All sources have been thoroughly verified for credibility. Furthermore, a local real estate expert has reviewed and approved the final article.
Yes, the analysis of Odense's property market is included in our pack
Thinking of buying a property in Odense? You're not alone!
Many people are captivated by Odense's Danish charm and dream of owning a cozy townhouse or a modern apartment in this city.
Would it be a good investment, though? Are property prices increasing in Odense? What is the price per sqm? Should you consider buying in the city center or Vesterbro? Are there any secret taxes? Where are the best yields?
We've solved it for you.
The Investropa team has really dug into this market. Actually, we've put all our findings together in a pack. Get it now.
In this article, get ready to receive valuable insights from us.
How is the real estate market in Odense?
Is the property market going up or down? People have different ideas. Us? We rely on the latest data and stats for accurate answers.
Types of properties
In Odense, you can find a variety of properties for sale, including apartments, houses, townhouses, and plots of land.
Apartments offer convenient city living, while houses provide more space and often come with yards. Townhouses blend elements of both apartments and houses, offering a balance between urban and suburban living.
If you're looking to build your own home, plots of land are available for sale, allowing you to design and construct your dream property.
Whether you prefer modern urban living, traditional houses, or the chance to create your own space, Odense has a range of property options to suit your needs.
Better to buy or rent?
(If you're keeping it for yourself and not renting it)
Whether you're already living in Odense or considering it for your future, you might be wondering about the advantages of buying a property versus renting in this Danish city.
Without a doubt, it's better to buy if you want to build long-term wealth, enjoy stable housing costs, and benefit from potential tax deductions.
To make a good decision, consider the property price-to-rent ratio. It's a way to understand how many years of rental income you need to cover the property's current price.
According to Numbeo, the property price-to-rent ratio in Odense is around 14.5, which is below the world average.
In simple terms, it would typically require 15 years of rental payments, on average, to buy a property in Odense. If you plan to stay that much (or even less, since you can re-sell), it's better to buy.
Property prices in Odense
On average, according to the last data from Statistics Denmark, buying a property in Odense would cost you around $3,240 per square meter.
It's evident that there are significant disparities. A city-center apartment in Odense might have a different price per square meter than a suburban house. We actually give you a more detailed breakdown in our pack for buying property in Odense and in Denmark.
To give you some context, it is 5.9 times less than the prices in the center of New York.
Also, housing prices in Odense are 55% cheaper than in Copenhagen.
The most expensive neighbourhoods in Odense are probably Vollsmose, Hjallese, and Munke Mose, while the cheapest neighbourhoods are likely Fruens Bøge, Ørbæk, and Nørre Stenbro.
Trends
First and foremost, we have to acknowledge that Denmark is, today, one of the most stable countries in the world. The last Fragile State Index that has been reported for this place is 18.1.
Remember this when thinking about whether it's a good idea to buy a property in Odense.
Also, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Denmark's economy is expected to soar by 6% in the coming 5 years, resulting in an average GDP growth rate of 1.2%.
If you want to invest in real estate in Odense it's a good thing because when the economy grows, people often experience an increase in wealth, it typically translates to a surge in housing costs.
Also, in Denmark, the average GDP per capita has changed by 6.3% over the last 5 years. It's a solid number.
These are positive signals showing that property prices in Odense might increase in 2024 and during the coming years.
Looking for more updated data? We've done a big-picture study to find out if it's a good idea to purchase property in Denmark right now.
Buying property in Odense
It can be difficult to buy property in Odense due to the lack of reliable and up-to-date information available. That's why we have created the pack to buy property in Odense and in Denmark.
Buying process
In our pack, we've explained the entire process of buying properties in a detailed way. We've pointed out the mistakes to steer clear of, shared tips for finding properties that give you the best returns, and provided information about taxes and necessary documents.
Now, we're giving you a simplified version of the buying process.
This is the step-by-step process to purchase a property in Odense, Denmark:
- Research the property market and assess your financial capacity.
- Hire a certified real estate agent to help find suitable properties.
- Obtain a mortgage pre-approval from a Danish bank.
- View properties and check their energy performance certificates (EPC).
- Make a written offer to the seller through your agent.
- Negotiate the final price and conditions of the purchase.
- Conduct a thorough property survey and inspection.
- Draft a legally binding purchase agreement (Købsaftale) with your attorney.
- Pay a deposit (typically 10% of the property price) upon signing the agreement.
- Gather necessary documents, including a deed (Skøde), to transfer ownership.
- Finalize the purchase by paying the remaining amount to the seller.
- Register the property with the Danish Land Registry (Tinglysning) to complete the process.
Also, if you're not from the country, you might want to check our article on how to buy property as a foreigner in Denmark.
Make a profitable investment in Odense
Better information leads to better decisions. Save time and money. Download our guide.
Where to find a property
Discover your ideal property in Odense with the help of these websites.
- Housing Denmark - Providing assistance in finding homes, renting properties, and managing project rentals.
- Findboliger - One of Denmark's largest rental property platforms with over 20 years of experience in the rental market.
- BoligPortal - A property rental service in Denmark offering a wide range of rental properties in popular cities.
- Engel & Volkers - Offering a selection of properties available for purchase, including prices, surface area, and location.
- lifeX - Offering beautifully designed and spacious shared apartments for coliving solutions in Aarhus.
Also, know that we have included contacts of real estate agencies, property lawyers, moving companies, expats communities and more in our pack for buying property in Denmark.
What you can get
As mentioned before, the average price per sqm in Odense is $3,240. A 1-bedroom property with a size of 60 square meters would cost approximately $194,000, and a 2-bedroom property with a size of 85 square meters would cost approximately $275,000.
Of course, the price of properties can be influenced by their qualities and the area they're in.
Top neighborhoods in Odense will come with higher price tags. An apartment in Hunderup could be about $370,000, while an apartment in the City Center might cost you around $340,000.
But, there are cheaper places. You may find a residence in Vollsmose for $320,000, or you could locate one in Tarup priced at only $200,000.
Find a more detailed price list in our full pack for buying property in Denmark.
Mistakes to avoid
Here are the main pitfalls when buying a property in Odense, Denmark:
- Overlooking preservation restrictions on historic properties.
- Misinterpreting "cooperative ownership" models unique to Denmark.
- Underestimating heating costs due to cold and damp weather.
- Not considering wind turbine proximity affecting property value.
- Ignoring strict noise regulations near entertainment districts.
- Not accounting for higher property transfer taxes in Denmark.
- Overlooking restrictions on foreign buyers in certain areas.
- Failing to understand complex mortgage options and interest rates in the country.
We don't want this to happen to you, so we have included a full checklist for your property investment in our pack of documents. Avoid these mistakes and save a lot of money.
Everything you need to know is included in our Denmark Property Pack
Living in Odense
Odense is a vibrant city with plenty of cultural and recreational activities, making it an ideal place to purchase property.
Cost of living
The cost of living in Odense is generally lower than in other cities in Denmark. Prices for food, rent, and utilities are all relatively low compared to other cities in Europe.
Here are some examples to better understand the cost of living in Odense, Denmark:
- A pint of Danish beer (e.g., Carlsberg) at a local pub: $5-$7.
- Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the charming neighborhood of Hunderup: $1,200-$2,000 per month.
- Monthly FynBus public transportation pass for urban zones: $80-$120.
- A bottle of Danish mineral water (e.g., Aqua d'Or) at a grocery store: $1-$2.
- Utilities (electricity, heating, cooling) for an 85m² apartment in Odense: $100-$150.
- A Danish pastry (wienerbrød) at a bakery: $3-$5.
- Entrance fee to the Hans Christian Andersen Museum: $10-$15.
- Health insurance coverage for a family of four: $300-$500 per month.
Neighbourhoods
Since we like to make information easy to understand, we've created a summary table outlining the various neighborhoods in Odense. For yields, prices and rents, check our property pack.
| Neighborhood | Description | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|
Northeast | Northeast is a quiet and residential area with abundant green spaces, making it ideal for families. It also has good public transport connections. | Green spaces, family-friendly, good public transport. | Limited entertainment options, fewer amenities compared to the city center. |
City Center | The City Center is the heart of Odense, bustling with shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. It offers a vibrant and lively atmosphere for residents and tourists. | Central location, diverse entertainment options, cultural attractions. | Higher living costs, limited parking, can be noisy. |
Southwest | Southwest is a charming neighborhood with a mix of historic buildings and modern developments. It's well-connected and has a range of schools and healthcare facilities. | Charming architecture, good transportation links, access to schools and healthcare. | Some areas might be expensive, limited green spaces. |
Southeast | Southeast is a diverse neighborhood known for its cultural diversity and international cuisine. It has several parks and recreational areas. | Cultural diversity, international dining options, parks. | Can be crowded, limited parking in some areas. |
Northwest | Northwest is a mix of residential and industrial zones. It has affordable housing options and is close to the outskirts of the city. | Affordable housing, proximity to the outskirts. | Industrial areas, limited amenities, may lack green spaces. |
West | West is a suburban neighborhood with a peaceful atmosphere and a good sense of community. It offers a variety of recreational facilities. | Peaceful atmosphere, strong community, recreational facilities. | Less accessible to the city center, limited public transport. |
East | East is a developing area with new residential projects and commercial spaces. It's becoming popular among young professionals. | New developments, attractive to young professionals, potential for growth. | Construction sites, limited established amenities. |
Life in Odense
Odense is Denmark's third largest city and is home to a diverse and vibrant economy. The city is a major hub of the country's engineering, manufacturing, and technology industries, and is also a major tourism destination.
What expats usually like the most in Odense is the city's vibrant culture and the variety of attractions it offers, such as the Odense Zoo, Hans Christian Andersen Museum and Odense Palace.
A good point for a property investor - Odense has a light rail system, called Odense Letbane, which opened in December 2020.
Odense offers excellent access to healthcare with a wide range of public and private health services.
Finally, it is worth noting that the University of Southern Denmark ranks among the top 300 universities in the world.
Don't lose money on your property in Odense
100% of people who have lost money in Denmark have spent less than 1 hour researching the market. We have reviewed everything there is to know. Grab our guide now.
Renting out in Odense
This part is for you if you want to buy a property with the goal of renting it out and making money from it, rather than living there.
Long-term
Tenant Profiles in Odense
According to the data reported by Wikipedia, the home ownership rate in Denmark is 59%, which is not much.
It means that, if you decide to buy and rent out in Odense, there will be a lot of people who can become your potential tenants.
If you decide to buy and rent out to long-term tenants, you should target students, young professionals, and families in Odense. Other potential tenants include expats, international students, and retirees.
Here is a little summary table we've made for you.
| Property type and area | Profiles of potential tenants | What they are looking for | Expected monthly rent in $ |
|---|---|---|---|
Apartment in City Center | Professionals, students | Urban living, close to amenities | $1,000 - $1,800 |
House in Seden | Families, expats | Suburban comfort, green spaces | $1,500 - $2,800 |
Apartment in Tarup | Young professionals, couples | Quiet, residential area | $900 - $1,500 |
Studio in Dalum | Students, freelancers | Close to university, affordable | $700 - $1,200 |
Apartment in Hunderup | Professionals, families | Residential area, good schools | $1,200 - $2,300 |
Studio in Vollsmose | Low-income families, immigrants | Affordable housing options | $500 - $1,000 |
Rental yields
Nowadays, Odense offers some opportunities in terms of rental yields. Actually, you can easily achieve 7 or 8% due to the city's growing popularity and increasing demand for rental properties.
Rental yields in Odense are typically highest for apartments located in the city centre or in the popular harbourfront area, as these locations have high tenant demand and relatively low purchase prices. Additionally, properties located near universities and other educational institutions often provide good rental yields, due to the high demand for student accommodation.
For further explanation and a more detailed breakdown, you can check the reports and analyses we have made.
Finally, be aware that rental incomes in Odense are taxed at 52%, which is very high.
Short-term
You could also decide to rent short-term to students who are attending the University of Southern Denmark or to tourists visiting the city to explore its attractions such as the Funen Village and Odense Zoo.
If you decide to go with that option, look for properties in the city centre, near the university, or in the trendy neighbourhood of Vollsmose. These areas are popular among tourists and have good public transport connections.
There are approximately 825 active Airbnb listings in Odense, reflecting a dynamic short-term rental market. The average daily rate stands around $126.
You have the opportunity to generate a nice additional income stream then. Based on feedback from online testimonials and data analytics platforms such as AirDNA, Guesty, and Inside Airbnb, people who offer short-term rentals in Odense can make around $1200 per month. Also, the average occupancy rate is estimated at 67%.
Is it worth buying real estate in Odense then?
Buying a property in Odense can be a fantastic decision if you're in it for the long haul. The city's property market offers a range of options, from apartments to houses, at prices significantly more affordable than major Danish cities like Copenhagen.
If your plan is to build wealth over time, enjoy stable housing costs, and potentially benefit from tax deductions, then purchasing property in Odense makes sense. The property price-to-rent ratio in Odense is favorable for long-term residents, suggesting that buying becomes financially advantageous if you plan to stay for 15 years or more. Additionally, Denmark's stable economy and positive growth outlook indicate the potential for increasing property values in the coming years, making it a potentially lucrative investment.
However, if you're thinking of a short-term stay or unfamiliar with Denmark's real estate complexities, renting may be a more straightforward and cost-effective choice. High property transfer taxes and the intricacies of buying property as a foreigner can make the process cumbersome.
Moreover, the rental income tax rate of 52% in Odense can significantly eat into your earnings if you plan to rent out the property. For those not prepared for ongoing maintenance costs or concerned about market volatility, renting offers greater flexibility and peace of mind.
In essence, the decision to buy a property in Odense should align with your long-term financial goals and commitment to the city, as it presents excellent opportunities for wealth building and stability but may not be the ideal choice for short-term or less financially involved ventures.
Make sure you understand the real estate market in Odense
Don't rush into buying the wrong property in Denmark. Sit, relax and read our guide to avoid costly mistakes and make the best investment possible.
The content provided here is for informational purposes only and does not imply endorsement or advice. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee the completeness or reliability of the information, including text, images, links, or other elements in this material. Following the content and analyses presented here does not assure specific outcomes. For guidance tailored to your individual circumstances, it is recommended to consult with a professional, such as a lawyer, accountant, or business advisor.