How to Find an Apartment in Stockholm (Updated 2024)
With the current housing shortage in Stockholm, finding an apartment can be a struggle and... these apartments are often expensive. It took a lot of patience, applications, and rejections, but when you find one, it’s worth the trouble!
Looking to rent in Stockholm? Here's a guide on how to find an apartment in this city!
If you're planning to move to Stockholm or have just arrived in Sweden, finding a place to live is probably high on your list. When it comes to how to find an apartment in Stockholm, there are a few ways to look for an apartment in Stockholm. You can search online, ask friends or coworkers, or even get help from a relocation service.
The challenge of how to find an apartment in Stockholm is amplified due to the housing shortage. Rents in the city are notoriously high, so it's smart to approach your search with a strategy to keep your living cost manageable.
In this guide, I'll take you through the steps for how to find an apartment in Stockholm. I'll also share some tips to make your apartment hunting a bit easier. Finding the right place to live is important, so I've also put together some useful resources to make your search easier.
How Much is the Rent for an Apartment in Stockholm
Understanding how to find an apartment in Stockholm is important, given the rental market in Sweden. The cost of renting can differ greatly depending on the area, with factors like proximity to the city center, local amenities, and housing demand playing significant roles in pricing.
Where to Find an Apartment in Stockholm
Part of how to find an apartment in Stockholm is identifying trustworthy rental websites. With a housing shortage in the city, it's hard to find available apartments, and there's a risk of running into scammers.
I suggest using platforms that serve as middlemen between tenants and landlords, ensuring safety for both sides. These websites generally manage the whole rental process, from lease signing to dealing with deposits and rent payments.
Like most rental platforms, Swedish rental websites ask for some form of identification. If you have a personnummer, that's great to use; if not, your passport will suffice.
01
Samtrygg
Samtrygg simplifies how to find an apartment in Stockholm, particularly for newcomers to Sweden who don't yet have a personal identity number (personnummer).
The platform simplifies the search by providing instant viewings, waiving deposits for tenants with solid credit, and streamlining the application process. Read my review here.
02
Qasa
A reliable rental partner that offers simple and secure subleasing, handling payments, and contracts, and providing support throughout the rental process to ensure increased security and efficiency.
Qasa ensures a secure experience for both tenants and landlords by acting as an intermediary. Your security deposit and rent are paid directly to Qasa, who then forwards the payment to the landlord, providing peace of mind for both parties.
03
Renthia
A trusted digital platform streamlining long-term subletting, connecting property owners, landlords, tenants, and show hosts for seamless renting experiences since 2015.
04
Residensportalen
Residensportalen is another trustworthy rental platform in Sweden, though it has fewer listings compared to other sites. The majority of apartments I found on this site were located in more upscale neighborhoods, and there were limited options for long-term rentals. While it may not be the first choice for everyone, it's still worth considering during your apartment search in Stockholm.
05
Blocket Bostad
Blocket Bostad has emerged as one of the most recommended platforms for finding an apartment in Sweden. While it previously allowed users to create listings directly, which led to some instances of scams, the platform has significantly improved its safety measures.
Key benefits of using Blocket Bostad include:
- Verified landlords and secured rental agreements
- Handling of deposits by the platform
- Personal support throughout the rental period
These features make Blocket Bostad a reliable and convenient option for your apartment search in Stockholm.
06
Home Now
HomeNow is dedicated to providing a secure and trustworthy service for those seeking rental properties in the Stockholm region. Whether you're planning to rent out your home or searching for a new place to live, HomeNow's services can make the process seamless and stress-free.
07
Home Now
Like other rental platforms, Be Resident offers a valuable service that helps establish and maintain communication between tenants and landlords. Additionally, they ensure a smooth leasing process by conducting an inspection when the lease begins, providing peace of mind and confidence in your new rental home.
08
Facebook Groups
You can also explore Facebook groups as a potential resource for finding apartments in Stockholm. These groups often feature rental listings posted by landlords, agents, or even other tenants.
While Facebook groups can be a helpful resource for apartment hunting, it's important to exercise caution when browsing listings on the platform. Since these groups may not have the same verification processes or security measures as dedicated rental websites, there's a higher risk of encountering scams or unreliable landlords.
How to Find an Apartment in Stockholm
You need to be patient when finding an apartment in Stockholm and don't get discouraged when you don't get responses from the landlords.
Be prepared to be flexible with your preferences to increase your chances of finding a suitable apartment.
If you are already living in Stockholm, it's best to search for an apartment independently.
If you are relocating for work, your company can provide you with free accommodation for a month. You will also have a relocation partner that can help you find a long-term apartment.
Here's an overview of how to find an apartment in Stockholm:
- Understand the difference between first-hand and second-hand contracts.
- Learn the common Swedish rental terms.
- Sign up on rental websites.
- Write a compelling profile.
- Get a home insurance.
- Submit your application to the apartment.
- Sign the lease.
1
Understand the difference between first-hand and second-hand contracts.
A crucial aspect of how to find an apartment in Stockholm is understanding the difference between first-hand and second-hand contracts.
| Feature | First-Hand Contract | Second-Hand Contract |
|---|---|---|
| Agreement | Directly with the property owner | With the current tenant or a sublessor |
| Monthly Cost | Generally lower | Typically higher |
| Term Length | Often permanent or long-term | Usually capped at two years |
| Waiting time | Can involve several years in a queue | Quicker access, often no queue |
| Allocation Method | Queue system or lottery by private companies | Direct negotiation with the tenant/sublessor |
| Property Type | Typically leased from a municipal housing company or private landlord | Can be directly owned ('bostadsrätter') or leased ('hyresrätter') |
| Practicality | Less accessible due to long waits | More feasible for short-term or flexible living arrangements |
A first-hand lease contract establishes a direct agreement between you and the property owner, offering a generally lower monthly rent and the possibility of a permanent arrangement.
Securing such a contract often requires enlisting in a queue, with waits that can span several years. Some private entities bypass this queue by allocating apartments through a lottery.
Given these challenges, many opt for second-hand contracts, which provide the opportunity to rent directly owned properties ('bostadsrätter') or those leased from a lessor ('hyresrätter').
Although more costly, second-hand leases usually offer shorter terms–up to two years–which can be more practical for many renters.
2
Learn the common Swedish rental terms.
Understanding common Swedish rental terms is important to smoothly navigating apartment listings. While many platforms may not offer English translations, here's a quick guide to the essential terminology:
- Lägenhet — Apartment ('lgh' for short)
- Uthyres — For rent
- Rum — Room count, including living rooms and bedrooms
- Balkong — Balcony
- Trappa — Floor level ('tr' for short)
- Bostadsrätt — Tenant-owned apartment
- Hyresrätt — Apartment rented from a housing company or private landlord
- Good communications — Typically indicates close proximity to public transport
TIPS
- Rooms Counting: The term 'room' encompasses all living spaces, so a listing for "2 rum" includes a living room plus one bedroom, while "3 rum" indicates additional bedrooms.
- Amenities: Verify whether utilities like internet, TV, and electricity are included in your rent, as listings will specify what's covered.
- Home Insurance for Furnished Units: Even if the landlord has insurance, securing your own home insurance is crucial for protecting your belongings.
- Lease Terms: Expect lease durations from 6 months to 2 years, with potential for extension. Landlords typically require a 3-month notice to vacate, whereas tenants have a 1-month minimum notice period.
3
Sign up on rental websites
If you're moving to Sweden for work, a relocation agent will likely assist you in settling in, including finding a rental apartment.
During my move to Sweden, my agent provided me with photos and details of available apartments, simplifying the process as they handled everything once I made my choice.
However, if you're on your own in the apartment hunt, rental websites are crucial. Start by signing up on as many as you can.
Here are my top three picks:
4
Write a compelling profile that stands out from other applicants
To enhance your chances in the competitive Stockholm rental market, you should create a profile that distinguishes you from other applicants. Your profile should capture your reliability as a tenant and your personality in a way that resonates with landlords.
- Introduction: Keep it concise, highlighting your profession, pet ownership, and interests.
- Preferences: Detail your desired property type, lease length, room count, size, and budget.
- Occupants: Mention the number of people who will be living in the apartment.
- Home insurance: Note any existing home insurance, which can be appealing to landlords.
- Verifications: Add extra verifications or references as required by the platform to reinforce your credibility.
5
Get a home insurance
Secure home insurance for peace of mind. Even as a renter, it protects your belongings from unforeseen events.
Home insurance proved invaluable to us during a water leakage incident, covering the costs for temporary accommodation while our apartment was repaired. Without it, we would have faced hefty out-of-pocket expenses.
Since 2019, I've relied on Hedvig for insurance and have been satisfied with their service. For those looking into other options, I've compiled a comprehensive guide on Sweden's top home insurance providers, along with a roundup of insurance companies, available in my posts.
6
Submit your application for the apartment
When you find the right apartment, submit your application through the rental website. The process may vary slightly depending on the site. After applying, be prepared for a wait–responses from landlords aren't guaranteed. If you don't hear back, it's wise to continue your search and apply for multiple apartments to increase your chances.
If invited to view the apartment, be proactive in following up with the landlord. Share your enthusiasm and what specifically appealed to you about the property to make a memorable impression.
7
Sign the Lease
If you and the landlord agree, review the lease agreement carefully before signing. Remember, you should not be required to pay a deposit before the lease is signed.
To prevent scams, always verify the landlord's identity and property details. Resources such as Ratsit or Hitta can be used to confirm the legitimacy of the apartment.
Final Thoughts: How to Rent an Apartment in Stockholm
Finding an ideal apartment for rent in Stockholm can be challenging, particularly for those on a tighter budget. However, if you’re open to commuting, I highly recommend considering options outside the inner city.
I currently live in a more suburban area, and my apartment is not only larger and newly constructed but also equipped with an elevator and a private washer and dryer — all at a lower cost.
I hope this post has provided you with some valuable insights into navigating Stockholm’s rental market. You can also check out my step-by-step guide on moving abroad for further guidance on relocating abroad!
