Moving to a new country is always a big adjustment, especially when it comes to finding a place to live. If you’re planning on moving to Denmark or another Nordic country, you should know a few things about Nordic housing before you start your search.
High-quality rental properties are limited
Generally speaking, the Nordics are great places to live. They boast some of the best quality of life indices out of all OECD nations, making them an attractive option for people who are looking for a great place to raise their families. That said, housing in the Nordics can be expensive.
The Nordic countries have a general shortage of high-quality rental properties. There’s very few options when it comes to available housing for rent in the capital cities, with the exception of Stockholm and Helsinki.
The Nordic countries also have some of the most expensive real estate in the world. Property prices vary greatly from region to region and city to city and are closely linked to demand.
Finally, there are a number of government housing schemes available which can help reduce the cost of rental property.
Different types of housing in the Nordics
There are many different types of housing in the Nordics, ranging from traditional Scandinavian homes to luxurious resorts.
Here is a general overview of the types of housing in these countries:
Single-family homes
These are the single most popular type of housing in the Nordics. They can be bought outright or through rental contracts.
Condo/townhouses
These are also popular, especially in larger cities. You can buy or rent these units as part of a complex, often with common areas such as pools, gyms, and restaurants.
Apartment rentals
Renting an apartment usually offers lower rent prices and maintenance than single family homes. On the other side, apartments comes with less space. They’re popular among young people and singles who want to live in close proximity to one another.
Ranch houses
A ranch house is a large, open structure typically found in rural areas. It features an outdoor living area and often has several bedrooms.
Communal houses
Some Nordic countries, such as Denmark, have communal housing arrangements. This means you live in an apartment with other people and share common areas, such as kitchens and living rooms. This can be a great way to meet new people and save money on rent.
Hotels
Hotels are also a common form of housing for tourists visiting the Nordic countries. These can range from budget options to high-class resorts.
Renting process and rules
The process of renting a house in the Nordics can be a little different from other parts of the world, thanks to the Nordics’ strict rental rules. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- In most cases, landlords require that renters have a guarantor before they will rent to them. This means that unless you have someone reliable who is willing to put up money as a guarantee, you will likely not be able to find a rental unit.
- Renters must also have valid identification that includes their photograph and their current address.
- You will need written permission from your landlord in order to make any changes or alterations to the property.
- It’s illegal for a landlord to charge more than one month’s rent upfront and it’s also illegal for them to require paying any damages if you move out in less than six months.
- Before signing anything, make sure that you understand all of the terms and conditions and read through the contract carefully. Be wary of hidden fees or clauses that landlords might try to include without your knowledge.
Average rent
As with anywhere else, the average rent in the Nordics varies depending on location, size, and type of property. In general, small apartments in urban areas cost more than larger homes in suburban areas.
For a two-bedroom apartment in Copenhagen, Denmark, you can expect to pay about $2,000 per month, while Oslo, Norway’s average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is about $1,600 per month. In Helsinki, Finland, a two-bedroom apartment goes for about $1,200 per month.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a place to live during your next visit to the region or just for Nordic housing inspiration, we hope this article has given you a good overview.
Keep in mind that there may be some variation between the different Nordic countries when it comes to home style and design, but the basics are all very similar.
Interested in learning more? Don’t hesitate to reach out – we would love to help you plan your perfect Nordic getaway!
