Buy a House in Sweden

As a foreigner, if you are planning to buy a house in Sweden get in touch with our lawyers. Because buying a property in Sweden might be challenging for you. It is not an easy task to choose an appropriate house in a good place and place. So, it is recommended to get in touch with our Swedish lawyers. They will not only guide you through the whole procedure but also practically assist you in getting a house. With their services, you will be able to comply with all the legal requirements necessary to fulfill before you buy an apartment in Stockholm. 

Kinds of properties you can buy in Sweden

If you are planning to buy a house in Sweden, and seeking legal help in this regard, you are welcome to get in touch with our lawyers. Furthermore, Sweden has a wide variety of property kinds to select from. There are several options, including condominiums, detached homes, link homes that resemble townhomes, and even cottages. Other helpful Swedish terms to know include the following: apartments, terraced homes, holiday homes, and kedjehus, etc. If you are unaware of these terms, you are welcome to get in touch with our lawyers. They will not only explain to you these terms but also assist you in buying a property in Sweden. 

Quick Facts
Specific legislation applicable (yes/no)	Yes, Swedish Land Code
Possibility to acquire Swedish properties by foreigners (yes/no)	Yes, foreigners can buy and sell real estate without restrictions
Types of properties that can be purchased in Sweden	Single-Family Homes, Apartments, Townhouses, Duplexes, Commercial Properties, Land and Building Plots
Real estate due diligence is required in Sweden (yes/no)	yes
Registration of ownership	You must apply for legal registration at the Swedish Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authority (Lantmäteriet) in order to be registered as an owner and fill out the application for registration of ownership
Financing options availability (yes/no)	Yes
Special property acquisition programs for foreign citizens (yes/no)	No
Time frame to acquire a property in Sweden (approx)	The time frame to acquire a property in Sweden can vary depending on a number of factors such as location, price range, and availability. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to complete the process
Taxes to consider upon a property purchase	Stamp duty of 4,25%, annual property tax in the amount of 0,2% to 2,8% of the cadastral value
Land registry registration requirement	In order to obtain a certificate of registration of title, it is necessary for a buyer of real estate to submit an application for ownership registration to the Land Survey Authority within three months of the purchase
Best cities to buy properties in Sweden	Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmø
Residency requirement for foreign citizens buying real estate in Sweden	Individuals from outside the EU do not face legal restrictions when purchasing property in Sweden. They have the freedom to buy houses in Sweden without being permanent residents or residents at all
Possibility to appoint a Swedish representative during the transaction	Yes, you can hire our Swedish lawyers
Property tax rates in Sweden	1 % for commercial office space, 0.5% for industrial property
Support in buying a property in Sweden	Our real estate lawyers in Sweden can offer you practical legal support while buying a property in this country

Procedure for buying a home in Sweden 

If you are non-Swedish, you should know that foreigners are legally free to buy a house in Sweden. Our Swedish lawyers can assist you in buying a property in Sweden, but general information is also given here in this regard. A purchase agreement is first negotiated while buying a house or any other property. Then deed verification and a property survey both take place at the same time. As soon as a deal is concluded, the deed is approved, and the surveyor has cleared the property for sale, the deal is final. The buyer and seller both sign a purchase agreement/contract, which is known as a Kapeavtal. An important thing to keep in mind is that the buyer makes a deposit that might be anywhere between 2% and 10% of the sale price after the deal is final. 

Please find below all the steps in which you are required to act before you buy an apartment in Stockholm. You are required to get assistance from a real estate agent. In this way, you can close a deal in a better way. So, if you are seeking any assistance regarding buying a property in Sweden, the services of our lawyers are at your disposal. The procedure is as follows:

• You may get ready by doing research and, if necessary, hiring a real estate professional to assist you. The lawyers at our law firm in Sweden can offer you detailed research in this regard. With their services, you can land a better house at the place of your choice;
• Secondly, you locate a house that interests you and gets in touch with our lawyers in Sweden;
• After finding one house, you should visit the place to make sure that it is exactly to your liking. While visiting the property you can have one of our lawyers with you to assist you;
• You make an offer, and if the seller accepts it, our attorneys in Sweden will draw out the documents for you;
• You are further required to commission an impartial building surveyor to examine the property;
• Finally, to sign the contracts, you meet with the seller and our lawyers and make a 10% deposit as aforementioned. 

If you have more questions regarding the procedure of buying property in Sweden, you are welcome to get in touch with our lawyers. They will answer all your questions in detail to mitigate your concerns. So, you will be able to buy a house in Sweden with complete satisfaction. 

Our lawyers can also put you in touch with their local partners if you decide to purchase land or a house in another country, such as Greece. The Greek lawyers can explain you the main rules related to buying land and observing the local laws. EU citizens benefit from the same rights as Greek citizens related by buying land, but they must check the main legal conditions that can be imposed at a regional level. Such conditions refer to the use of the purchased plot. If you want to buy it for building a house, you will need various building permits, amongst many others. 

We also have an infographic on this topic:

Besides this, if you are interested in incorporating a company in Sweden, the services of our company formation lawyers are at your disposal. 

Laws governing Swedish real estate transactions

Here our lawyers have provided information about the laws that govern real estate transactions in Sweden. And if you also need information about real estate taxation, consult with our lawyers. The Swedish Land Code primarily governs real estate transactions. In addition, a variety of laws, including the Environmental Code and the Property Formation Act, can be relevant depending on the specifics of each transaction. Additional laws like the Swedish Corporation Act and the Swedish Sale of Goods Act also apply in cases of indirect real estate transactions. If you are further interested in understanding real estate-related legislation and taxation, contact our lawyers.  

In addition to assist you in buying a house in Sweden, you can also get the services of our lawyers on other matters that require legal assistance. For instance, if you need the services of an accountant in Sweden, get in touch with our lawyers.

How to buy an apartment in Stockholm?

Please note that our lawyers can help you a buy a property in Sweden with all the steps that are mentioned below. To buy an apartment in Stockholm, you can follow these steps:

• Determine your budget: Before you start your search, decide how much you can afford to spend on an apartment in Stockholm. Take into account your income, expenses, and any savings you have. Or if you are unaware of how to do this, you are welcome to rely on our accountants in Sweden. They can guide you in detail about your accounts and if you are financially able to buy a property in Sweden or not;
• Find a real estate agent: It is important to work with a reputable real estate agent who can help you navigate the Stockholm housing market. You can simply get in touch with our experienced real estate lawyers in Sweden. They can help you buy an apartment in Stockholm;
• Search for apartments: You can search for apartments in Stockholm through various channels. Make a list of the apartments that interest you and schedule viewings with the real estate agent. Or if you are a foreigner, you can get in touch with our local lawyers. They can help you find an appropriate property in Sweden;
• View apartments: When you view apartments, pay attention to the condition of the apartment, its location, and any additional amenities it may have. Make sure to ask the real estate agent any questions you have about the property. Or you can take our real estate lawyers with you;
• Make an offer: If you find an apartment you like, make an offer to the seller through your real estate agent. The seller may accept your offer or make a counteroffer. It is recommended to have a real estate lawyer by your side when you buy a property in Sweden;
• Negotiate and sign a contract: If your offer is accepted, negotiate the terms of the contract with the seller and sign a purchase agreement. You will need to pay a deposit at this stage, usually around 10% of the purchase price. You are suggested to negotiate the terms of the contract in the presence of our Swedish lawyers. They can help you avoid any possible legal terms that may cause issues for you in the future;
• Finalize the sale: Before the sale is finalized, you will need to arrange to finance if you have not already done so. You will also need to have the property inspected and obtain any necessary permits. Finally, sign the sale contract and pay the remainder of the purchase price.

By following all these steps, you are now the owner of an apartment in Stockholm. Do not forget to arrange for utilities, insurance, and any necessary repairs or renovations. If you need any further information about how to buy a house in Sweden, the services of our lawyers are at your disposal. They can help you with purchase agreement, deed, property title, mortgage documents, disclosure and closing documents, etc. Overall, our lawyers play a critical role in ensuring that all legal aspects of a real estate transaction are handled properly.They will answer your questions and also offer you their services throughout the procedure. 

Besides this, our Swedish immigration lawyers can help you immigrate to Sweden from Russia.

Swedish property for non-EU/EEA citizens

Non-EU/EEA citizens can buy property in Sweden. The Swedish real estate market is generally open to foreigners, regardless of their citizenship. The Swedish government does not impose restrictions on property ownership based on nationality. However, it is important to note that certain rules and regulations apply to property transactions in Sweden, regardless of the buyer’s citizenship. As a non-EU/EEA citizen, if you are interested in buying a house in Sweden, you can get in touch with our lawyers. Also check the guide given below by our Swedish lawyers: 

1. Approval from the Swedish County Administrative Board: Non-EU citizens need to seek approval from the Swedish County Administrative Board (Länsstyrelsen) before purchasing property in Sweden. This requirement aims to ensure that such purchase aligns with the country’s national interests. Our lawyers can offer you legal help if you are planning to buy a property in Sweden;
2. Financing and Mortgage: It is essential to secure financing for the property purchase. Banks and financial institutions in Sweden provide mortgage options to both residents and non-residents. The terms and conditions may vary, so it is advisable to consult with our local lawyers in Sweden to find out the most suitable mortgage options;
3. Legal Assistance: You are welcome to acquire the services of our qualified real estate lawyers. Their services can be beneficial when you are planning to buy a house in Sweden. They can guide you through the legal aspects, and contracts, and ensure a smooth transaction process;
4. Additional Costs: In addition to the property price, buyers should consider additional costs associated with the purchase, such as stamp duty, our real estate lawyer fees, registration fees, and potential taxes;
5. Residence Permit: Buying property in Sweden does not automatically grant a residence permit or right to live in the country. Non-EU citizens who wish to reside in Sweden for an extended period would need to explore appropriate visa or residence permit options. For this, you are welcome to consult with our immigration lawyers in Sweden. 

Please note that the real estate regulations and procedures can vary and may be subject to change. Therefore, it is always advisable to consult with our legal professionals. With their assistance, you will not face any unnecessary delays regarding transactions. 

Our lawyers in Sweden can also offer you practical assistance in other matters. For instance, if you are interested in opening a bank account, you are encouraged to consult with our lawyers.

Benefits of buying a property in Sweden 

If you are interested to buy a house in Sweden, you should keep these potential benefits in mind: 

1. Stable Real Estate Market: Sweden has a stable and well-regulated real estate market, making it an attractive option for property investment;
2. Strong Property Rights: Sweden has strong property rights protection, ensuring that property owners have legal security and can enjoy their rights without undue interference;
3. High Quality of Life: Sweden is known for its high quality of life, with excellent healthcare, education, social welfare, and infrastructure. Buying property in Sweden can provide access to these benefits;
4. Long-Term Investment: Property in Sweden can be a good long-term investment, as property prices have generally shown a positive trend over the years.

Please consult with our Swedish lawyers specializing in international transactions to understand the specific rules and regulations that may apply to your situation when you buy a property in Sweden.

As aforementioned, acquiring a property in Sweden as a foreigner is generally possible, but it is important to note that there are certain regulations and restrictions that you should be aware of. As the citizens of the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA) generally have the same property rights as Swedish citizens. They can freely buy both residential and commercial properties in Sweden without any specific permits or restrictions. However, the purchase of agricultural land by non-EU/EEA citizens is subject to additional restrictions. Non-EU/EEA citizens usually need to demonstrate farming experience and a clear agricultural purpose to obtain permission. You can learn more by interacting with our law firm in Sweden. Our lawyers can offer you comprehensive guidance on which kind of properties you can or cannot buy in Sweden.

After you purchase a property in Sweden, there are some taxes and other procedures that you are required to follow. For instance, if you have a commercial property and facing issues concerning accounting, please consult with our CPA in Sweden. 

Here is also our video on how to buy a Swedish property:

Real estate prices in Sweden 

If you are interested in buying a house in Sweden, you should have knowledge about real estate prices. In this way, you can mentally be prepared whether you are ready to buy a property in Sweden or not. Please find below an estimate of real estate prices in Sweden in recent years:

• House prices in Sweden rose rapidly in 2021, but this trend is expected to reverse in the next two years;
• Prices of houses are expected to fall by 13% in 2023;
• Whereas, there is an expected rise in real estate prices by 1.5 percent in 2024;
• In 2022, the average square meter price for an apartment in Stockholm was nearly 8,000 euros, made it Sweden’s most expensive city for residential real estate.

If you are planning to buy a property in Sweden, you are welcome to contact our real estate lawyers, because they have a deep understanding of the Swedish property market and can provide legal advice on all aspects of the buying and selling process.This includes issues such as property title searches, drafting and reviewing purchase agreements, and resolving disputes. They can help protect your interests in the transaction by reviewing contracts, negotiating terms, and ensuring that all legal requirements are met. This can help prevent future legal issues and ensure that your investment is protected.

Furthermore, if you are involved in a complex real estate transaction, such as a commercial property purchase or a joint venture, a real estate lawyer can guide the legal and financial aspects of the transaction. In Sweden, there are many regulations governing real estate transactions, including zoning laws and environmental regulations. A real estate lawyer can help ensure that you comply with all relevant laws and regulations.

Besides this, our lawyers can also help you get a virtual office in Sweden.