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 offers foreign property investors a stable rental market, but yields are lower than most European capitals because purchase prices are extremely high.
This blog post covers everything you need to know about rental yields in Oslo as of early 2026, from gross and net returns to neighborhood comparisons, tenant budgets, and landlord costs.
We update this article regularly to reflect the latest market data and trends in Oslo's rental 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.
What rental yields can I realistically get from an apartment in Oslo?
What's the average gross rental yield for apartments in Oslo as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average gross rental yield for apartments in Oslo is around 3.5% to 4.5%, which is lower than most European capitals because Oslo's purchase prices have risen faster than rents over the past decade.
The realistic range of gross rental yields for most apartment investments in Oslo spans from about 3% in premium central areas like Frogner to around 5% in more affordable outer districts like Grorud or Stovner.
The main factor that causes gross rental yields to vary significantly between different apartments in Oslo is the gap between premium western neighborhoods (where purchase prices are very high but rent premiums don't fully match) and eastern districts (where prices are lower relative to achievable rents).
Compared to other major cities in Scandinavia, Oslo's gross rental yields are among the lowest because Norwegian tax policy strongly favors homeownership over renting, which has pushed purchase prices higher relative to rents than in cities like Stockholm or Copenhagen.
What's the average net rental yield for apartments in Oslo as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average net rental yield for apartments in Oslo is around 2% to 3%, after accounting for typical landlord expenses like service charges, management fees, insurance, and maintenance.
The realistic range of net rental yields that most apartment investors can expect in Oslo spans from about 1.5% in high-service-charge buildings in central neighborhoods to around 3.5% in simpler buildings in outer districts with lower operating costs.
The single biggest expense category that reduces gross yield to net yield for apartments in Oslo is the "fellesutgifter" (common costs or service charges), which can run NOK 3,000 to 6,000 per month in many Oslo buildings and often include heating, maintenance, insurance, and building management.
By the way, you will find much more detailed data in our property pack covering the real estate market in Oslo.
What's the typical rent-to-price ratio for apartments in Oslo in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical rent-to-price ratio for apartments in Oslo is about 0.30% to 0.40% per month, which translates to an annual gross yield of roughly 3.5% to 4.5%.
The realistic range of rent-to-price ratios that covers most apartment transactions in Oslo spans from about 0.25% monthly in premium Frogner or Aker Brygge properties to around 0.45% monthly in outer eastern districts like Alna or Stovner.
In Oslo, smaller apartments in outer eastern neighborhoods like Grorud, Stovner, and Bjerke tend to have the highest rent-to-price ratios because purchase prices are significantly lower while rents remain relatively robust due to strong tenant demand from young professionals and students.
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How much rent can I charge for an apartment in Oslo?
What's the typical tenant budget range for apartments in Oslo right now?
The typical monthly tenant budget range for renting an apartment in Oslo in early 2026 spans from about NOK 12,000 to NOK 28,000 (USD 1,100 to 2,500 or EUR 1,000 to 2,350), depending on apartment size and location.
For tenants targeting mid-range apartments in Oslo, the budget range is typically NOK 15,000 to NOK 22,000 per month (USD 1,350 to 2,000 or EUR 1,260 to 1,850), which covers decent 1-bedroom to 2-bedroom units in neighborhoods like St. Hanshaugen, Sagene, or Torshov.
For tenants seeking high-end or luxury apartments in Oslo, the budget range is typically NOK 25,000 to NOK 40,000 per month (USD 2,250 to 3,600 or EUR 2,100 to 3,350), which covers premium properties in Frogner, Aker Brygge, Tjuvholmen, or Bjørvika with waterfront views or high-end finishes.
We have a blog article where we update the latest data about rents in Oslo here.
What's the average monthly rent for a 1-bed apartment in Oslo as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Oslo is around NOK 15,300 (approximately USD 1,380 or EUR 1,285), based on current market listings and official data projections.
A realistic entry-level monthly rent range for a decent 1-bedroom apartment in Oslo is NOK 11,000 to NOK 13,500 (USD 990 to 1,220 or EUR 925 to 1,135), which would typically get you a simple but functional unit in an outer district like Bjerke, Alna, or Søndre Nordstrand with good public transit access.
A realistic mid-range monthly rent range for a typical 1-bedroom apartment in Oslo is NOK 14,000 to NOK 17,000 (USD 1,260 to 1,530 or EUR 1,175 to 1,430), which would get you a well-maintained unit in a popular residential area like Torshov, Sagene, or St. Hanshaugen with cafes and shops nearby.
A realistic high-end monthly rent range for a luxury 1-bedroom apartment in Oslo is NOK 18,000 to NOK 25,000 (USD 1,620 to 2,250 or EUR 1,510 to 2,100), which would get you a modern unit in Frogner, Majorstuen, or a waterfront development in Bjørvika or Aker Brygge with premium finishes and amenities.
What's the average monthly rent for a 2-bed apartment in Oslo as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Oslo is around NOK 24,000 (approximately USD 2,160 or EUR 2,015), reflecting strong demand from couples, small families, and professional sharers.
A realistic entry-level monthly rent range for a decent 2-bedroom apartment in Oslo is NOK 18,000 to NOK 21,000 (USD 1,620 to 1,890 or EUR 1,510 to 1,765), which would typically get you an older but functional unit in outer areas like Grorud, Stovner, or Østensjø with access to metro lines.
A realistic mid-range monthly rent range for a typical 2-bedroom apartment in Oslo is NOK 22,000 to NOK 26,000 (USD 1,980 to 2,340 or EUR 1,850 to 2,185), which would get you a modern or renovated unit in sought-after neighborhoods like Grünerløkka, Nydalen, or Løren with good local amenities.
A realistic high-end monthly rent range for a luxury 2-bedroom apartment in Oslo is NOK 28,000 to NOK 40,000 (USD 2,520 to 3,600 or EUR 2,350 to 3,360), which would get you a premium unit in Frogner, Tjuvholmen, or Bjørvika with high ceilings, balcony, and possibly harbor views.
What's the average monthly rent for a 3-bed apartment in Oslo as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in Oslo is around NOK 28,000 to NOK 32,000 (approximately USD 2,520 to 2,880 or EUR 2,350 to 2,685), though supply of larger rental apartments is limited in central Oslo.
A realistic entry-level monthly rent range for a decent 3-bedroom apartment in Oslo is NOK 24,000 to NOK 28,000 (USD 2,160 to 2,520 or EUR 2,015 to 2,350), which would typically get you a family-sized unit in outer districts like Bjerke, Nordstrand, or Ullern with green spaces nearby.
A realistic mid-range monthly rent range for a typical 3-bedroom apartment in Oslo is NOK 29,000 to NOK 35,000 (USD 2,610 to 3,150 or EUR 2,435 to 2,940), which would get you a well-located family apartment in areas like Majorstuen, Frogner (non-premium buildings), or Lambertseter with good schools nearby.
A realistic high-end monthly rent range for a luxury 3-bedroom apartment in Oslo is NOK 38,000 to NOK 55,000 (USD 3,420 to 4,950 or EUR 3,190 to 4,620), which would get you a spacious premium unit in Frogner, Bygdøy, or a penthouse-style apartment in Tjuvholmen or Aker Brygge.
How fast do well-priced apartments get rented in Oslo?
A well-priced apartment in Oslo typically gets rented within 7 to 14 days of being listed, though during peak season (August to September) when students arrive, well-located studios and 1-bedrooms can be gone within days.
The typical vacancy rate for rental apartments in Oslo in early 2026 is between 1.5% and 2.5%, which is extremely tight by European standards and means landlords rarely struggle to find tenants if the property is reasonably priced.
The main factors that cause some apartments to rent faster than others in Oslo are proximity to metro stations and university campuses, energy efficiency (tenants care deeply about heating costs during Norway's long winters), and whether the unit is furnished or unfurnished for the target tenant profile.
And if you want to know what should be the right price, check our latest update on how much an apartment should cost 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.
Which apartment type gives the best yield in Oslo?
Which is better for yield between studios, 1-bed, 2-bed and 3-bed apartments in Oslo as of 2026?
As of early 2026, studios and small 1-bedroom apartments typically offer the best rental yield in Oslo because their purchase prices are lower relative to achievable rents, and tenant demand for affordable small units is extremely strong.
The typical gross rental yield range for each apartment type in Oslo is roughly 4% to 5% for studios, 3.5% to 4.5% for 1-bedrooms, 3% to 4% for 2-bedrooms, and 2.5% to 3.5% for 3-bedrooms, with smaller units consistently outperforming larger ones on yield.
The main reason smaller apartments tend to outperform on yield in Oslo is that the city has a very large population of young professionals, students, and singles who compete intensely for affordable small units, keeping rents high relative to prices in that segment.
Which features are best if you want a good yield for your apartment in Oslo?
The top features that most positively impact rental yield for apartments in Oslo are proximity to T-bane (metro) stations, good energy efficiency (ideally with a heat pump or central heating), a functional floor plan with separate sleeping space, and inclusion in the monthly rent of heating or fellesutgifter to simplify tenant budgeting.
In Oslo, ground floor and top floor apartments can be harder to rent than middle floors because ground floors raise security concerns and top floors without elevators are less desirable, but top-floor apartments with elevators and good views can command premium rents.
Apartments with balconies or outdoor space in Oslo definitely rent faster and can command 5% to 10% higher rents because outdoor space is highly valued during the long summer days and can be a deciding factor for tenants choosing between similar units.
Building features like elevators and modern common areas can justify higher rents in Oslo, but be careful with buildings that have very high fellesutgifter (common costs) for amenities like gyms or concierge services, as these can eat significantly into your net yield.
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Which neighborhoods give the best rental demand for apartments in Oslo?
Which neighborhoods have the highest rental demand for apartments in Oslo as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the Oslo neighborhoods with the highest rental demand for apartments are Grünerløkka, St. Hanshaugen, Majorstuen, Frogner, and Nydalen, where well-priced units typically receive multiple inquiries within the first week of listing.
The main demand driver that makes these neighborhoods attractive to apartment tenants in Oslo is the combination of walkability, metro access, and proximity to either the city center employment hubs or major institutions like the University of Oslo and OsloMet.
The typical vacancy rate or time-to-rent in these high-demand neighborhoods in Oslo is under 10 days for well-priced units, and during August peak season, landlords often have their pick of multiple qualified applicants within just a few days.
One emerging neighborhood that is gaining rental demand momentum in Oslo is Løren, which has transformed from an industrial area into a modern residential district with new metro access, attracting young professionals who want newer buildings at slightly lower prices than Grünerløkka.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Oslo.
Which neighborhoods have the highest yields for apartments in Oslo as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the Oslo neighborhoods with the highest rental yields for apartments are generally the outer eastern districts like Grorud, Stovner, Alna, and Bjerke, where purchase prices are significantly lower than in central and western areas.
The typical gross rental yield range in these top-yielding neighborhoods in Oslo is around 4% to 5.5%, compared to just 2.5% to 3.5% in premium western neighborhoods like Frogner or Tjuvholmen.
The main reason these neighborhoods offer higher yields than others in Oslo is simply that purchase prices per square meter are 40% to 60% lower than in central areas, while achievable rents are only about 20% to 30% lower, creating a better rent-to-price ratio for investors.
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.
Should I do long-term rental or short-term rental in Oslo?
Is short-term rental legal for apartments in Oslo as of 2026?
As of early 2026, short-term rental is legal for apartments in Oslo but is subject to significant restrictions, with most condominiums (boligsameie) limited to 90 days of short-term rental per year and housing cooperatives (borettslag) limited to just 30 days without board approval.
The main legal restrictions for operating a short-term rental apartment in Oslo include the annual day limit (90 days for condominiums, 30 days for cooperatives), the requirement to declare rental income to Skatteetaten (Norwegian Tax Administration), and potential building-specific rules that may further restrict or prohibit short-term letting.
For Airbnb-style rentals in Oslo, there is no national license requirement, but you must register with the Brønnøysund Register Centre if you operate as a business, and platforms like Airbnb are expected to ensure listings comply with local regulations.
By the way, we also have a blog article detailing whether owning an Airbnb rental is profitable in Oslo.
What's the gross yield difference short-term vs long-term in Oslo in 2026?
As of early 2026, the gross yield difference between short-term and long-term rental strategies for apartments in Oslo is roughly 1 to 3 percentage points higher for short-term rentals in good years, but this premium comes with significantly more work, higher costs, and regulatory constraints.
The typical gross yield range for short-term rentals in Oslo is around 5% to 7% in a strong year with high occupancy, compared to 3.5% to 4.5% for long-term rentals, but the 90-day annual limit means most investors cannot pursue a pure short-term strategy legally.
The main additional costs that reduce the net yield advantage of short-term rentals in Oslo include cleaning between guests (typically NOK 500 to 1,000 per turnover), higher utility bills (electricity for heating can be substantial in winter), platform fees (around 3% for hosts on Airbnb), and the time cost of managing bookings and guest communication.
To outperform a long-term rental in Oslo, a short-term rental needs to achieve an occupancy rate of roughly 60% to 70% of the nights it's legally allowed to operate, and you need to price competitively against the many professional operators already active in the market.
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What costs will eat into my net yield for an apartment in Oslo?
What are building service charges as a % of rent in Oslo as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical building service charge (fellesutgifter) as a percentage of monthly rent for apartments in Oslo is around 15% to 25%, with common costs often running NOK 3,000 to 6,000 per month (USD 270 to 540 or EUR 250 to 505).
The realistic range of building service charges that covers most apartments in Oslo spans from about 10% of rent in older buildings with minimal services to over 30% of rent in modern developments with elevators, concierge, gyms, and high heating costs included.
Services that typically justify higher-than-average service charges in Oslo include district heating (fjernvarme), which is common in newer buildings and can add significantly to fellesutgifter, as well as underground parking, lifts, caretaker services, and snow removal, which is essential during Oslo's long winters.
What annual maintenance budget should I assume for an apartment in Oslo right now?
The typical annual maintenance budget that apartment owners should assume in Oslo is around NOK 10,000 to NOK 25,000 (USD 900 to 2,250 or EUR 840 to 2,100), depending on the apartment's age, size, and the condition of interior fixtures.
The realistic range of annual maintenance costs depending on apartment age and building condition in Oslo spans from about NOK 5,000 to 10,000 (USD 450 to 900 or EUR 420 to 840) for newer apartments in good buildings to NOK 20,000 to 40,000 (USD 1,800 to 3,600 or EUR 1,680 to 3,360) for older apartments that may need bathroom or kitchen updates.
The most common maintenance expenses apartment owners face annually in Oslo are appliance repairs (especially washing machines and refrigerators), repainting between tenants, fixing bathroom fixtures like taps and toilets, and dealing with electrical issues like sockets and switches, all of which are the landlord's responsibility under Norwegian law.
What property taxes should I expect for an apartment in Oslo as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical annual property tax (eiendomsskatt) for apartments in Oslo is around NOK 0 to NOK 5,000 (USD 0 to 450 or EUR 0 to 420) for most residential properties, because Oslo municipality currently does not levy municipal property tax on residential properties.
The realistic range of property-related taxes for apartment owners in Oslo depends primarily on the national wealth tax (formuesskatt), which applies if your total net wealth exceeds certain thresholds, and rental income tax at 22% on net profits after deductible expenses.
Property-related taxes in Norway are calculated based on a "tax value" (ligningsverdi) set by the municipality, which is typically 25% to 30% of market value for primary residences and around 100% of market value for secondary residences, making investment properties more exposed to wealth tax.
There are limited property tax exemptions in Oslo, but landlords can deduct many expenses from rental income, including mortgage interest, insurance, maintenance, management fees, and depreciation on certain items, which reduces the effective tax burden.
If you want to go into more details, we also have a blog article detailing all the property taxes and fees in Oslo.
How much does landlord insurance cost for an apartment in Oslo in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical annual landlord insurance cost for an apartment in Oslo is around NOK 2,500 to NOK 5,000 (USD 225 to 450 or EUR 210 to 420) for contents and liability coverage, though building insurance is usually covered by the housing association's fellesutgifter.
The realistic range of annual landlord insurance costs depending on coverage level and apartment value in Oslo spans from about NOK 2,000 (USD 180 or EUR 170) for basic contents coverage to NOK 8,000 or more (USD 720 or EUR 670) if you add loss-of-rent coverage, legal expenses cover, and higher liability limits.
What's the typical property management fee for apartments in Oslo as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical property management fee for apartments in Oslo is around 8% to 12% of monthly rent (roughly NOK 1,200 to NOK 2,900 per month for a typical apartment, or USD 110 to 260 or EUR 100 to 245), depending on the level of service provided.
The realistic range of property management fees for apartments in Oslo spans from about 5% to 7% for basic rent collection and tenant finding services to 12% to 15% for full-service management including maintenance coordination, tenant relations, and financial reporting.
Services typically included in standard property management fees in Oslo are tenant sourcing and screening, lease preparation, rent collection, handling routine maintenance requests, conducting move-in and move-out inspections, and providing regular financial statements to the landlord.
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 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 leading real estate industry organization publishing official monthly price statistics. | We used their December 2025 data to anchor average apartment prices in Oslo and Norway. We also referenced their 2026 forecast for expected price movements. |
| Statistics Norway (SSB) Rental Market Survey | Norway's official national statistics agency providing authoritative rental data. | We used their rent-by-bedroom and rent-per-square-meter data for Oslo. We applied growth projections to bring 2025 figures forward to early 2026. |
| Global Property Guide | International property research firm with standardized yield methodology across countries. | We used their Q2 2025 yield estimates for Norway to cross-check our own calculations. We also referenced their landlord-tenant law analysis. |
| Skatteetaten (Norwegian Tax Administration) | Official government tax authority providing authoritative guidance on rental taxation. | We used their rental income tax guidance to explain the 22% tax rate and deductible expenses. We also referenced their short-term rental rules. |
| FINN.no | Norway's dominant property portal where over 70% of transactions are listed. | We used live rental listings to validate rent ranges by neighborhood and apartment type. We also monitored listing velocity to estimate time-to-rent. |
| Hybel.no | Major Norwegian rental platform with strong coverage of the Oslo market. | We used their Oslo averages to cross-check rent estimates from SSB. We also referenced their neighborhood-specific data. |
| The Local Norway | Established English-language news source covering Norwegian regulations and housing. | We used their landlord-tenant cost guidance to clarify who pays which expenses. We also referenced their property price forecasts. |
| NLS Norway Relocation Group | Professional relocation service with detailed knowledge of Oslo housing costs. | We used their fellesutgifter explanation to describe service charge components. We also referenced their neighborhood breakdowns. |
| Airbnb Norway Hosting Guide | Official platform guidance on short-term rental regulations in Norway. | We used their 90-day limit explanation for condominiums. We also referenced their tax and registration guidance. |
| Utleiemegleren | Major Oslo property management company publishing regular market forecasts. | We used their rent growth projections for 2026. We also referenced their tenant demand analysis for Oslo neighborhoods. |
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