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Real estate investment in Sweden

Foreigners can freely buy, lease and sell real estate in Sweden.

Statistics confirm the liquidity of investments: residential real estate prices grow every quarter by an average of 1.2%. Five years ago, an apartment of 100 m² cost an average of €383,000, and today it is sold for €487,000.

€4,872 Average price per 1 m²
of housing in Sweden
1,2% Average price per 1 m²
increase per quarter
0,01—6,2% Buyers’ related expenses,
of the transaction amount

How the residential property price index is growing in Sweden

Cost of a 3-bedroom apartment in Sweden

€2 million

Penthouse in the historical centre
of Stockholm

€1 million

Apartment within a 10-minute drive from the Royal Palace

€250,000

Apartment in Malmö

What do investors buy?

The most expensive real estate in Sweden is in the capital, Stockholm.

Apartments

  • penthouses
  • attic apartments
  • apartments

Houses

  • townhouses
  • mansions
  • villas

Sweden residence permit or citizenship by real estate investment

Obtaining a Sweden residence permit or citizenship is not connected with purchasing real estate.

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Taxes and associated costs

Purchase
Ownership
Sale

Property buyers pay stamp duty and a registration fee. Associated costs amount to 4.25% of the purchase agreement value. When buying an apartment worth €1 mln, the investor will spend approximately €1.425 mln, considering additional costs.

4.25% Of the contract value are related costs for the purchase of housing in Sweden
Purchase expenses
Stamp duty
4.25%

Of the transaction amount

Registration fee
€86 

Taxes

Owners pay an annual property tax of 0.2% to 2.8% of the cadastral property value. The rate depends on the property type, like whether it is a house or an apartment, and the property purpose.

The income tax of 30% is paid on rental income in Sweden.

€900 Approximate annual costs for
maintenance of an apartment

Communal payments

Electricity, gas, water, heating, and garbage collection
€40—157 

per month

Internet, TV and telephone
€20—40 

per month

Real estate sellers pay a capital gains tax of 30% on the difference between the sale and purchase prices.

The agency fee is 3% to 5%.

30% Capital gains tax on the sale of
real estate in Sweden
Expenses on the sale
Capital gains tax

Paid on the difference between the sale and
purchase prices

30%
Agency fee
3—5%

Frequently asked questions

Can foreigners buy property in Sweden?

Yes. Foreigners in Sweden can buy and sell real estate without restrictions. They can also rent out an apartment if the cooperative housing allows that.

Is real estate in Sweden expensive?

The average cost of residential real estate in Sweden is €4,872 per 1 m². The price dynamics are below the European Union’s average. However, real estate prices in Sweden grow in price by 1,2% quarterly.

An apartment in Malmo can be bought for €250,000, while a 3-bedroom apartment in Stockholm can be bought for €955,000.

Do Swedes pay property tax?

Buyers of real estate in Sweden pay a stamp duty of 4,25%.

Property owners in Sweden pay an annual property tax in the amount of 0,2% to 2,8% of the cadastral value. The rate depends on the property type.

The owners who rent out their property, pay an annual income tax of 30%.

Sellers of real estate in Sweden pay a capital gains tax of 30% on the difference between the sale and purchase price.

Is it a good investment to buy a house in Sweden?

Yes. Real estate properties in Sweden are liquid assets. The price of residential real estate is growing quarterly by an average of 1,2%. An investor who, five years ago, bought an apartment for €383,000, can today resell it for €487,000.

Igor Buglo
Prepared a guide on investing in real estate in Sweden