How to buy property in Sweden from abroad?

Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Sweden Property Pack

Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Sweden Property Pack

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INVESTROPA

A team specialized in real estate investing in European countries

We are a team of financial experts, legal professionals, developers, and local real estate specialists dedicated to helping people like you avoid mistakes when investing in real estate in a foreign place, particularly in Sweden. If you'd like to learn more about us, you can check our presentation page.

What types of properties can foreigners legally buy in Sweden?

Foreigners can legally purchase almost all property types in Sweden without any restrictions or residency requirements.

The Swedish property market is completely open to international buyers, covering residential properties like houses (villa), apartments (both bostadsrätt cooperative and ägarlägenhet freehold), and vacation homes. You can also buy land including building plots, commercial land, forests, and most agricultural land, though some designated rural or agricultural land may require special permits.

Commercial real estate purchases follow standard business regulations without foreign ownership restrictions. This means you can invest in office buildings, retail spaces, warehouses, or any other commercial property type as a non-resident.

As of September 2025, Sweden maintains one of Europe's most foreigner-friendly property ownership frameworks, allowing overseas buyers the same rights as Swedish citizens when purchasing real estate.

Do I need to be a resident in Sweden to buy a property, or can I purchase while living abroad?

You can buy Swedish property while living abroad without any residency requirements.

Sweden allows non-residents to purchase, own, and sell property without establishing Swedish residency first. You don't need a Swedish personal identity number (personnummer) to complete a purchase, though having one can simplify banking and tax registration processes later.

Buying property in Sweden does not grant you residency rights or visa eligibility - property ownership and immigration status are completely separate matters. Many international investors successfully purchase Swedish real estate while maintaining their primary residence in other countries.

The process remains the same whether you're buying from Stockholm, London, New York, or anywhere else in the world, with all documentation and transactions manageable remotely through Swedish real estate agents and legal representatives.

What are the typical property prices in Sweden right now, and how do they vary by city or region?

How much cash deposit do I need to put down when buying property in Sweden as a foreigner?

Swedish banks require a minimum cash down payment of 15% of the purchase price for all buyers, regardless of nationality or residency status.

When making an offer, you typically pay a 10% deposit to the broker within 7-10 days of signing the purchase contract, with the remaining amount due at possession. This means you need to have at least 15% of the property value available in cash before starting your property search.

Non-residents often face stricter mortgage approval criteria, so many international buyers choose to make larger down payments of 20-30% to improve their chances of loan approval and secure better interest rates.

It's something we develop in our Sweden property pack.

Can I get a mortgage from a Swedish bank as a non-resident, and what are the requirements?

Some Swedish banks offer mortgages to non-residents, but approval requirements are significantly stricter compared to residents.

You'll need to provide proof of stable income, comprehensive bank statements, valid identification, and possibly a Swedish contact address or coordination number. Swedish banks typically require non-residents to demonstrate stronger financial positions and may offer less favorable terms than those available to residents.

The maximum loan-to-value ratio is 85% for residents, but non-residents often receive lower ratios and should plan for higher deposits. Approval rates are notably lower if you don't have a Swedish personal number or established local ties.

Many non-resident buyers work with mortgage brokers who specialize in international applications or consider alternative financing options from their home countries to purchase Swedish property.

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What taxes and fees should I expect when buying a property in Sweden, including stamp duty and legal costs?

Property purchases in Sweden involve several mandatory taxes and fees that buyers must budget for beyond the purchase price.

The lagfart (stamp duty) is 1.5% of the property price for individual buyers and 4.25% for companies, plus a registration fee of SEK 825 per property. Legal fees typically cost 1-1.5% of the purchase price, while notary fees add approximately 0.1% of the property value.

Real estate agent fees range from 3-5% but are usually paid by the seller, not the buyer. You should budget approximately 3-4% of the purchase price for all buying costs combined when purchasing as an individual.

After purchase, you'll pay annual property tax of 0.75% of the tax-assessed value (maximum SEK 10,074 in 2025 for houses), plus ongoing costs like association fees for cooperative apartments, insurance, utilities, and maintenance.

Do I need a Swedish personal identity number (personnummer) to complete the purchase?

A Swedish personal identity number (personnummer) is not required to complete a property purchase in Sweden.

While not mandatory for buying property, having a personnummer significantly simplifies banking processes, mortgage applications, and tax registration if you plan to relocate or maintain the property long-term. Non-residents can often obtain a coordination number (samordningsnummer) for official transactions.

Many international buyers successfully complete purchases without a personnummer by working through real estate agents and legal representatives who handle the administrative requirements on their behalf.

The absence of a personnummer may limit your banking options and make mortgage approval more challenging, but it won't prevent you from purchasing property outright with cash or alternative financing.

How does the bidding process work when making an offer on a property in Sweden?

The Swedish property bidding process is non-binding until both buyer and seller sign a written purchase contract.

Offers are typically submitted through the listing broker, often by text message or phone call, and sellers can choose any offer regardless of price - the highest bid doesn't automatically win. The bidding process allows for multiple rounds of offers until the seller accepts one.

Once an offer is accepted and both parties sign the purchase contract, the buyer pays a 10% deposit within 7-10 days, with the transaction becoming legally binding at that point. The remaining purchase amount is due at possession or completion.

Properties can receive multiple bids, especially in competitive markets like Stockholm and Gothenburg, so buyers should be prepared for potential bidding wars and set clear maximum budgets before participating.

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.

What is the role of a real estate agent in Sweden, and who do they represent in the transaction?

Swedish real estate agents are licensed professionals who must maintain impartiality, but they are typically paid by and primarily represent the seller's interests.

Agents handle property marketing, organize viewings, manage the bidding process, prepare purchase contracts, and coordinate transaction logistics for both parties. They're required to provide accurate property information and ensure fair treatment of all potential buyers.

While agents facilitate the entire transaction, buyers should understand that the agent's commission comes from the seller, which creates an inherent alignment with the seller's goals of achieving the highest possible price.

International buyers often benefit from working with agents who have experience with foreign transactions and can provide additional guidance on Swedish property laws, financing options, and administrative requirements.

How long does the buying process usually take from making an offer to getting the keys?

The Swedish property buying timeline varies significantly based on your financing method and the property's availability.

Cash purchases with vacant properties can complete in as little as 2 weeks from offer acceptance to key handover. Properties requiring mortgage financing or involving multiple bidders typically take 3-6 weeks total to complete.

The timeline includes offer submission and acceptance, contract signing and deposit payment, mortgage approval (if applicable), final inspections, and completion with key transfer. Complex transactions involving chain properties or extensive legal due diligence may extend beyond 6 weeks.

It's something we develop in our Sweden property pack.

What are the ongoing costs after buying, like property tax, association fees, and maintenance charges?

Swedish property ownership involves several ongoing annual costs that vary by property type and location.

1. Municipal property tax of 0.75% of the tax-assessed value (maximum SEK 10,074 annually for houses in 2025)
2. Association fees for cooperative apartments (bostadsrätt) covering building maintenance, insurance, and running costs
3. Property insurance for comprehensive coverage against damage and liability
4. Utility costs including electricity, heating, water, and waste management
5. Regular maintenance and repair expenses for property upkeep

Cooperative apartments typically have higher monthly association fees but lower individual maintenance responsibilities, while house owners have full maintenance obligations but more control over property improvements and modifications.

Are there restrictions if I want to rent out my Swedish property as a foreign owner?

Sweden generally imposes no restrictions on foreign property owners renting out their properties, though specific rules vary by property type.

Cooperative apartment (bostadsrätt) rentals often require association approval and may have time limitations or subletting restrictions. Freehold properties and houses typically have fewer rental restrictions, giving owners more flexibility in tenant selection and lease terms.

Short-term rental operations may be subject to local regulations and registration requirements, particularly in tourist areas like Stockholm city center or popular vacation destinations. Long-term residential rentals generally face fewer regulatory hurdles.

Foreign owners should verify specific rental regulations with their property association or local municipality and ensure proper tax registration for rental income with Swedish authorities.

It's something we develop in our Sweden property pack.

Conclusion

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.

Sources

1. INVESTROPA - Sweden Real Estate for Foreigners
2. Immigrant Invest - Sweden Real Estate Guide
3. INVESTROPA - Foreigners Buying Land in Sweden
4. Ace Money Transfer - Foreign Property Purchase Guide
5. INVESTROPA - Property Purchase and Residency
6. Life Abroad Hero - Sweden Property Guide
7. Statistics Sweden - Real Estate Prices Q2 2025
8. Global Property Guide - Sweden Taxes and Costs
9. Wise - Mortgage Guide for Sweden
10. Swedish Tax Agency - Property Tax Information