Finding your home in West Sweden

Whether you’re looking to rent an apartment or buy a home, understanding the local housing landscape is essential for a smooth transition.

Renting an apartment

Apartments in Sweden are typically classified based on their size in square meters and the number of rooms, excluding the kitchen and WC. When renting an apartment, you’ll come across two types of contracts, both of which often include heating and water costs in the rent.

• First-hand contracts (Förstahandskontrakt): With this type of contract, you rent directly from the owner of the building. However, in Gothenburg, obtaining a first-hand contract can be challenging, with queueing times often spanning several years. These apartments are usually unfurnished. 

• Second-hand contracts (Andrahandskontrakt): Under a second-hand contract, you sublet from the person who holds the first-hand contract with the owner. These contracts typically have a limited duration, and the apartments or rooms may come furnished or unfurnished. To secure a second-hand rental, it’s advisable to respond to listings promptly, introduce yourself properly and demonstrate why you’d be a suitable tenant.

Student accommodation

For students, universities in West Sweden offer the option of applying for student apartments, making the housing search more accessible and convenient during your academic journey.

Buying a home

If you’re considering putting down roots in West Sweden, buying a home is a viable option. Here are some key points to consider:

• Apartment purchase (Bostadsrätt): When you buy an apartment you acquire the right to live in it and become a member of the housing cooperative (Bostadsrättsförening). You’ll pay a purchase price and monthly fees covering building repairs, maintenance, and sometimes utilities like electricity, heating, digital television and internet.

• House purchase: Buying a house in Sweden means acquiring full ownership of the property. Both apartments and houses usually come equipped with a cooker, fridge and freezer.

The home-buying process in Sweden is typically swift and involves property viewings, followed by a bidding process. Before bidding, it’s advisable to secure a loan promise from your bank. Generally, a 15% deposit and proof of stable income are required to secure a home loan.

All homes are listed by their size in square meters and the number of rooms. House listings also include information about the lot size and restricted-use areas like basements or garages (biarea).

In West Sweden, finding your ideal home is a manageable task with careful research and the right approach. Whether renting or buying, the region offers a wide range of housing options to suit your needs and preferences as you embark on this exciting chapter of your life in Sweden.

More information and useful links can be found here >>