Buy a house in Sweden

Why buying a house in Sweden is so attractive

Sweden is a country of vast forests, thousands of lakes and charming villages. The lifestyle is relaxed, the country is clean and safe, and the work-life balance is highly valued. Sweden offers its residents plenty of space and tranquility, while cities like Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö in turn offer plenty of culture, jobs and modern amenities. This combination of nature, comfort and safety makes the country attractive for both permanent residence and a second home, for example, if you are planning to buy a second home in Sweden.

Sweden has four distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold snowy winters. For nature lovers who like to hike, fish, ski or just enjoy the quiet, the country is a good choice when they want to be in the middle of nature but also maintain access to basic amenities such as shopping, health care and public transportation. Outside the big cities, housing prices are relatively low, especially compared to the Netherlands and other Western European countries, such as France, Germany or Spain.

Can any Dutchman buy a house in Sweden?

As an EU citizen, you can buy a home in Sweden without restrictions. However, it is important to become familiar with the buying process. Sweden often uses bidding rounds, where interested parties can make an offer through the real estate agent. This process is generally transparent, but can be quick if you have not experienced it before. Engaging a Swedish real estate agent and possibly a legal advisor is therefore strongly recommended. They can help you check property rights, zoning and construction issues.

Living in Sweden: what should you pay attention to?

If you are planning to buy a house in Sweden, it is a good idea to map out your requirements first. Do you want to live in Sweden permanently or do you want to use the house as a vacation home? It can also be interesting to rent out the house, so that you can partly recover the costs or even make a return. Moreover, location also plays a big role: some houses are remote, which can be ideal for peace and quiet, but less practical if you want quick access to amenities.

There are also practical matters to consider, such as the insulation and heating of the house, the state of maintenance and whether the house is connected to water, electricity and internet. Also inquire about the rules for (re)building on the plot and the use of fireplaces or wells. Because the climate is somewhat different from the Netherlands, it is wise to pay extra attention to winter resistance and energy consumption.