The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Summer House in Sweden
I have ecently heard from a family I used to attend church with in the Boston area of the United States long time ago. They have traveled to the Nordic countries, led exchange students, and lived in Sweden for an extended period of time. They loved the nature and environment of Sweden and are now looking for a summer home. This inspired me to write the following post, and I hope that anyone who is interested, not just Americans reading this post, can use the keywords in this post to find more information. I have added some practical points that I knew from colleagues and friends who have owned such summer houses. Many of them have it nherited from parents and sharing with their families, though.
A Guide for Americans and Foreign Leaver
Are you dreaming of owning a summer house (sommarstuga) in Sweden? Good news—Sweden has no nationality-based restrictions on property ownership! Whether you’re looking for a charming lakeside retreat, a cozy cabin in the woods, or a seaside getaway, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
Yes, it’s entirely possible to own a summer house in Sweden and only use it during the summer while managing everything remotely from the U.S. Here’s how you can ensure that all necessary services, bills, and maintenance are handled without requiring your physical presence:
Finding Your Dream Property
You can start your search through popular Swedish real estate websites such as Hemnet and Booli. If you prefer professional guidance, reaching out to a Swedish real estate agent (mäklare) can simplify the process.
Financing Your Purchase
- Swedish Mortgages: Getting a mortgage in Sweden as a foreigner can be challenging unless you have a local income or credit history.
- Cash Purchase: Many international buyers use cash or secure financing from their home country.
- In my view on others, even Swedish did not morgage for buying such because the price is relatively cheaper than living apartment or living houses as a second home.
The Buying Process in Sweden
- Bidding (Budgivning): Most properties are sold through an open bidding system.
- Signing the Contract (Köpekontrakt): Once your bid is accepted, you sign a legally binding contract.
- Paying a Deposit: Typically 10% of the purchase price.
- Final Payment & Registration: The remaining balance is paid at closing, and ownership is registered with Lantmäteriet (the Swedish land registry). This is becaue most of summer houses are located in a country side and occupies its land soil.
Example: Buying a House for 1,000,000 SEK ($95,338 USD)
Exchange Rate as of Feb 1, 2025: 1 USD = 10.50 SEK
(Note: Exchange rates fluctuate, so check before purchasing.)
One-Time Costs
- Expense Cost (SEK) Converted to USD
- Purchase Price 1,000,000 SEK ($95,238 USD)
- Stamp Duty (1.5%) 15,000 SEK ($1,429 USD)
- Property Registration Fee 825 SEK ($79 USD)
- Total One-Time Costs 1,015,825 SEK ($96,746 USD)
Ongoing Annual Costs
- Expense Cost (SEK per year) Converted to USD
- Property Tax (Max 9,525 SEK per year) 9,525 SEK ($907 USD)
- (Additional costs like utilities, maintenance, and insurance depend on the house’s location and condition.)
Taxes & Fees to Consider
- Real Estate Agent Fees: Usually covered by the seller.
- Mortgage Registration Fee (if applicable): 2% of the mortgage amount (only applies if you take a loan in Sweden).
Visa & Residency Requirements
- No Residency Requirement: You don’t need a visa or residence permit to buy a home.
- 90-Day Rule: As a U.S. citizen, you can stay in Sweden for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa.
Practical Considerations
- It’s entirely possible to own a summer house in Sweden and only use it during the summer while managing everything remotely from the U.S. Here’s how you can ensure that all necessary services, bills, and maintenance are handled without requiring your physical presence:
- Utilities & Services: Some companies require a Swedish personal number (personnummer) to set up accounts. However, alternatives exist that accept international customers. Check about sewer and toilet maintenance. Most owners pay for maintenance. Electricity rates vary. All of these are things to consider because it is a rural area.
- Winterization: Many summer houses aren’t insulated for year-round living.
- Public Access Rights (Allemansrätten): Swedish law allows public access to nature, so consider this if privacy is a priority. Unlike America, by passing or picking wild fruits is allowed in such property. Do not shoot them in such case like Texan! (No worry that having gun at home is not allowed or very hard to get the license in Sweden.)
Conclusion
1. Why Now Might Be a Great Time to Buy
As of early 2025, the Swedish Krona (SEK) is relatively weak against the U.S. Dollar (USD), making Swedish real estate more affordable for American buyers. However, the Swedish housing market has faced some downturns, so careful research is key.
2. Is It Possible to Own a Summer House Without Being There Year-Round?
Yes! With modern banking, digital mail services, and property management solutions, you can easily manage a Swedish summer house from the U.S. or anywhere. Here’s a quick checklist to ensure a hassle-free experience:
- Set up digital billing (Kivra, e-faktura, autogiro)
- Use a Swedish or international bank with automatic payments
- Install remote security & monitoring (cameras, alarms, smart locks)
- Ensure taxes are handled via automated payments
