Buying a house in Sweden: what is different

A detached house (villa) or many terraced houses (radhus) in Sweden are owned outright (äganderätt). You own the building and usually the land.

What is different from a flat

• There is no housing association and no monthly fee to one.
• You pay all the running costs yourself: heating, water, electricity, insurance and repairs.
• You must pay stamp duty when you register as the new owner (lagfart), and often a fee for new mortgage deeds (pantbrev).

The inspection

As a buyer, you have a duty to examine the house yourself. Most buyers hire an inspector before they sign. Hidden problems can be costly, and the rules on who pays for what are strict.

The energy declaration

When a house is sold, the seller normally needs an energy declaration. It shows how much energy the house uses. A high number means high heating costs.

Why prices vary so much

Plot size, the condition of the house, the heating system, the view and the distance to town all affect the price. Two houses of the same size can sell for very different amounts.

This post is general information, not legal advice. Check the rules for your purchase with a professional.