Buying real estate in Sweden?

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Should I wait for Sweden prices to drop?

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

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

Swedish property prices have modestly recovered in 2025, showing stability after the 2022-2023 correction.

As of September 2025, national house prices average SEK 3.7-4.0 million with 2-5% annual growth, while mortgage rates have dropped to 3.0-3.2% and rental yields range from 4-7% depending on location, making current conditions favorable for buyers despite elevated unsold inventory in some areas.

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 much do Swedish properties cost now compared to last year?

Swedish property prices have risen 2-5% nationally in the past 12 months as of September 2025.

National average house prices currently stand at SEK 3.7-4.0 million (€317-342K), representing a 3-5% increase from 2024 levels. Apartments have performed even better, with national prices up 5% year-on-year, while houses increased by 3%.

Regional variations are significant across Sweden's property market. Stockholm apartments average €7,700 per square meter, with houses around SEK 6.7 million (€575K), though the capital has seen only modest growth. Malmö and Gothenburg offer better value and faster appreciation, with Uppsala and Lund showing 8-9% annual growth driven by university demand.

Northern regions like Upper Norrland lead the country with 12.6% annual growth, while Southern Sweden posts 6.4% increases. This geographic shift reflects buyers seeking better value outside traditional expensive metropolitan areas.

The current price levels represent a recovery from the 2022-2023 correction when prices dropped nearly 16% from their peak, making today's levels more sustainable than previous highs.

How quickly have Swedish property prices been changing recently?

Swedish property prices have stabilized with steady 2-5% annual growth over the past 6-12 months.

The market experienced sharp volatility during 2022-2023, with national prices declining 6.3% in 2023 alone. However, 2024 marked a clear turning point with modest 2-3% national growth, followed by stronger performance in 2025.

Transaction volumes have rebounded dramatically, increasing 16% year-on-year in 2024 and continuing to grow through 2025. This activity surge signals renewed buyer confidence and market normalization after the uncertainty of previous years.

Recent quarterly data shows the Swedish housing index rose to 947 points in Q2 2025 from 934 points in Q1 2025, indicating consistent momentum. The most telling indicator of market health is that 28% of properties sold in 2024 went for above asking price, demonstrating competitive bidding has returned.

Monthly price movements remain relatively stable, with properties taking an average of 28 days to sell compared to 25 days during the pandemic peak, suggesting strong but not speculative demand levels.

What do experts predict for Swedish property prices in 2026-2027?

Most analysts forecast 2-7% annual price increases for Swedish properties through 2026-2027, with regional variations.

Major forecasting institutions including CBRE Sweden, Swedbank, and Handelsbanken predict Stockholm and metropolitan areas will see 2-3% annual growth, while northern regions and university towns could experience 4-7% appreciation. CBRE specifically forecasts a 10% increase in real estate investment activity in 2025, typically correlating with price growth.

The consensus view suggests the dramatic volatility of recent years will give way to more stable, sustainable growth patterns. This moderation reflects market maturation after the pandemic-driven boom and subsequent correction cycle.

University cities like Uppsala and Lund are positioned for stronger performance due to sustained demand from students and young professionals, with some analysts projecting up to 8-9% annual appreciation in these locations.

Long-term forecasts for 2025-2030 suggest steady growth averaging 3-5% annually in major cities, while rural areas may see 2-4% appreciation. This represents a return to historical norms after years of exceptional market movements.

How do current Swedish mortgage rates affect affordability?

Swedish mortgage rates have dropped significantly to 3.0-3.2% as of September 2025, dramatically improving affordability.

Variable mortgage rates, which 71% of Swedish borrowers use, currently average 3.06% for new agreements, down from 3.15% in April 2025. Fixed rates between 1-5 years average 2.99%, offering even lower costs for those seeking rate certainty.

The Riksbank's policy rate stands at 2.25%, with potential for further cuts in 2026 if economic conditions warrant. Banks forecast mortgage rates will remain under 3.3% through next year, providing continued affordability benefits.

These current rates represent approximately 30% lower monthly payments compared to two years ago when rates peaked. For a typical SEK 4 million property with 90% financing, monthly principal and interest payments are roughly SEK 13,500-14,500, making homeownership accessible for middle-income households.

The combination of stabilized prices and low rates creates a favorable buying environment, as monthly carrying costs remain manageable despite property price recovery.

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Are Swedish banks loosening or tightening lending rules?

Swedish banks are loosening lending rules, with significant regulatory changes favoring borrowers from early 2026.

Starting in early 2026, first-time buyers will be able to borrow up to 90% loan-to-value (LTV) versus the current 85% maximum. Additionally, the government plans to scrap annual mandatory repayments for high LTV loans, reducing ongoing payment obligations for new borrowers.

Current down payment requirements stand at 15% of property value, but this will decrease to 10% under the new regulations. These changes specifically aim to help first-time buyers enter the market more easily during a period of improved affordability.

Lending growth has increased with banks balancing liquidity risks while expanding credit availability. The improved economic backdrop and controlled inflation have enhanced lender willingness to extend credit for property purchases.

Several regulatory buffers remain in place to maintain financial stability, but the overall trend clearly favors easier access to mortgage financing for qualified borrowers throughout 2025 and beyond.

What rental income could I realistically expect today?

Swedish rental yields currently range from 4-7% annually depending on location, with significant variation between cities.

City Gross Rental Yield Average Monthly Rent (60m²)
Uppsala 7.04% €1,564
Malmö 6.02% €1,200-1,400
Gothenburg 4.96% €1,300-1,500
Stockholm 4.23% €1,449 (studio)
National Average 5.56% Varies by location

Net yields after expenses including management, taxes, insurance, and vacancy periods are typically 1.5-2% lower than gross yields. University cities like Uppsala offer the highest returns due to consistent student demand and strong local economies.

Stockholm's lower yields reflect higher property prices, but the city offers better capital appreciation potential and more liquid rental markets. Central Stockholm properties with excellent transport links maintain high occupancy rates despite lower percentage returns.

Rental demand remains robust across Sweden due to ongoing housing shortages, particularly in urban areas where 775,000 people are registered as needing rental units in Greater Stockholm alone.

What would waiting to buy cost me in missed opportunities?

Waiting to buy Swedish property could cost 4-7% annually in missed rental income plus potential capital gains.

For a typical Swedish property investment, missed rental income represents €10,000-30,000 annually for prime apartments based on current gross yields. Uppsala properties generating 7% yields mean delaying a SEK 3 million purchase costs approximately SEK 210,000 in foregone annual rental income.

Capital appreciation could add another 2-7% annually depending on location, meaning total opportunity costs range from 6-14% per year in growing markets. Northern regions experiencing 12.6% annual growth present particularly high opportunity costs for delays.

Current mortgage rates at 3.0-3.2% provide favorable financing that may not persist if the Riksbank reverses course or global rates rise. Monthly payments today are 30% lower than two years ago, representing significant savings that could be lost.

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

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.

How high could mortgage rates go if I wait another year?

Swedish mortgage rates are more likely to decrease than increase over the next 6-12 months based on current forecasts.

Major banks including SBAB, Swedbank, and Länsförsäkringar predict variable mortgage rates will decrease to 2.85-3.20% by December 2025, while Handelsbanken forecasts rates stabilizing around 3.2% by end-2025 and 3.3% by end-2026.

The Riksbank's policy rate currently at 2.25% has room for further cuts if economic conditions warrant, with most economists expecting at least one more reduction in 2026. This suggests mortgage rates are more likely to decline than rise from current levels.

However, global economic uncertainty could change this trajectory. If international rates rise due to inflation concerns or geopolitical issues, Swedish rates might follow despite domestic conditions favoring cuts.

The risk of waiting appears minimal from a rate perspective, but the certainty of current low rates provides valuable protection against unexpected changes in global financial conditions.

Which Swedish regions show prices dropping faster than others?

Most Swedish regions are showing price increases rather than drops, with Stockholm experiencing the slowest growth.

Stockholm's price growth has lagged significantly, recording small drops in houses and only marginal gains in apartments. Central Stockholm shows relatively flat or slightly declining prices as supply catches up with demand in expensive segments.

In contrast, northern regions lead national growth with Upper Norrland posting 12.6% annual increases, followed by Northern Central Sweden at 8.5% and Southern Sweden at 6.4%. University towns like Uppsala and Lund show 8-9% annual appreciation.

Regional performance varies dramatically: Malmö outpaces Stockholm with 2% annual growth, while Gothenburg shows 1.1% increases. Rural regions record the strongest performance with up to 7% annual growth as buyers seek affordability outside urban centers.

The geographic shift reflects a broader rebalancing away from traditionally dominant metropolitan areas toward locations offering better value propositions for both investors and owner-occupiers.

How much unsold inventory exists in my target area?

Swedish property inventory levels have increased significantly, though this varies considerably by location and price segment.

National inventory reached record highs in late 2024, up 17% year-over-year, though this reflects properties staying on market longer rather than a surge in new listings. Average time on market is 28 days compared to 25 days during the pandemic peak.

Stockholm and other major metropolitan areas have relatively high supply levels, particularly in luxury segments and outlying areas. This elevated inventory is slowing price increases even as nationwide conditions improve.

However, new construction remains severely constrained with housing starts down 18% year-over-year in Q4 2024. This supply shortage could create future bottlenecks and support price growth despite current inventory levels.

The mismatch between high existing inventory and low new construction suggests current supply levels may normalize quickly once market conditions fully stabilize, potentially creating supply shortages in the medium term.

How would a 5%, 10%, or 15% price drop affect my payments?

Price drops would directly reduce both down payment requirements and monthly mortgage payments proportionally.

Price Drop Monthly Payment Reduction Down Payment Savings (15%)
5% SEK 1,350 SEK 30,000 (SEK 4M property)
10% SEK 2,700 SEK 60,000 (SEK 4M property)
15% SEK 4,050 SEK 90,000 (SEK 4M property)

For a typical SEK 4 million property with 90% LTV financing at 3% interest, these reductions represent meaningful monthly savings. However, the probability of such significant drops appears low given current market fundamentals and economic conditions.

Current market indicators suggest modest price growth rather than declines, making these scenarios increasingly unlikely. The opportunity cost of waiting for uncertain price drops may exceed the potential savings from reduced purchase prices.

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

What's my backup plan if prices fall after I buy?

Swedish rental yields and market fundamentals provide multiple backup options if property values decline after purchase.

Rental income offers immediate cash flow protection, with Swedish gross yields of 4-7% helping offset capital value declines. University towns like Uppsala and Malmö provide particularly robust rental demand that remains stable even during price corrections.

Sweden's strong tenant protection laws and rental regulations ensure reliable income streams for investment properties. The chronic housing shortage, especially in urban areas, supports rental demand regardless of property value fluctuations.

Recent regulatory changes facilitate refinancing and exit opportunities, while energy-efficient and centrally located properties maintain premium rental demand even during market downturns.

Long-term hold periods of 5+ years typically allow recovery from purchase costs even in scenarios with 10-15% capital value declines, as rental returns and principal reduction offset short-term price volatility.

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. Global Property Guide Sweden Price History
  2. Investropa Sweden Price Forecasts
  3. Trading Economics Sweden Mortgage Rate
  4. Global Property Guide Sweden Rental Yields
  5. Investropa Buying House Sweden
  6. Statistics Sweden Financial Market Statistics
  7. Riksbank Monetary Policy Decision
  8. Investropa Sweden Housing Market
  9. Trading Economics Sweden Housing Index
  10. Statsskuld Sweden Mortgage Forecast