergenhus and Årstad, and Trondheim's university-adjacent areas like Moholt and Lerkendal.

The renter profile driving demand is young professionals aged 25 to 40 and students who prioritize walkable neighborhoods with good transport over larger living spaces.

In these high-demand areas, well-priced listings typically get filled within one to two weeks, with desirable units often receiving multiple applications within days.

If you want to optimize your cashflow, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Norway.

Which upcoming projects could boost rents and rental yields in Norway as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the top infrastructure projects expected to boost rents include the Fornebu Line metro in Oslo, the Mindemyren redevelopment in Bergen, and the Nyhavna transformation in Trondheim.

Neighborhoods most likely to benefit include Fornebu, Lysaker, and Skøyen along Oslo's new metro, the Wergeland and Mindemyren corridor in Bergen, and areas surrounding Nyhavna in Trondheim.

Investors might realistically expect rent increases of 5% to 15% in directly affected neighborhoods once completed, with largest gains in areas that currently lack good transit.

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

What property type should I buy for renting in Norway as of 2026?

Between studios and larger units in Norway, which performs best in 2026?

As of early 2026, studios and compact one-bedroom apartments outperform larger units in both yield and occupancy, attracting tenants who prioritize location and affordability over space.

Studios typically achieve gross yields of 4.5% to 5.8%, with monthly rents of NOK 10,000 to 14,000 (USD 900 to 1,300 or EUR 850 to 1,200), while larger three-bedroom units yield 3.5% to 4.5%.

The main factor is that Norway's urban renter population is weighted toward single professionals, students, and couples who need affordable central housing and will pay premium rent per square meter.

Larger units become better investments in family-oriented suburbs like parts of Bærum near Oslo or Fyllingsdalen in Bergen, where families pay higher total rents and stay longer.

What property types are in most demand in Norway as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the most in-demand property type is the well-located apartment, particularly two-room units in neighborhoods with good transport and walkable amenities.

The top three types by tenant demand are compact urban apartments, efficient two-bedroom apartments for couples or small families, and row houses in suburbs with fast commuting.

The primary trend driving demand is Norway's continued urbanization, with young adults delaying home purchases and preferring convenient city apartments over commuting from outlying areas.

Large detached houses in rural locations are underperforming and will likely remain so, because tenants wanting that lifestyle typically prefer to buy.

What unit size has the best yield per m² in Norway as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the unit size delivering the best gross yield per square meter is 25 to 45 square meters, corresponding to studios and compact one-bedrooms in urban locations.

These units achieve gross yields per square meter of NOK 200 to 280 monthly (USD 18 to 25 or EUR 17 to 24), compared to NOK 140 to 180 for larger apartments.

Smaller units below 25 square meters face regulatory complications, while units above 60 square meters spread fixed costs across more floor space, diluting the rent premium.

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

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 costs cut my net yield in Norway as of 2026?

What are typical property taxes and recurring local fees in Norway as of 2026?

As of early 2026, annual property tax for a typical rental apartment ranges from NOK 0 to 30,000 (USD 0 to 2,700 or EUR 0 to 2,550), depending entirely on whether your municipality levies property tax.

Other recurring fees include water, sewage, and waste charges, typically NOK 8,000 to 20,000 annually (USD 720 to 1,800 or EUR 680 to 1,700) depending on property size and municipality.

Combined, property taxes and municipal fees typically represent 3% to 8% of gross rental income, with the range reflecting significant variation in local tax policies.

By the way, we cover all the hidden fees and taxes in our property pack covering the real estate market in Norway.

What insurance, maintenance, and annual repair costs should landlords budget in Norway right now?

Annual landlord insurance costs NOK 4,000 to 10,000 (USD 360 to 900 or EUR 340 to 850), with higher premiums for rental-specific coverage including tenant damage and unpaid rent.

Budget 0.7% to 1.5% of property value annually for maintenance and repairs, meaning NOK 28,000 to 60,000 (USD 2,500 to 5,400 or EUR 2,400 to 5,100) for a NOK 4 million apartment.

The repair expense that most commonly catches landlords off guard is water damage from plumbing failures or ice-related issues, which can be expensive in Norway's climate.

In total, budget NOK 35,000 to 75,000 annually (USD 3,150 to 6,750 or EUR 3,000 to 6,400) for insurance, maintenance, and repairs combined.

Which utilities do landlords typically pay, and what do they cost in Norway right now?

In Norway, tenants typically pay electricity directly, while landlords more commonly cover shared heating in some complexes and municipal water and waste fees that cannot be individually metered.

When landlords include utilities, monthly cost runs NOK 1,500 to 4,000 (USD 135 to 360 or EUR 130 to 340), with electricity being the largest variable that can spike during cold winters.

What does full-service property management cost, including leasing, in Norway as of 2026?

As of early 2026, full-service property management typically costs 8% to 10% of monthly rent, meaning NOK 1,200 to 1,500 (USD 108 to 135 or EUR 102 to 128) monthly for a NOK 15,000 rental.

The typical leasing fee is half to one full month's rent, so finding a new tenant costs an additional NOK 7,500 to 15,000 (USD 675 to 1,350 or EUR 640 to 1,275) each turnover.

What's a realistic vacancy buffer in Norway as of 2026?

As of early 2026, landlords should set aside 3% to 5% of annual rental income as a vacancy buffer, accounting for gaps between tenants and property refresh time.

Norwegian landlords typically experience one to three weeks of vacancy per year in desirable urban locations, stretching to three to four weeks in student-heavy areas.

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 Norway, 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) Rental Market Survey	Norway's official rent-level survey and key input to the Consumer Price Index.	We used it as the anchor for typical rent levels by area and size. We cross-checked with market indexes for realistic early 2026 estimates.
SSB Statbank Rental Tables	Official SSB database where rent tables are published and reproducible.	We validated that rent levels vary by geography and unit size. We applied those patterns to keep this article representative of Norway.
SSB Housing Conditions	Official register-based view of how Norwegians live, including ownership versus renting.	We grounded the typical landlord product in Norway. We kept the yield discussion focused on normal residential stock.
SSB Dwellings Statistics	Official dwelling-stock statistics used by government and planners.	We identified which property types are common in Norway. We excluded niche categories like cabins from yield calculations.
Eiendom Norge Market Updates	Industry body behind widely cited housing market statistics in Norway.	We captured latest rent growth and regional differences. We adjusted late-2025 levels into early-2026 estimates.
Eiendom Norge Rental Reports	Primary distribution point for Norway's major rental price reports.	We understood how rents moved by big-city region. We explained why yields differ by neighborhood characteristics.
Eiendom Norge Methodology PDF	Documents data providers including Eiendomsverdi, FINN, and professional landlords.	We justified using the rental index as a market-based cross-check. We stayed consistent with the same city buckets throughout.
OECD Housing Price Indicators	Standardized cross-country housing indicators with transparent definitions.	We sanity-checked that Norway's buy-versus-rent balance is structurally high-price. We framed what a good yield means in context.
Norges Bank Monetary Policy Report	Norway's central bank, primary reference for rates, housing, and macro.	We explained why 2026 yields are shaped by interest rates and weak construction. We interpreted why rents rise even when sales change.
Skatteetaten Property Tax Explainer	Official tax authority explaining municipal property tax.	We modeled realistic property tax in net-yield calculations. We warned that tax depends on municipality rules and valuation.
Skatteetaten Rental Tax Rules	Official reference for landlord deductions and limitations.	We explained why net yield depends on deductibility and letting situation. We set conservative assumptions.
Oslo Kommune Fornebu Line	Official project page for one of Norway's biggest transit expansions.	We used it as concrete example of infrastructure lifting rental demand. We named Oslo neighborhoods likely to benefit.
Bergen Kommune Mindemyren	Municipality's documentation of a major Bergen redevelopment zone.	We identified where new supply, jobs, and amenities may change rent dynamics. We gave Bergen-specific neighborhood examples.
Trondheim Kommune Nyhavna Plan	Official municipal plan for a large redevelopment area.	We pointed to a real pipeline location shifting tenant demand. We named Trondheim micro-areas with rent potential.
Utleiemegleren Management Pricing	Major Norwegian rental manager with published fee schedule.	We benchmarked property management and leasing costs. We cross-checked with another broker to avoid relying on one firm.
Krogsveen Management Pricing	Large national brokerage with published rental fees.	We triangulated realistic management percentage assumptions. We used the overlap between firms for a defensible range.
SSB Electricity Prices	Official Norwegian statistics for household electricity costs.	We anchored the utilities discussion. We justified why utilities included can materially change net yields.
Husbanken Rental Market Assessment	Norway's state housing bank providing authoritative market assessments.	We understood vacancy dynamics and market tightness. We justified vacancy rate estimates and demand assessments.
Global Property Guide Norway Yields	Established international real estate data provider with consistent methodology.	We cross-checked our yield estimates. We compared their Norway figures to ensure realistic range.
Global Property Guide Price-to-Rent	Standardized price-to-rent ratios for international comparison.	We contextualized Norway's position relative to other markets. We explained why Norwegian yields are modest internationally.
Oslo Kommune 2026 Municipal Fees	Official announcement of municipal fees for Norway's capital.	We provided current fee levels for cost calculations. We noted where increases were larger.
If Insurance Rental Coverage	One of Norway's largest insurers with detailed coverage descriptions.	We understood rental-specific insurance coverage in Norway. We set realistic insurance cost assumptions.