Can I buy a house in Sweden as a German citizen?

Yes. There are no restrictions on foreign buyers. A Swedish personal identity number (personnummer) is not legally required to buy property, but it can make it easier to set up bank accounts and utility contracts.

Are houses in Sweden really cheaper than in Germany?

Yes. Especially in rural areas, houses in Sweden are often far cheaper than comparable properties in Germany. In less densely populated regions you can find houses for under €100,000.

What additional costs come with buying (on top of the purchase price)?

Private buyers pay a property transfer tax (lagfart) of 1.5% of the purchase price, plus a small administrative fee. If the purchase is financed, a 2% stamp duty applies to newly issued mortgage deeds (pantbrev). In Sweden the seller usually pays the agent's commission, and no notary is required. Also budget for an inspection or survey and any renovations.

How does the bidding process (budgivning) work?

Bidding is a transparent process in which several interested buyers can place bids at the same time. The real estate agent coordinates the process and keeps every bidder informed of the current bids. The highest bid wins, provided the seller accepts it. On Nordihaus you will find the process explained step by step in German.

Do I need a notary or a lawyer?

No notary is required in Sweden, but we strongly recommend getting advice from a lawyer who specializes in real estate law. They will review all legal documents, including proof of ownership, explain every cost involved in the purchase and identify any restrictions or obligations attached to the property.

Is a lakeside house more expensive?

Yes, waterfront properties are usually more expensive, but they also offer higher resale value and better rental potential. Sweden has almost 100,000 lakes – and away from the well-known regions you can still find affordable lakeside homes.

Can I use the house as a holiday home?

Yes. Many buyers use their Swedish property as a holiday home or rent it out part of the year. There is no requirement in Sweden to live in the house permanently.

Buy a House in Sweden – Property for German-Speaking Buyers

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