Planning assignments to Sweden? Help your assignees stay one step ahead with this indispensable list of property insights that will help equip your assignees for an exciting new journey.
There are two primary types of leases available in Sweden: first-hand leases and second-hand leases. A first-hand lease allows you to rent a rent-controlled property directly from the property owner and is generally more permanent and affordable per month compared to a second-hand lease. However, the demand for first-hand leases far outweighs the supply, resulting in an average 9.2-year waiting period and in extreme cases, up to a 20-year waiting period for property in the most desirable areas. On the other hand, a second-hand lease grants access to the sublet market, making it easier to find a rental but typically at a higher cost and for a shorter duration, with a maximum of two years. This dynamic creates a significant number of renters in Sweden who move from one property to another on the sublet merry-go-round.
Rent has to be paid one month in advance. This means that you will need to plan ahead and budget accordingly to ensure that you have the necessary funds available to pay for the upcoming month’s rent. For example, if you are moving in during the month of June, you will need to pay for July’s rent upfront. This payment schedule allows landlords to have a consistent and predictable income flow, while also ensuring that tenants are financially responsible and committed to their lease agreement. By paying rent in advance, you can have peace of mind knowing that your housing expenses are taken care of for the upcoming month, allowing you to focus on settling into your new home and enjoying your time in Sweden.
If you live in an apartment, chances are you’ll have access to a communal laundry room rather than having your own personal washing machine. This shared space is equipped with large, industrial-style washing machines, allowing you to efficiently complete your laundry tasks. However, due to the high demand, it is necessary to reserve a machine by booking a specific time slot. These time slots are highly sought after – it is not uncommon for individuals to decline invitations because they already have their laundry scheduled.
Gated communities are a rare sight in Sweden due to the influence of Swedish planning laws, which prioritize public access to land. These laws make it challenging to establish gated communities on land that is legally designated as ‘public’. If a public road, park, square, or any other public area passes through or is located within a specific area, it cannot be gated off. While countries like the UK and the US view gated communities as a way to reinforce private property, in Sweden, they are seen as barriers to public access to public land.
When it comes to termination, a lease in Sweden operates on a monthly basis, following the calendar months, rather than a specific number of days. This means that if you decide to terminate your lease, you will need to give notice at least one full calendar month in advance. For example, if you plan to move out at the end of June, you would need to notify your landlord by the end of May. This monthly termination policy ensures a clear and structured process for both tenants and landlords, allowing for proper planning and transition between tenancies.
In Sweden, most apartments are designed with a focus on efficient use of space, which means that regardless of the number of bedrooms, you can expect to find one well-designed bathroom that meets all your needs. This layout ensures that each apartment maximizes its square footage while providing all the necessary amenities. Whether you’re living in a cozy one-bedroom or a spacious three-bedroom apartment, you can rest assured that the bathroom will be functional and practical. It’s worth noting that air conditioning is also a rare feature in Swedish apartments.
Bicycles and public transportation reign supreme over cars in Sweden, resulting in a scarcity of parking spaces – when you do manage to find one, be prepared for an additional charge. If you wish to pay for a residential parking permit, this will cost between SEK 300 and SEK 1,100 per month. Purchasing a parking space is out of the question for most people; In 2023, a parking space in Stockholm was sold for a staggering SEK 1,152,628.63, surpassing the price per square meter of nearby apartments. What’s even more astonishing is that the estate agency claims to have sold similar spots for four times that amount.
Gaining a comprehensive understanding of valuable insights like these will greatly benefit your assignees, enabling them to adapt quickly, avoid any potential misunderstandings and establish realistic expectations.
K2 Relocation Managers commit to ensuring that assignees are provided with sufficient, current and location-specific housing information, enabling them to make a fully informed decision when it comes to securing a property in Sweden. This information is communicated in whatever format best suits the assignee, and can be discussed in detail to ensure a) understanding, and b) that all options have been fully considered.
