How to read a housing association's annual report

When you buy a bostadsrätt, you become a member of the housing association. Its annual report (årsredovisning) tells you how healthy it is.

Where to look first

• Debt per square metre. How much the association has borrowed, divided by the living area. Lower is usually safer.
• The fee per square metre. Compare with similar buildings in the area.
• The result. Does the association make a profit or a loss, before depreciation?
• Planned maintenance. Is there a plan, and is money saved for it?

Big repairs

Pipe replacement (stambyte), a new roof or new windows cost a lot. Check if they are done or coming soon. If coming, the fee may go up.

Owning the land

Some associations own the land. Others rent it with a site leasehold (tomträtt). A site leasehold rent can go up when it is renegotiated.

Ask questions

If something is unclear, ask the estate agent or the association's board before you bid.

Why it matters for the price

Buyers who read the report pay less for weak associations and more for strong ones. That is part of why two flats on the same street can sell for different prices.