What properties can you buy in Oslowith $100k, $300k, $500k and more? (January 2026)

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

What can I realistically buy with $100k in Oslo right now?

Are there any decent properties for $100k in Oslo, or is it all scams?

At $100k (around 970,000 NOK using the January 2026 exchange rate), you realistically cannot buy a normal residential home in Oslo because the average price per square meter sits at roughly 99,000 NOK, meaning your budget covers only about 10 square meters of space.

If you see listings at this price point, the most legitimate options tend to be parking spaces, garage units, or co-op shares (borettslag) where the low purchase price hides significant shared debt that you will need to pay off monthly.

Buying in popular or upscale areas of Oslo like Frogner, Majorstuen, or Grünerløkka is simply not possible at $100k, even for the smallest studio, because these neighborhoods command premium prices well above your budget.

What property types can I afford for $100k in Oslo (studio, land, old house)?

For $100k in Oslo in 2026, you cannot afford a studio apartment, land plot, or old house in any normal sense because these property types start at much higher prices in the Oslo market.

If something residential appears at this budget, you should expect either a co-op share with heavy monthly obligations (fellesgjeld and felleskostnader), an extremely small ancillary unit, or a property with serious condition issues that will require substantial renovation investment.

At the $100k level, the only potentially viable option with any long-term value in Oslo would be a parking space in a high-demand area, as these can appreciate and generate rental income, though this is obviously not a home.

What's a realistic budget to get a comfortable property in Oslo as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the realistic minimum budget to get a comfortable property in Oslo is around 4 million NOK, which equals approximately $410,000 or €380,000.

Most buyers looking for a comfortable standard in Oslo typically need between 4 million and 6.5 million NOK (roughly $410,000 to $670,000, or €380,000 to €620,000) to secure a decent home in a well-connected neighborhood.

In Oslo, "comfortable" generally means a 40 to 60 square meter apartment with one or two bedrooms, a functional kitchen, updated bathroom, and good access to public transport like the T-bane or tram.

The required budget can vary dramatically depending on the neighborhood: outer districts like Groruddalen or Søndre Nordstrand sit at the lower end of this range, while central areas like Frogner or St. Hanshaugen push well above it.

What can I get with a $200k budget in Oslo as of 2026?

What "normal" homes become available at $200k in Oslo as of 2026?

As of early 2026, a $200k budget (around 1.9 million NOK) in Oslo gets you into the territory of micro-studios or compact studios, typically in older buildings or less central locations, though "normal" is still a stretch at this price point.

At this budget, you can expect a property of roughly 18 to 25 square meters (about 190 to 270 square feet), which is enough for efficient studio living but not a classic one-bedroom apartment.

By the way, we have much more granular data about housing prices in our property pack about Oslo.

What places are the smartest $200k buys in Oslo as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the smartest neighborhoods for a $200k budget in Oslo are the eastern and northeastern districts like Furuset, Trosterud, Romsås, and Haugenstua in Groruddalen, as well as southern areas like Holmlia and Mortensrud in Søndre Nordstrand.

These areas offer smarter buys because they have lower price-per-square-meter rates than central Oslo while still providing T-bane access, meaning you get more space for your money without sacrificing public transport connectivity.

The main growth factor driving value in these areas is ongoing urban development and infrastructure improvements, combined with younger demographics and increasing interest from first-time buyers who are priced out of more central neighborhoods.

What can I buy with $300k in Oslo in 2026?

What quality upgrade do I get at $300k in Oslo in 2026?

As of early 2026, moving from a $200k to a $300k budget (around 2.9 million NOK) in Oslo upgrades you from a micro-studio to a large studio or small one-bedroom apartment, typically in the 28 to 38 square meter range.

At $300k, you can sometimes find properties in newer buildings, but usually only in less central zones or in smaller units where new-build premiums push prices per square meter higher than the Oslo average.

Specific features that typically become available at this budget include elevator access, a small balcony, and updated kitchen and bathroom finishes, though these are not guaranteed and depend heavily on the specific listing.

Can $300k buy a 2-bedroom in Oslo in 2026 in good areas?

As of early 2026, finding a 2-bedroom property for $300k (around 2.9 million NOK) in good central areas of Oslo is very unlikely because a typical 2-bedroom of 50 to 70 square meters would cost well above this budget at average Oslo prices.

The specific areas where a 2-bedroom might become possible at $300k are the outer, more affordable districts like Søndre Nordstrand (particularly Holmlia and Mortensrud) and parts of Groruddalen, typically in older co-op stock with shared debt.

A $300k 2-bedroom in these outer Oslo districts would typically measure around 45 to 55 square meters (roughly 480 to 590 square feet), offering functional space but likely needing some updates.

Which places become "accessible" at $300k in Oslo as of 2026?

At the $300k price point in Oslo, neighborhoods like Østensjø (including pockets near Bøler and Høyenhall), parts of Bjerke, and sections of Alna become accessible for buyers seeking larger studios or small one-bedrooms.

These newly accessible areas are more desirable than lower-budget options because they offer better proximity to central Oslo, more established amenities, and generally safer, more family-friendly environments with parks and schools nearby.

In these newly accessible neighborhoods, buyers can typically expect a well-maintained studio or compact one-bedroom apartment in a co-op or older freehold building with decent common areas.

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

What does a $500k budget unlock in Oslo in 2026?

What's the typical size and location for $500k in Oslo in 2026?

As of early 2026, a $500k budget (around 4.85 million NOK) typically buys you 45 to 60 square meters (roughly 480 to 650 square feet) in Oslo, opening up many well-connected neighborhoods outside the most premium streets.

At $500k, a family home with outdoor space is sometimes possible, but usually it means a rowhouse or small townhouse in outer districts, or a ground-floor apartment with a small garden strip rather than a standalone house.

The typical property at this budget offers a comfortable one-bedroom or compact two-bedroom layout with one bathroom, and you start seeing options with balconies, storage rooms, and shared outdoor spaces.

Finally, please note that we cover all the housing price data in Oslo here.

Which "premium" neighborhoods open up at $500k in Oslo in 2026?

At $500k in Oslo, you can sometimes enter parts of more desirable neighborhoods like the edges of St. Hanshaugen, sections of Sagene, less prime pockets of Grünerløkka, and variable streets in Gamle Oslo.

These neighborhoods are considered premium in Oslo because they offer walkable access to restaurants, cafes, and cultural venues, combined with historic architecture, leafy streets, and a vibrant urban atmosphere that attracts professionals and creatives.

For $500k in these premium neighborhoods, buyers can realistically expect a smaller unit (often 35 to 50 square meters), typically in an older building, possibly a co-op, and usually with trade-offs on size or condition compared to what the same budget buys in outer districts.

What counts as "luxury" in Oslo in 2026?

At what amount does "luxury" start in Oslo right now?

In Oslo, luxury real estate generally starts at around 12 to 15 million NOK (approximately $1.2 to $1.55 million, or €1.1 to €1.4 million) for apartments that combine prime location, high standard, and generous size.

The entry point to luxury in Oslo typically means a property with high-end finishes like oak flooring and designer kitchens, a desirable address in the inner west, views of the fjord or park, and often a private terrace or balcony.

Compared to other Scandinavian capitals like Stockholm or Copenhagen, Oslo's luxury threshold is similar, though Oslo's market is smaller and more concentrated in specific western neighborhoods.

Mid-tier luxury properties in Oslo typically range from 15 to 25 million NOK ($1.55 to $2.6 million, or €1.4 to €2.4 million), while top-tier luxury homes and villas can exceed 50 million NOK ($5.2 million or €4.8 million) and reach much higher.

Which areas are truly high-end in Oslo right now?

The truly high-end neighborhoods in Oslo right now are Frogner (including areas near Bygdøy), Majorstuen and Hegdehaugen, Ullern and Ullernåsen, Vinderen in Vestre Aker, and select hillside and sea-view pockets in Nordstrand.

These areas are considered truly high-end because they combine historic architecture with modern renovations, large apartments or villas with private gardens, proximity to embassies and international schools, and access to nature like the Oslofjord and Nordmarka forest.

The typical buyer profile in Oslo's high-end areas includes senior executives, successful entrepreneurs, diplomats, and wealthy Norwegian families who prioritize privacy, space, and prestige, often purchasing with cash or minimal financing.

How much does it really cost to buy, beyond the price, in Oslo in 2026?

What are the total closing costs in Oslo in 2026 as a percentage?

As of early 2026, total closing costs in Oslo typically range from about 0.5% to 3.2% of the purchase price, with the wide range depending heavily on whether you buy a freehold property (selveier) or a co-op share (borettslag).

For freehold properties, expect the higher end of roughly 2.6% to 3.2%, while co-op purchases often cost only 0.5% to 1% in closing fees because they avoid the 2.5% document duty.

The specific fee categories that make up these costs in Oslo include the document duty (dokumentavgift) at 2.5% for freeholds, registration fees (tinglysing) at Kartverket, and optional costs like legal review or building inspection.

To avoid hidden costs and bad surprises, you can check our our pack covering the property buying process in Oslo.

How much are notary, registration, and legal fees in Oslo in 2026?

As of early 2026, notary fees are not a significant cost in Norwegian property transactions, registration (tinglysing) fees are 545 NOK per document (roughly $56 or €52), and legal fees for optional contract review vary but typically run a few thousand NOK.

These combined fees typically represent less than 0.5% of the property price in Oslo, making them relatively minor compared to the document duty on freehold purchases.

Of the three fee types, legal assistance (if you choose to hire a lawyer) is usually the most expensive in Oslo, as registration fees are fixed and notary costs are minimal in the Norwegian system.

What annual property taxes should I expect in Oslo in 2026?

As of early 2026, annual property tax in Oslo is calculated at a rate of 1.7 per thousand (0.17%) on the taxable base, but many typical apartments end up paying little or nothing due to a generous tax-free allowance (bunnfradrag) of up to 4.9 million NOK.

Oslo's property tax represents roughly 0.1% to 0.2% of the property's market value for homes above the threshold, which is quite low compared to many international markets.

Property taxes in Oslo vary based on the property's official boligverdi (home value), with the tax applying only to 70% of that value, meaning a home worth under approximately 7.25 million NOK often pays zero property tax.

There are no special exemptions based on buyer nationality, but the bunnfradrag effectively exempts most moderate-value homes in Oslo from property tax entirely.

You can find the list of all property taxes, costs and fees when buying in Oslo here.

Is mortgage a viable option for foreigners in Oslo right now?

Yes, obtaining a mortgage as a foreigner in Oslo is sometimes possible, but it depends heavily on your documentation, income stability, and residency status, with banks applying strict affordability tests regardless of nationality.

Norwegian banks typically offer loan-to-value ratios of up to 85% (meaning 15% down payment minimum), with current interest rates varying by bank and applicant profile, though foreign buyers often face stricter requirements in practice.

To qualify for a mortgage in Oslo, foreign buyers typically need stable documented income (preferably Norwegian), a clear tax and fund trail, valid identification, and often residency status that the bank can verify and work with.

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

What should I predict for resale and growth in Oslo in 2026?

What property types resell fastest in Oslo in 2026?

As of early 2026, the property types that resell fastest in Oslo are smaller, well-laid-out apartments near T-bane and tram hubs, as well as two-bedroom "family starter" apartments in districts with good schools, parks, and transit access.

The typical time on market to sell a property in Oslo is currently around 44 days, though this varies by pricing, condition, and market segment.

What makes certain properties sell faster in Oslo is the combination of efficient layouts that maximize usable space, proximity to metro stations (especially along popular lines like Line 1 to Frognerseteren or Line 5 to Vestli), and updated kitchens and bathrooms that reduce buyer renovation concerns.

The slowest-selling properties in Oslo tend to be oversized luxury apartments above 150 square meters, older co-ops with high monthly costs and deferred maintenance, and properties in areas with limited public transport or perceived safety concerns.

If you're interested, we cover all the best exit strategies in our real estate pack about Oslo.

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.