Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Norway Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Oslo's property market is included in our pack
Oslo is one of Europe's most expensive cities for property, and if you're a foreigner looking to buy an apartment here in 2026, you'll want to know exactly what you're getting into.
This guide breaks down apartment prices, closing costs, monthly expenses, and neighborhood differences so you can plan your budget with confidence.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest market data and regulatory changes in Oslo's property market.
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 Oslo.
Insights
- Oslo apartments trade at roughly NOK 100,000 per square meter in early 2026, meaning a 60 m² apartment will cost you around NOK 6 million before any fees or taxes.
- Studios in Oslo carry a 10% to 15% price premium per square meter compared to larger apartments because small units are in extremely high demand among first-time buyers.
- The inner west neighborhoods of Oslo like Frogner and Majorstuen can cost nearly double per square meter compared to outer east areas like Stovner or Grorud.
- Borettslag apartments in Oslo often appear cheaper, but buyers must add the shared debt to the asking price, and this can add hundreds of thousands of kroner to the real cost.
- Oslo reduced its property tax rate for 2026 to 1.7 per mille, with a NOK 4.9 million deduction, so many standard apartments pay little or no property tax at all.
- Foreign buyers in Oslo typically need at least 15% down payment, though banks may require more equity from non-residents depending on their situation.
- Monthly common costs in Oslo apartments range from NOK 2,000 to over NOK 6,000, and high shared debt in a borettslag building can push this even higher.
- New-build apartments in Oslo cost roughly 10% to 20% more per square meter than comparable resale apartments due to developer margins and modern building standards.
- Electricity costs in Oslo fluctuate heavily by season, and the government's Norgespris scheme affects how much you actually pay, so budget NOK 800 to 2,000 monthly for power.
How much do apartments really cost in Oslo in 2026?
What's the average and median apartment price in Oslo in 2026?
As of January 2026, the median apartment price in Oslo sits around NOK 6.2 million (roughly $614,000 USD or €527,000 EUR), while the average is slightly higher at about NOK 6.8 million ($673,000 USD or €578,000 EUR) because luxury properties pull the average up.
When you look at price per square meter, Oslo apartments trade at a median of roughly NOK 100,000 per m² ($990 per sq ft or €8,500 per m²), with averages closer to NOK 105,000 per m² ($1,040 per sq ft or €8,900 per m²).
Most standard apartments in Oslo fall within a price range of NOK 4 million to NOK 9 million ($396,000 to $891,000 USD or €340,000 to €765,000 EUR), which covers everything from entry-level studios to comfortable three-bedroom units in decent locations.
How much is a studio apartment in Oslo in 2026?
As of January 2026, a typical studio apartment in Oslo costs around NOK 3.2 million ($317,000 USD or €272,000 EUR), though prices vary significantly based on location and building quality.
Entry-level to mid-range studios in Oslo generally fall between NOK 2.5 million and NOK 3.5 million ($248,000 to $347,000 USD or €213,000 to €298,000 EUR), while high-end or centrally located studios can reach NOK 4 million to NOK 5 million ($396,000 to $495,000 USD or €340,000 to €425,000 EUR).
Studios in Oslo typically measure between 25 and 35 square meters, and because they're so compact, they command a higher price per square meter (often NOK 105,000 to 115,000 per m²) than larger apartments due to strong demand from first-time buyers and investors.
How much is a one-bedroom apartment in Oslo in 2026?
As of January 2026, a typical one-bedroom apartment in Oslo costs around NOK 4.9 million ($485,000 USD or €417,000 EUR), making it the most accessible option for buyers who need a separate bedroom.
Entry-level to mid-range one-bedroom apartments in Oslo typically range from NOK 4 million to NOK 5.5 million ($396,000 to $545,000 USD or €340,000 to €468,000 EUR), while premium one-bedrooms in desirable neighborhoods can reach NOK 6 million to NOK 7 million ($594,000 to $693,000 USD or €510,000 to €595,000 EUR).
One-bedroom apartments in Oslo usually measure between 40 and 55 square meters, and they trade at around NOK 100,000 to 110,000 per square meter, slightly below studio premiums but still reflecting Oslo's tight housing supply.
How much is a two-bedroom apartment in Oslo in 2026?
As of January 2026, a typical two-bedroom apartment in Oslo costs around NOK 6.6 million ($653,000 USD or €561,000 EUR), which represents the sweet spot for couples and small families looking for reasonable space.
Entry-level to mid-range two-bedroom apartments in Oslo range from NOK 5.5 million to NOK 7.5 million ($545,000 to $743,000 USD or €468,000 to €638,000 EUR), while high-end two-bedrooms in prime areas like Frogner or Majorstuen can easily exceed NOK 9 million to NOK 12 million ($891,000 to $1.2 million USD or €765,000 to €1 million EUR).
By the way, you will find much more detailed price ranges for apartments in our property pack covering the property market in Oslo.
How much is a three-bedroom apartment in Oslo in 2026?
As of January 2026, a typical three-bedroom apartment in Oslo costs around NOK 9.2 million ($911,000 USD or €782,000 EUR), reflecting the premium that families pay for extra space in Norway's capital.
Entry-level to mid-range three-bedroom apartments in Oslo generally fall between NOK 7.5 million and NOK 10 million ($743,000 to $990,000 USD or €638,000 to €850,000 EUR), while luxury three-bedrooms in central or western Oslo can range from NOK 12 million to over NOK 18 million ($1.2 million to $1.8 million USD or €1 million to €1.5 million EUR).
Three-bedroom apartments in Oslo typically measure between 85 and 110 square meters, and they tend to have a lower price per square meter (around NOK 90,000 to 100,000 per m²) than smaller units, though the total price is obviously much higher.
What's the price gap between new and resale apartments in Oslo in 2026?
As of January 2026, new-build apartments in Oslo typically cost 10% to 20% more per square meter than comparable resale apartments, reflecting developer margins, modern energy standards, and premium finishes.
The average price per square meter for new-build apartments in Oslo sits around NOK 110,000 to 120,000 per m² ($1,090 to $1,190 per sq ft or €9,350 to €10,200 per m²), depending on the project and location.
Resale apartments in Oslo average closer to NOK 100,000 to 105,000 per m² ($990 to $1,040 per sq ft or €8,500 to €8,900 per m²), making them the more accessible option for budget-conscious buyers, though they may require renovations.
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Can I afford to buy in Oslo in 2026?
What's the typical total budget (all-in) to buy an apartment in Oslo in 2026?
As of January 2026, a typical all-in budget to buy a standard apartment in Oslo is around NOK 6.4 million to NOK 7 million ($634,000 to $693,000 USD or €544,000 to €595,000 EUR) for a median-priced unit, once you add purchase costs to the sale price.
Beyond the purchase price, your all-in budget in Oslo typically includes stamp duty (2.5% for selveier properties), registration fees at Kartverket, bank arrangement fees, and optionally a condition inspection or legal advice.
We go deeper and try to understand what costs can be avoided or minimized (and how) in our Oslo property pack.
You can also read our dedicated blog article to understand what you can at different budget levels in Oslo.
What down payment is typical to buy in Oslo in 2026?
As of January 2026, a typical down payment to buy an apartment in Oslo is 15% of the purchase price, which means roughly NOK 930,000 ($92,000 USD or €79,000 EUR) for a median-priced apartment at NOK 6.2 million.
Most banks in Norway require a minimum down payment of 15% of the property value, and this is set by financial regulations to ensure buyers have adequate equity in their homes.
To secure favorable mortgage terms with lower interest rates and more flexibility, a down payment of 20% to 25% is recommended, which would mean NOK 1.2 million to NOK 1.5 million ($119,000 to $149,000 USD or €102,000 to €128,000 EUR) for a median Oslo apartment.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates 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.
Which neighborhoods are cheapest or priciest in Oslo in 2026?
How much does the price per m² for apartments vary by neighborhood in Oslo in 2026?
As of January 2026, apartment prices per square meter in Oslo range from roughly NOK 75,000 per m² ($743 per sq ft or €6,375 per m²) in the cheapest areas to over NOK 140,000 per m² ($1,386 per sq ft or €11,900 per m²) in the most expensive neighborhoods.
The most affordable neighborhoods in Oslo include outer east districts like Stovner, Grorud, and Alna, where prices typically hover around NOK 75,000 to 90,000 per m² ($743 to $891 per sq ft or €6,375 to €7,650 per m²).
The most expensive neighborhoods in Oslo are found in the inner west and central areas, with Frogner, Majorstuen, and St. Hanshaugen commanding NOK 115,000 to 140,000+ per m² ($1,139 to $1,386+ per sq ft or €9,775 to €11,900+ per m²).
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Oslo.
What neighborhoods are best for first-time buyers on a budget in Oslo in 2026?
As of January 2026, the top three neighborhoods for budget-conscious first-time buyers in Oslo are Stovner, Grorud, and Søndre Nordstrand, all located in the outer eastern and southern parts of the city.
In these budget-friendly neighborhoods, apartment prices typically range from NOK 3 million to NOK 5 million ($297,000 to $495,000 USD or €255,000 to €425,000 EUR) for one- to two-bedroom units, which is significantly below the citywide median.
These areas offer good T-bane metro connections to central Oslo, local shopping centers, schools, and outdoor recreational spaces, making them practical choices for everyday living despite being further from the city center.
The main trade-off of buying in these outer neighborhoods is longer commute times to central Oslo (often 20 to 35 minutes by metro) and a perception among some buyers that these areas are less desirable, which affects resale liquidity.
Which neighborhoods have the fastest-rising apartment prices in Oslo in 2026?
As of January 2026, the neighborhoods with the fastest-rising apartment prices in Oslo include Majorstuen, Grünerløkka, and areas along the Skøyen-Lysaker corridor, all driven by strong demand and limited supply.
These fast-appreciating neighborhoods have seen estimated year-over-year price increases of 5% to 8% in late 2025, outpacing the citywide average of around 4% to 5% growth.
The main driver behind the rapid price growth in these areas is a combination of excellent transit access, urban regeneration projects, and the desirability of inner-city living among young professionals and families with purchasing power.
You can also read our latest update about property price forecasts in Oslo.
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What extra costs will I pay on top of the apartment price in Oslo in 2026?
What are all the buyer closing costs when you buy an apartment in Oslo?
The estimated total buyer closing cost for a typical apartment purchase in Oslo is around NOK 155,000 to 200,000 ($15,300 to $19,800 USD or €13,200 to €17,000 EUR) for a selveier property priced at the median of NOK 6.2 million.
The main categories of closing costs buyers must pay in Oslo include stamp duty (document tax) at 2.5% for selveier properties, registration fees at Kartverket for recording ownership and mortgage, and optional professional services like inspections or legal help.
The largest closing cost expense for buyers in Oslo is the stamp duty, which at 2.5% of the purchase price amounts to NOK 155,000 ($15,300 USD or €13,200 EUR) on a NOK 6.2 million apartment.
Bank arrangement fees and appraisal costs are somewhat negotiable or can vary between lenders, but the stamp duty and government registration fees are fixed by law and cannot be reduced.
On average, how much are buyer closing costs as a percentage of the purchase price for an apartment in Oslo?
The typical percentage of purchase price that buyers should budget for closing costs in Oslo is around 2.6% to 3.2% for selveier apartments (where stamp duty applies), or 0.2% to 0.8% for borettslag apartments (where stamp duty typically does not apply).
The realistic low-to-high percentage range that covers most standard Oslo apartment transactions is 0.5% to 3.5%, depending entirely on whether you're buying a selveier freehold unit or a borettslag cooperative share.
We actually cover all these costs and strategies to minimize them in our pack about the real estate market in Oslo.
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 ongoing monthly and yearly costs of an apartment in Oslo in 2026?
What are typical HOA fees in Oslo right now?
The estimated typical monthly HOA fee (called felleskostnader) for apartments in Oslo ranges from NOK 3,500 to NOK 5,000 ($347 to $495 USD or €298 to €425 EUR), though this varies significantly based on building type and shared debt levels.
The realistic range of HOA fees in Oslo runs from around NOK 2,000 per month ($198 USD or €170 EUR) for basic, low-debt buildings up to NOK 6,000 or more ($594+ USD or €510+ EUR) for buildings with elevators, extensive services, or high levels of shared debt in borettslag structures.
What utilities should I budget monthly in Oslo right now?
The estimated total monthly utility cost for a typical apartment in Oslo is around NOK 1,500 to NOK 2,500 ($149 to $248 USD or €128 to €213 EUR), covering electricity, internet, and any utilities not included in your common costs.
The realistic range of monthly utility costs in Oslo depends on apartment size and season, running from NOK 1,000 ($99 USD or €85 EUR) in summer months for a small unit up to NOK 3,000+ ($297+ USD or €255+ EUR) in winter for larger apartments with electric heating.
Specific utilities typically included in your monthly budget in Oslo are electricity (the main variable cost), internet and mobile services, and sometimes water or heating if these are not covered by your felleskostnader.
Electricity tends to be the most expensive utility for apartment owners in Oslo, especially during winter months, with the government's Norgespris scheme helping to moderate but not eliminate price volatility.
How much is property tax on apartments in Oslo?
The estimated typical annual property tax for an apartment in Oslo is NOK 0 to NOK 5,000 ($0 to $495 USD or €0 to €425 EUR) for most standard apartments, because the generous deduction means many properties fall below the taxable threshold.
Oslo's property tax for 2026 is calculated at 1.7 per mille (0.17%) of the assessed property value after a NOK 4.9 million deduction (bunnfradrag), meaning only the value above this threshold is taxed.
The realistic range of annual property tax in Oslo depends on property value: apartments valued at or below NOK 4.9 million pay nothing, while a NOK 8 million apartment would pay roughly NOK 5,300 ($525 USD or €450 EUR), calculated as (8,000,000 minus 4,900,000) times 0.0017.
If you want to go into more details, we also have a blog article detailing all the property taxes and fees in Oslo.
What's the yearly building maintenance cost in Oslo?
The estimated typical yearly building maintenance cost for apartment owners in Oslo is around NOK 5,000 to NOK 15,000 ($495 to $1,485 USD or €425 to €1,275 EUR) as a reserve for your share of long-term upkeep beyond what's covered in monthly fees.
The realistic range of yearly maintenance costs in Oslo runs from NOK 3,000 ($297 USD or €255 EUR) for newer buildings in good condition up to NOK 20,000 or more ($1,980+ USD or €1,700+ EUR) for older buildings with elevators, facades needing work, or major renovation projects.
Expenses typically included in building maintenance costs in Oslo cover facade repairs, roof work, plumbing upgrades, elevator maintenance, common area renovations, and contributions to the building's reserve fund for future projects.
In most Oslo apartment buildings, regular maintenance costs are included in your monthly felleskostnader, but special assessments for major projects (like a full facade renovation) are charged separately and can be substantial.
How much does home insurance cost in Oslo?
The estimated typical annual home insurance cost (innboforsikring or contents insurance) for an apartment in Oslo is around NOK 2,000 to NOK 3,600 ($198 to $356 USD or €170 to €306 EUR), which covers your personal belongings.
The realistic range of annual home insurance costs in Oslo depends on coverage level, deductibles, and the value of your possessions, running from NOK 1,800 ($178 USD or €153 EUR) for basic coverage up to NOK 5,000+ ($495+ USD or €425+ EUR) for comprehensive policies with high sum insured.
Contents insurance is not strictly mandatory in Oslo, but it is highly recommended and often required by mortgage lenders, while the building itself is typically insured through your borettslag or sameie common costs.
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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 Oslo, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Eiendom Norge | Norway's main real estate industry body publishing monthly housing price statistics | We used their December 2025 data to anchor our early 2026 price estimates. We also referenced their Oslo-specific market commentary. |
| FINN.no | Norway's dominant property marketplace with transparent, real-time market statistics | We used FINN's Oslo price-per-m² data as our primary benchmark. We verified our estimates against their current listing prices. |
| Statistics Norway (SSB) Electricity | Official national statistics agency publishing household electricity prices | We used SSB's price series to ground our utility budget estimates. We translated their per-kWh data into monthly cost ranges. |
| SSB New Dwellings Index | Official reference series for Norway's new-build price development | We used this to separate new-build from resale dynamics. We justified our 10-20% new-build premium using their methodology. |
| Oslo Municipality Budget | Official city communication explaining policy changes in plain language | We confirmed the 2026 property tax rate change and bunnfradrag level. We converted this into practical payment examples. |
| Lovdata | Norway's authoritative legal publication platform for regulations | We verified the exact 2026 residential property tax rate (1.7 per mille). We used this as legal backstop for our tax calculations. |
| Skatteetaten | Official Norwegian Tax Administration stating statutory rates | We sourced the 2.5% stamp duty rate from their guidance. We calculated closing costs using their official documentation. |
| Kartverket | Public authority that registers property rights and collects fees | We used their fee schedule for registration cost estimates. We framed these as predictable, government-set charges. |
| NVE | National regulator explaining electricity pricing schemes to consumers | We explained why 2026 utility budgets may vary with Norgespris. We reflected this in our utility cost range. |
| Forbrukerrådet | Official consumer watchdog translating complex pricing rules into advice | We triangulated consumer electricity cost impacts. We justified presenting utilities as a range rather than fixed amount. |
| OBOS | Norway's largest housing cooperative and standard reference for ownership concepts | We defined HOA/common costs in Norwegian context. We mapped typical line items into monthly budget guidance. |
| Huseierne | Major membership organization providing practical homeowner guidance | We triangulated what shared costs typically cover. We warned buyers about hidden drivers like shared debt. |
| Finans Norge | Main finance industry organization publishing insurance market statistics | We anchored our insurance cost range against industry data. We justified presenting premiums as a band rather than single figure. |
| Gjensidige | One of Norway's largest insurers publicly showing consumer pricing | We used their pricing as an order-of-magnitude check. We kept guidance as a range and told readers to compare offers. |
| Oslo Statistics Bank | Official city statistics portal with transparent definitions and data | We grounded Oslo prices using their total price definition. We kept borettslag examples consistent with their methodology. |
| Oslo Bydelsfakta | City's district-level statistics for comparing neighborhoods | We identified budget-friendly and premium districts. We verified ownership structure patterns across Oslo areas. |
| Nordvik Bolig | Major broker network publishing market statistics for Oslo | We cross-checked price estimates against broker data. We verified our price-per-m² figures were market-realistic. |
| Oslo Municipality Infrastructure | Official city announcements on major transit projects | We identified neighborhoods benefiting from transport upgrades. We connected infrastructure to price momentum. |
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.
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