Buying real estate in Sweden?

We've created a guide to help you avoid pitfalls, save time, and make the best long-term investment possible.

How to find property for sale in Sweden?

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

buying property foreigner Sweden

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

Finding property for sale in Sweden requires navigating a well-established digital marketplace dominated by specific platforms and procedures.

The Swedish property market operates through transparent online portals where Hemnet.se commands the largest market share, followed by specialized platforms like Booli.se for price analytics and international-friendly sites like SwedenEstates.com. Understanding Swedish property terminology, filtering systems, and alert mechanisms ensures you capture opportunities in a fast-moving market where desirable properties can sell within days.

If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Sweden, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.

How this content was created 🔎📝

At InvestRopa, we explore the Swedish real estate market every day. Our team doesn't just analyze data from a distance—we're actively engaging with local realtors, investors, and property managers in cities like Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö. This hands-on approach allows us to gain a deep understanding of the market from the inside out.

These observations are originally based on what we've learned through these conversations and our observations. But it was not enough. To back them up, we also needed to rely on trusted resources

We prioritize accuracy and authority. Trends lacking solid data or expert validation were excluded.

Trustworthiness is central to our work. Every source and citation is clearly listed, ensuring transparency. A writing AI-powered tool was used solely to refine readability and engagement.

To make the information accessible, our team designed custom infographics that clarify key points. We hope you will like them! All illustrations and media were created in-house and added manually.

Where do I actually start looking online if I want to see properties for sale in Sweden right now?

Start your Swedish property search on Hemnet.se, which dominates the market with approximately 90% of all property listings in Sweden.

Hemnet.se serves as the central hub where nearly every real estate agency publishes their listings, making it the most comprehensive starting point for property searches across Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö, and smaller Swedish cities. The platform offers both Swedish and English interfaces, though the Swedish version provides more detailed filtering options.

Create a free account immediately to access saved search functionality and set up email alerts for new listings that match your criteria. As of September 2025, properties in popular Swedish cities typically receive multiple viewings within the first week of listing, making speed essential for serious buyers.

Complement your Hemnet.se search with Booli.se for price analytics and historical data, which provides crucial market context that Hemnet.se sometimes lacks in its basic listings.

Which websites or platforms are the most popular and trusted for property listings in Sweden?

The Swedish property market operates through five primary platforms that collectively cover virtually all available properties.

Platform Market Share Unique Features
Hemnet.se 90% of listings Universal agency coverage, saved searches
Booli.se 85% coverage Historical prices, neighborhood analytics
Fastighetsbyran.com National coverage Full-service agency with English support
SvenskFast.se Regional focus Local market expertise, detailed area guides
SwedenEstates.com International segment English-first interface, expat-focused
Blocket.se Classifieds model Private sales, unique properties
LÀnsförsÀkringar (lansfast.se) Regional banking Integrated financing options

Hemnet.se and Booli.se form the essential foundation for any Swedish property search, while agency-specific sites like Fastighetsbyran.com and SvenskFast.se provide additional support services and local market insights.

How do I find out the exact price range for apartments or houses in different Swedish cities or regions?

Use Hemnet.se and Booli.se filtering systems to establish accurate price ranges by location and property type.

On Hemnet.se, select your target city or kommun (municipality), then apply filters for property type (lÀgenhet for apartments, villa for houses), square meters (kvm), and number of rooms (rum). The search results automatically sort by price, showing the current asking price range for your specified criteria.

Booli.se provides more sophisticated price analytics through its "SÄlda" (sold) section, where you can view actual transaction prices from the past 12 months rather than just asking prices. This data reveals the realistic market value versus listing prices, which can differ by 5-15% depending on market conditions.

As of September 2025, Stockholm apartments average 85,000-120,000 SEK per square meter in central areas, while Gothenburg ranges from 55,000-75,000 SEK per square meter, and Malmö typically falls between 45,000-65,000 SEK per square meter.

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

What is the best way to check whether the asking prices are realistic compared to recent sales?

Booli.se offers the most comprehensive price comparison tool through its sold property database.

Navigate to Booli.se and use the "SÄlda bostÀder" (sold properties) filter to view actual transaction prices for comparable properties within a 500-meter radius of your target property. The platform displays sale dates, final prices, price per square meter, and time on market for each transaction from the past 24 months.

Compare at least 5-8 similar properties (same type, similar size, same neighborhood) sold within the last 6 months to establish a realistic price baseline. Swedish properties typically sell for 95-105% of asking price in balanced markets, though popular areas may see bidding wars that push final prices 110-120% above asking.

Hemnet.se occasionally publishes price development reports for major cities, while agency sites like Fastighetsbyran.com provide quarterly market analysis reports that reveal average price-to-asking ratios by region.

Cross-reference your findings with Statistics Sweden (SCB) housing price index data for broader market trends, as individual listing prices may not reflect rapid market changes that occur between quarterly official statistics.

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How can I filter properties in Sweden by square meters, number of rooms, or year of construction?

Both Hemnet.se and Booli.se provide comprehensive filtering systems for property specifications.

On Hemnet.se, access the advanced search filters ("Fler filter") to specify minimum and maximum square meters (Boarea), number of rooms (Antal rum), and construction year (ByggÄr). The platform allows precise filtering from 1 room up to 10+ rooms, square meters from 15 kvm to 500+ kvm, and construction years from 1800 to present day.

Swedish room counting includes all habitable spaces except kitchen and bathroom, so a "3 rum" apartment typically means 2 bedrooms plus 1 living room. Use "Boarea" (living area) rather than "Biarea" (total area including basements/storage) for accurate size comparisons.

Booli.se offers additional filters for property features like balcony (balkong), elevator (hiss), and parking (parkering), plus advanced neighborhood filters for schools, transport links, and amenities within walking distance.

Set multiple saved searches with different filter combinations rather than one overly restrictive search, as Swedish properties meeting specific criteria may only appear briefly on the market.

Where do I find information about hidden costs like property tax, monthly fees, and maintenance charges?

Every Swedish property listing displays mandatory cost information directly on the main listing page.

For cooperative apartments (bostadsrÀtt), look for "Avgift" which shows the monthly fee typically ranging from 3,000-8,000 SEK per month in major cities, covering building maintenance, heating, water, and building insurance. This fee varies significantly based on building age, amenities, and energy efficiency.

Property tax information appears as "Kommunal fastighetsavgift" for houses (ÀganderÀtt), calculated as approximately 0.75% of the assessed property value annually. For apartments, property tax is included in the monthly cooperative fee.

Agency websites like Fastighetsbyran.com and SvenskFast.se provide detailed cost calculators showing total monthly housing costs including mortgage payments, fees, insurance, and utilities. These calculators typically estimate total housing costs at 25-35% higher than the base mortgage payment.

Additional costs include home insurance (hemförsÀkring) at 2,000-4,000 SEK annually, and for houses, separate costs for heating, water, electricity, and ground maintenance that can add 15,000-30,000 SEK annually depending on property size and energy efficiency.

How do I check if the property is part of a housing cooperative (bostadsrÀtt) or if it's a freehold (ÀganderÀtt)?

Property ownership type is clearly displayed in the listing header on all major Swedish property platforms.

"BostadsrÀtt" indicates cooperative ownership where you purchase the right to occupy a specific apartment and become a member of the housing cooperative that owns the building. This ownership type dominates Swedish apartment sales, representing approximately 85% of apartment transactions as of September 2025.

"ÄganderĂ€tt" means freehold ownership where you own both the property and the land, typically applying to detached houses, townhouses, and some condominiums. This ownership type carries full responsibility for all maintenance, insurance, and property taxes.

Use the property type filter on Hemnet.se or Booli.se to search specifically for your preferred ownership type. BostadsrÀtt properties typically require lower down payments (15% vs 25% for ÀganderÀtt) but include ongoing monthly cooperative fees and potential special assessments for major building repairs.

The listing description always specifies ownership type, monthly fees for bostadsrÀtt properties, and any restrictions on subletting or renovation that may apply to cooperative properties.

How can I quickly see average time-on-market for apartments and houses in Sweden?

Hemnet.se displays "Dagar pÄ Hemnet" (days on Hemnet) for individual listings, while Booli.se provides market timing analytics.

On individual property pages, Hemnet.se shows how many days the current listing has been active, though this resets if the agent re-lists the property with price changes. For broader market trends, check Hemnet.se's quarterly market reports that publish average time-on-market statistics by city and property type.

Booli.se's sold property section reveals actual time-on-market for completed sales, allowing you to calculate average selling times for specific neighborhoods or property types. As of September 2025, Stockholm apartments average 12-18 days on market, Gothenburg properties typically sell within 15-25 days, and smaller cities may see 20-35 days average time-on-market.

Popular areas like Södermalm in Stockholm or central Gothenburg often see properties sell within 7-10 days, especially during spring and early fall selling seasons. Properties remaining on market longer than 45 days typically indicate pricing issues or specific property concerns.

Monitor "Kommande visningar" (upcoming viewings) sections to gauge interest levels, as properties scheduling multiple viewing sessions often indicate strong buyer interest and faster sales timelines.

infographics rental yields citiesSweden

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.

Which keywords should I use in Swedish when searching online so I don't miss listings that locals would find?

Master essential Swedish property terminology to access the full range of available listings.

Use these primary search terms:

  • Bostad - general term for home/residence
  • LĂ€genhet - apartment (more comprehensive than "apartment")
  • Villa - detached house (includes modern houses, not just traditional villas)
  • Radhus - townhouse/row house
  • BostadsrĂ€tt - cooperative apartment
  • ÄganderĂ€tt - freehold property
  • Till salu - for sale
  • Nyproduktion - new construction

Location-specific terms include "centrum" (city center), "nÀrförorter" (near suburbs), and "kranskommuner" (outer municipalities around major cities). Combine property types with specific Stockholm areas like "Södermalm lÀgenhet" or "Vasastan bostadsrÀtt" for targeted searches.

Use size descriptors like "stor" (large), "rymlig" (spacious), "kompakt" (compact), and "genomgÄende" (through-apartment with windows on both sides) to find properties matching your space preferences.

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

How do I make sure I get alerts for new listings before they are gone, since properties in Sweden can sell fast?

Set up multiple saved searches with instant email and SMS alerts on both Hemnet.se and Booli.se.

Create a free account on Hemnet.se and configure "Bevakningar" (saved searches) with your specific criteria, then enable immediate email notifications for new matches. The platform sends alerts within 15-30 minutes of new listings going live, crucial in competitive markets where properties may receive offers on the first viewing day.

Configure broader and narrower search parameters simultaneously - one general search for your area and property type, plus specific searches for exactly what you want. This strategy ensures you catch both obvious matches and potentially overlooked properties that might fit your needs.

Enable push notifications through the Hemnet mobile app for the fastest possible alerts, as SMS and email may delay by 30-60 minutes during peak listing periods. Download both Hemnet and Booli mobile apps to receive competing alert systems.

Contact agents at Fastighetsbyran, SvenskFast, and other major agencies to join their pre-market notification lists, as some properties receive informal showing invitations before official listing publication.

Monitor "Kommande till salu" (coming soon) sections on agency websites, which sometimes announce properties 1-2 weeks before public listing, giving you advance preparation time for viewing and financing arrangements.

Where can I see detailed information about the neighborhood—schools, transport, safety, and nearby services?

Booli.se provides the most comprehensive neighborhood analytics integrated directly with property listings.

Click any property on Booli.se to access its neighborhood tab showing local schools with ratings and distances, public transport connections with commute times to city centers, crime statistics compared to city averages, and nearby amenities including grocery stores, healthcare, and recreational facilities.

Hemnet.se includes basic location mapping with transport links, but Booli.se offers deeper analytics including school performance data from the Swedish National Agency for Education, police crime statistics by neighborhood, and demographic information about area residents.

For school information, cross-reference with Skolverket.se (Swedish National Agency for Education) which provides detailed performance statistics, language programs, and admission requirements for both public and private schools in each area.

Use SL.se (Stockholm transport) or local transport authority websites to verify actual commute times and transport frequency, as property listing estimates may not reflect rush hour delays or weekend service reductions. Agency websites like Fastighetsbyran.com often provide neighborhood guides highlighting local character, shopping, restaurants, and community features.

Check kommun (municipality) websites for detailed local services, tax rates, and future development plans that may affect property values and neighborhood character over time.

What's the easiest way to find English-speaking real estate agents in Sweden who can help me through the process?

Major Swedish real estate agencies provide dedicated English-speaking agents, particularly in Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö.

SwedenEstates.com specializes entirely in international clients and employs only English-speaking agents with experience in foreign buyer requirements, visa considerations, and cross-border financing arrangements. Their agents handle the complete process from property search through closing documentation in English.

Fastighetsbyran.com and SvenskFast.se both maintain English-speaking agent teams in major cities. Search their websites using "English-speaking agent" filters or contact their main offices directly requesting international client services.

LinkedIn proves effective for finding English-speaking Swedish real estate professionals - search "real estate agent Stockholm English" or similar terms to find agents who specifically market to international clients and post content in English.

Contact agency offices in Östermalm (Stockholm), Gothenburg city center, or central Malmö, as these locations typically staff English-speaking agents due to higher international client volume. Request agent references from previous international clients to verify communication quality and process familiarity.

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. SwedenEstates.com
  2. Semrush Sweden Real Estate Websites
  3. SimilarWeb Sweden Real Estate Rankings
  4. Ahrefs Sweden Real Estate Analysis
  5. Hemnet Property Search Guide
  6. Hemnet Group Corporate Information
  7. Hemnet Market Leadership Report
  8. Reddit Sweden Real Estate Discussion