Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Sweden Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Stockholm's property market is included in our pack
If you're considering buying property in Stockholm, you're probably wondering how the real estate market is actually performing right now and whether 2026 is a good time to buy.
This blog post covers everything from current housing prices in Stockholm to days-on-market, bidding trends, neighborhood dynamics, and what foreigners need to know before purchasing.
We constantly update this article with fresh data so you always have the most accurate picture of the Stockholm property market in 2026.
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 Stockholm.
How's the real estate market going in Stockholm in 2026?
What's the average days-on-market in Stockholm in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average days-on-market for residential properties in Stockholm municipality sits around 14 to 18 days, with a realistic estimate of approximately 16 days for well-priced apartments in central areas.
Across the broader Stockholm County, you can expect a wider range of 18 to 24 days, depending on the neighborhood and property type, with suburban and outer areas typically taking longer to sell than inner-city locations like Södermalm, Vasastan, or Kungsholmen.
Compared to 2024 and early 2025, when properties in prime Stockholm areas were selling in roughly 13 to 15 days, the market has slightly cooled but remains active, reflecting cautious buyer confidence supported by lower interest rates from the Riksbank's policy cuts throughout 2025.
Are properties selling above or below asking in Stockholm in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average sale-to-asking price ratio in Stockholm is approximately 103% to 105%, meaning most properties sell 3% to 5% above their listed "utgångspris" (asking price).
Roughly 85% of Stockholm properties sell at or above asking price, with only about 12% to 18% selling below, and we're fairly confident in these numbers because they align with both Hemnet's measured 2025 data and end-of-year reports from Svensk Mäklarstatistik.
Bidding wars are most common in inner-city neighborhoods like Södermalm, Vasastan, Östermalm, and Kungsholmen, where demand consistently outpaces supply and well-priced apartments in good locations can sell 5% to 15% above asking within days.
By the way, you will find much more detailed data in our property pack covering the real estate market in Stockholm.
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Sweden. 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.
What kinds of residential properties can I realistically buy in Stockholm?
What property types dominate in Stockholm right now?
In Stockholm in 2026, the residential property market is dominated by bostadsrätt (cooperative apartments) which make up roughly 80% of all transactions, followed by houses and villas at around 10%, rowhouses and townhouses at about 5%, and new-build condos at approximately 3 to 5%.
Bostadsrätt apartments are by far the largest share of the Stockholm market because the city has a dense urban layout with limited space for single-family homes, and most residents live in multi-family buildings concentrated in the inner city and surrounding municipalities.
This dominance of cooperative apartments developed over decades as Stockholm grew rapidly, and the Swedish housing system evolved to favor apartment living in urban areas, making the bostadsrätt model the standard ownership structure for city dwellers who want to own rather than rent.
If you want to know more, you should read our dedicated analyses:
Are new builds widely available in Stockholm right now?
New-build properties represent roughly 3% to 5% of all residential listings currently available in Stockholm, which means they exist but are not abundant, and buyers will find most supply concentrated in specific development zones rather than scattered across the city.
As of early 2026, the highest concentration of new-build developments in Stockholm can be found in Slakthusområdet (near Globen, with first move-ins happening in 2026), Hagastaden (on the Stockholm-Solna border), Årstafältet (targeting 7,000 new homes by 2035), and Barkarbystaden in Järfälla to the northwest.
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Which neighborhoods are improving fastest in Stockholm in 2026?
Which areas in Stockholm are gentrifying in 2026?
As of early 2026, the Stockholm neighborhoods showing the clearest signs of gentrification include Slakthusområdet (Globen area), Hagastaden, Hornstull on Södermalm, and parts of Hägersten-Liljeholmen, where former industrial or underused areas are being transformed into mixed-use residential districts.
Visible changes driving gentrification in these areas include the arrival of specialty coffee shops, food halls, and co-working spaces in Slakthusområdet, the expansion of life sciences offices and modern apartment blocks in Hagastaden, and the continued growth of trendy restaurants and boutiques around Hornstull that attract younger professionals.
Over the past two to three years, gentrifying neighborhoods in Stockholm have seen estimated price appreciation of 5% to 12%, with Hägersten-Liljeholmen leading Stockholm's property price growth and the municipality of Ekerö recording an impressive 11.3% increase over the past 12 months.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Stockholm.
Where are infrastructure projects boosting demand in Stockholm in 2026?
As of early 2026, the areas in Stockholm where major infrastructure projects are most clearly boosting housing demand include Nacka, Söderort (around Slakthusområdet and Gullmarsplan), Barkarby/Järfälla to the northwest, and Arenastaden on the Stockholm-Solna border.
The specific projects driving demand are the Blue line tunnelbana extension from Kungsträdgården to Nacka and Söderort (adding 11 kilometers of track and seven new stations), the northwest extension to Barkarby (scheduled for 2026-2027 opening), and the Green line branch to Arenastaden expected around 2028.
The Blue line extension to Barkarby is expected to open in 2026-2027, the Högdalen depot expansion will be completed in 2026, the Blue line to Nacka and Söderort is scheduled for 2030, and the new Yellow line from Fridhemsplan to Älvsjö will begin construction in 2026 with a nine-year build period.
In Stockholm, the typical price impact follows a pattern where properties within walking distance of announced metro stations see 5% to 15% appreciation before completion, with additional gains of 3% to 8% after the line opens as accessibility improvements are fully realized by buyers.
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Sweden. 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.
What do locals and insiders say the market feels like in Stockholm?
Do people think homes are overpriced in Stockholm in 2026?
As of early 2026, the general sentiment among locals and market insiders in Stockholm is that homes feel "expensive but not crazy," with most acknowledging high prices while noting that the market has cooled from the peak levels of 2021-2022.
When locals argue that Stockholm homes are overpriced, they typically point to the median apartment price of around 5 million SEK (approximately 450,000 EUR), the high monthly costs when combining mortgage payments with bostadsrätt association fees, and the fact that prices remain 5% to 11% below the 2022 peak but still feel stretched for average incomes.
Those who believe Stockholm prices are fair counter that structural supply shortages, extremely long rental queues (averaging 9+ years for first-hand contracts), strong job market fundamentals, and the city's capital-city gravity mean demand will always support prices at premium levels.
The price-to-income ratio in Stockholm remains significantly higher than Sweden's national average, requiring a household income of around 40,000 SEK per month before tax just to borrow 90% of the average small apartment price, which puts homeownership out of reach for many first-time buyers without family support or significant savings.
What are common buyer mistakes people regret in Stockholm right now?
The most frequently cited buyer mistake in Stockholm is underestimating the importance of the BRF (bostadsrättsförening) association's financial health, where buyers focus only on the apartment price and ignore the association's debt per square meter, upcoming maintenance costs, or weak reserve funds that can lead to sudden fee increases later.
The second most common regret is budgeting only to the asking price without accounting for Stockholm's bidding culture, where properties in desirable areas like Södermalm or Vasastan routinely sell 5% to 15% above "utgångspris," leaving unprepared buyers outbid or forced to stretch beyond their comfort zone.
If you want to go deeper, you can check our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying property in Stockholm.
It's because of these mistakes that we have decided to build our pack covering the property buying process in Stockholm.
Get the full checklist for your due diligence in Stockholm
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How easy is it for foreigners to buy in Stockholm in 2026?
Do foreigners face extra challenges in Stockholm right now?
The overall difficulty level for foreigners buying property in Stockholm is moderate, meaning there are no legal barriers but practical hurdles around financing and documentation make the process harder than for Swedish residents with established local credit histories and banking relationships.
Legally, Sweden has no restrictions preventing foreigners from purchasing property, as Lantmäteriet (the Swedish land registry) confirms that rules for registering ownership are essentially the same for foreign and Swedish citizens, regardless of residency status or nationality.
The practical challenges foreigners face in Stockholm include the difficulty of opening a Swedish bank account without a personnummer (personal identity number), the speed of the bidding process where pre-approved local buyers have a significant advantage, and some BRF associations requiring additional documentation or references before approving foreign buyers as members.
We will tell you more in our blog article about foreigner property ownership in Stockholm.
Do banks lend to foreigners in Stockholm in 2026?
As of early 2026, Swedish banks do provide mortgages to foreigners, but approval is significantly easier for those with Swedish residency, a personnummer, and local employment, while non-residents face stricter conditions and some banks decline such applications altogether.
Foreign buyers in Stockholm can typically expect loan-to-value ratios of 60% to 80% (meaning deposits of 20% to 40% of the property value), compared to the standard 85% LTV available to Swedish residents, with current mortgage interest rates ranging from 2.9% to 4.0% depending on your profile and the bank.
Banks typically require foreign applicants to provide proof of stable income (preferably Swedish or easily verifiable EU/EEA income), a Swedish personal number or coordination number, existing banking relationships in Sweden, translated tax returns from their home country, and bank statements demonstrating financial stability over several months.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in Sweden.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Sweden 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.
How risky is buying in Stockholm compared to other nearby markets?
Is Stockholm more volatile than nearby places in 2026?
As of early 2026, Stockholm's property market is considered more rate-sensitive than comparable Nordic capitals like Oslo and Copenhagen, meaning prices react more sharply when financing costs change, which creates both faster corrections during rate hikes and quicker rebounds when rates fall.
Over the past decade, Stockholm experienced dramatic swings including a near-doubling of prices from 2013 to 2021, followed by a sharp 15% to 30% correction from 2022 to 2023 (depending on property type and location), while Oslo and Copenhagen saw more moderate declines during the same period.
If you want to go into more details, we also have a blog article detailing the updated housing prices in Stockholm.
Is Stockholm resilient during downturns historically?
Stockholm has demonstrated strong historical resilience during economic downturns, consistently recovering within two to three years from price corrections due to persistent structural demand, capital-city gravity, and supply constraints that prevent prolonged buyer's markets.
During the most recent major downturn from 2022 to 2023, Stockholm property prices fell approximately 9% to 18% depending on property type (apartments proved more resilient than houses), and the market began recovering in late 2024 with prices now 5% to 11% below peak levels and rising modestly.
Inner-city apartments in prime neighborhoods like Östermalm, Vasastan, and Södermalm have historically held value best during downturns, as these areas maintain strong demand from high-income buyers, offer excellent transit access, and have limited new supply, while outer suburban areas and houses experienced steeper declines and slower recoveries.
Get to know the market before you buy a property in Stockholm
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How strong is rental demand behind the scenes in Stockholm in 2026?
Is long-term rental demand growing in Stockholm in 2026?
As of early 2026, long-term rental demand in Stockholm remains extremely strong and continues to grow, driven by a structural housing shortage, rental queues averaging over 9 years for first-hand contracts, and rents rising 5% to 6% year-over-year in the municipality.
The tenant demographics driving long-term rental demand in Stockholm include young professionals relocating for jobs in tech and life sciences, international workers and expats who lack the savings or personnummer to buy, students at Stockholm's universities, and families waiting for housing queue positions while renting second-hand.
The neighborhoods with the strongest long-term rental demand in Stockholm right now are Södermalm, Vasastan, Kungsholmen, and Östermalm in the inner city, along with well-connected suburban areas like Solna, Sundbyberg, and Nacka that offer good tunnelbana access to central job hubs.
You might want to check our latest analysis about rental yields in Stockholm.
Is short-term rental demand growing in Stockholm in 2026?
Short-term rental regulations in Stockholm currently allow property owners to rent out their homes for up to 12 months per calendar year without special permits, but many BRF associations have stricter internal rules limiting or prohibiting short-term rentals, which means profitability depends heavily on your specific building's policies.
As of early 2026, short-term rental demand in Stockholm is growing steadily, supported by record tourism levels with Tillväxtverket reporting a peak in summer 2025 overnight stays despite the broader economic slowdown.
The current estimated average occupancy rate for short-term rentals in Stockholm sits around 60% to 65%, with daily rates averaging approximately 1,500 to 1,800 SEK (around $140 to $170 USD) for well-located apartments, though these figures vary significantly by season and location.
The guest demographics driving short-term rental demand in Stockholm include leisure tourists visiting during summer and the Nobel Prize season in December, business travelers attending conferences and corporate meetings, and digital nomads spending extended periods in the city while working remotely.
By the way, we also have a blog article detailing whether owning an Airbnb rental is profitable in Stockholm.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Sweden 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 are the realistic short-term and long-term projections for Stockholm in 2026?
What's the 12-month outlook for demand in Stockholm in 2026?
As of early 2026, the 12-month demand outlook for residential property in Stockholm is cautiously positive, with most analysts expecting a "two-speed market" where inner-city and prime transit neighborhoods see firmer demand while outer areas experience slower activity and more price negotiation.
The key factors most likely to influence Stockholm housing demand over the next 12 months include the Riksbank's interest rate trajectory (currently at 2%), the implementation of relaxed mortgage rules in April 2026 (raising the LTV cap to 90% and removing stricter amortization requirements), and overall employment trends in Stockholm's job market.
For the next 12 months, most forecasters expect Stockholm property prices to rise between 4% and 6%, supported by improved affordability from lower rates and the new mortgage rules, though gains will likely be uneven across neighborhoods and property types.
By the way, we also have an update regarding price forecasts in Sweden.
What's the 3 to 5 year outlook for housing in Stockholm in 2026?
As of early 2026, the 3 to 5 year outlook for housing prices and demand in Stockholm is constructive, with most analysts expecting continued price growth of 3% to 5% annually supported by structural supply shortages, strong job market fundamentals, and ongoing transit expansion that will create new premium micro-markets.
Major development projects expected to shape Stockholm over the next 3 to 5 years include the completion of the Blue line tunnelbana extension to Nacka and Söderort (by 2030), the ongoing transformation of Slakthusområdet into a major mixed-use district with 3,000+ new homes, and continued expansion of Hagastaden and Årstafältet (targeting 7,000 homes each).
The single biggest uncertainty that could alter the 3 to 5 year outlook for Stockholm is the trajectory of interest rates, as Swedish households carry high debt levels (151% of gross income on average) and remain highly sensitive to rate changes, meaning an unexpected rate rise or prolonged high-rate environment could quickly cool demand.
Are demographics or other trends pushing prices up in Stockholm in 2026?
As of early 2026, demographic trends continue to put upward pressure on Stockholm housing prices, with net migration and population growth concentrated in the metropolitan area where housing supply is already constrained and construction cannot keep pace with demand.
The specific demographic shifts most affecting Stockholm prices include strong inflows of young professionals and international talent drawn to the city's tech sector, life sciences industry, and startup ecosystem, plus continued household formation among millennials now reaching prime home-buying age with accumulated savings.
Beyond demographics, non-demographic trends pushing Stockholm prices include the structural effects of Sweden's regulated rental system (which drives frustrated renters into the ownership market), the expansion of remote work allowing higher-income workers to bid up desirable neighborhoods, and continued transit-led "value re-mapping" as new metro lines change what counts as a convenient location.
These demographic and trend-driven price pressures in Stockholm are expected to continue for at least the next 5 to 10 years, as the supply constraints are structural rather than cyclical, and the city's role as Sweden's economic and cultural capital continues to attract domestic and international migration.
What scenario would cause a downturn in Stockholm in 2026?
As of early 2026, the most likely scenario that could trigger a housing downturn in Stockholm would be an unexpected rise in interest rates or rates staying higher for longer than anticipated, which would break affordability for many buyers, collapse bidding premiums, and stretch days-on-market significantly.
Early warning signs that such a downturn is beginning in Stockholm would include a sharp drop in bidding above asking (from the current 85% to below 70%), days-on-market stretching beyond 25 to 30 days in prime inner-city areas, a sustained increase in active listings above current levels, and banks tightening lending criteria beyond regulatory requirements.
Based on historical patterns, a potential downturn in Stockholm could realistically see prices fall 10% to 20% from current levels over 12 to 24 months, similar to the 2022-2023 correction, with outer areas and highly leveraged BRFs experiencing steeper declines than prime inner-city apartments with strong association finances.
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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 Stockholm, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Svensk Mäklarstatistik | It's Sweden's most-cited transaction statistics, built from realtor contracts and processed with Sweden's official statistics agency (SCB). | We used it to anchor Stockholm's latest price and volume direction as of January 2026. We also used it as the "ground truth" checkpoint when private portals tell a different story. |
| Hemnet | Hemnet is the dominant listing marketplace and can measure real listing-to-sale timing at scale. | We used it as the best transparent proxy for days-on-market and bidding premium data. We then projected a 2026 estimate by combining rate changes and 2025 market tone. |
| Sveriges Riksbank | It's the central bank and the single most important driver of Swedish mortgage rates and affordability. | We used it to explain why demand can turn quickly in Stockholm when rates move. We used the timing to justify a slightly faster 2026 selling pace than 2024-2025. |
| Lantmäteriet | Lantmäteriet runs Sweden's land register and is the definitive source on title registration and ownership rules. | We used it to answer whether foreigners face legal barriers to buying. We also used it to separate "legal ability to buy" from "practical ability to get a bank loan." |
| Statistics Sweden (SCB) | SCB is Sweden's official statistics agency and publishes the core housing stock, rent, and construction data. | We used it to explain what property types dominate and why Stockholm behaves differently than smaller cities. We used it to ground "what you can realistically buy" in actual stock mix. |
| Stockholm City Växer Program | It's the city's official development program site with numbers, timelines, and targets for major transformation areas. | We used it to name Stockholm's most important "change areas" for 2026 and beyond. We used it to connect new supply and placemaking to likely demand uplift. |
| Nya Tunnelbanan | It's the official project site explaining scope, timeline, and purpose of Stockholm's major metro expansion. | We used it to point to specific corridors where accessibility improves and prices often follow. We used it to name concrete neighborhoods and municipalities affected. |
| OECD Economic Survey Sweden | The OECD is a top-tier international organization and its housing commentary is policy-focused and well-cited. | We used it to explain Stockholm's structural drivers like supply frictions and rental system effects. We used it to support the resilience and risks analysis beyond short-term market noise. |
| Swedish Government | It's the official government source describing proposed mortgage rule changes and implementation timing. | We used it to explain what may change for down payments and amortization in 2026. We also used it to describe how policy can boost demand even if prices look "flat." |
| Global Property Guide | It's a respected international real estate research platform with consistent cross-country methodology. | We used it to understand long-term price trends and historical recovery patterns. We cross-referenced its data with Swedish official sources for validation. |
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