Sweden faces a well-documented housing shortage, particularly in Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö. Understanding how the market works is essential for finding a home efficiently.
Step 1: Start with Furnished Temporary Housing
The single best advice for newcomers: don't try to secure permanent housing before arriving. Book a Movinn furnished apartment, settle in, and search from a position of comfort and a registered local address.
Step 2: Understand the Swedish System
Housing Types
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chevron_rightFirst-hand rental (förstahandskontrakt) — Direct lease with the property owner. Very hard to get; queue-based in most cities
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chevron_rightSecond-hand rental (andrahandsuthyrning) — Subletting from the primary tenant. Common but often time-limited
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chevron_rightBostadsrätt — Buy into a housing cooperative (most common ownership form)
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chevron_rightServiced apartments (Movinn) — Fully furnished, flexible, all-inclusive monthly rent
Step 3: Where to Search
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chevron_rightBostadsförmedlingen (Stockholm) — Official housing queue, average wait 9+ years
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chevron_rightBoplats (Gothenburg) — Regional housing queue
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chevron_rightBlocket.se — Sweden's largest classifieds site
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chevron_rightQasa.se — Verified second-hand rentals
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chevron_rightSamtrygg.se — Secure second-hand rentals with guarantees
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chevron_rightMovinn.com — Immediately available furnished apartments
Skip the Queue
With Movinn, you can move into a fully furnished apartment within days — no queue, no deposits, no furniture shopping. Use it as a stepping stone or as your permanent home. Many professionals in Sweden choose serviced apartments as a lifestyle choice.
Step 4: Important Considerations
Always verify the landlord's right to sublet (subletting without permission from the property owner is illegal). Get everything in writing. Standard deposits are 1–3 months' rent. Note that some landlords require a Swedish personnummer and a Swedish guarantor.