Finding Accommodation in Stockholm, Sweden as an International Young Professional

Relocating to a new country is a significant decision, and for many young professionals, Sweden stands out as an attractive destination. In 2021, Sweden welcomed approximately 91,300 new long-term or permanent immigrants, marking a 14% increase from the previous year. This influx is driven by the nation's robust economy, high quality of life, and progressive work culture.

However, securing accommodation in Sweden, particularly in cities like Stockholm, presents challenges. The real estate market has experienced notable fluctuations; for instance, the housing index (an economic indicator that reflects the changes in housing prices over time) reached an all-time high of 1,054 points in the second quarter of 2022 but declined to 944 points by the third quarter of 2024. This volatility highlights the importance of understanding the housing landscape when planning a move.

In this blog, we'll explore effective strategies for young professionals seeking accommodation in Stockholm, providing insights to navigate the city's dynamic housing market successfully.

The first step to finding housing in Stockholm? Create a profile on Hemavi – arrange your entire move online, including meeting your prospective landlord, signing your contract, and paying your rent.

Look into Employer Assistance Programs

Employer Assistance Programs (EAPs) are initiatives designed to support employees in various aspects of their professional and personal lives. For international young professionals relocating to Sweden, these programs often encompass comprehensive relocation assistance to ensure a smooth transition. Some of their offerings include:

• Immigration Support: Assistance with obtaining necessary work permits and visas, ensuring compliance with Swedish immigration laws.
• Housing Assistance: Guidance in finding suitable accommodation, whether temporary or permanent, tailored to the employee's preferences and budget.
• Orientation Programs: Introduction to Swedish culture, language, and societal norms to facilitate quicker adaptation.
• Administrative Assistance: Help with setting up essential services such as banking, healthcare registration, and obtaining a Swedish personal identity number (personnummer).
• Spousal Employment Assistance: Resources and support to help spouses or partners find employment opportunities in Sweden.
• Moving Services: Coordination of the physical move, including shipping of personal belongings and arranging temporary housing if needed.

Housing Assistance through EAPs

Many employers arrange for initial accommodation in hotels or serviced apartments for a few weeks to give the employee time to settle in and search for a permanent residence. In some cases, companies secure short-term rentals, particularly if there’s a likelihood of extended searches due to the competitive housing market in cities like Stockholm. Temporary accommodations are often company-funded, alleviating some financial strain during the transition period.

Employers may partner with relocation agencies to help employees find long-term rentals or even purchase properties if desired. The agency works closely with the employee to understand their housing needs and preferences, including neighborhood, commute distance, and budget. Relocation agencies usually provide a curated list of pre-screened housing options, often in neighborhoods that are popular among expats and close to essential amenities.

Make sure you check in with your employer and understand the support provided by the company to assist your move to Stockholm. If your contract stipulates that the company will help you find housing, then this is probably the easiest and quickest way to secure housing prior to your arrival in Sweden.

Join Housing Queues

SSSB (Stiftelsen Stockholms Studentbostäder)

SSSB primarily caters to students enrolled in universities affiliated with the Stockholm Federation of Student Unions (SSCO). Young professionals who are members of these student unions may also be eligible. To join the SSSB queue, you must be a member of an SSCO-affiliated student union and be enrolled in at least half-time studies at an affiliated institution. A list of affiliated universities is available on SSSB's website. Upon registration, you accumulate one credit day per day. You can collect up to 90 credit days without student union membership; beyond that, active membership is required.

The average queue time is approximately one year for a corridor room and about two years for an apartment. However, these times can vary based on demand and availability.

Bostadsförmedlingen (Stockholm Housing Agency)

Bostadsförmedlingen serves the general public, including young professionals, offering a wide range of rental apartments across Stockholm. Anyone aged 18 and over with a Swedish personal identity number (personnummer) or a coordination number (samordningsnummer) can register. The annual fee is SEK 200.

Applicants accumulate queue time from the date of registration. Apartments are allocated based on the length of time spent in the queue. The average waiting time varies depending on the type of housing:

• Standard Apartments: Most applicants who secure an apartment have been in the queue for 7 to 11 years.
• Student Housing: The average queue time is approximately 4.5 years.
• Newly Developed Housing: Queue times are often shorter; during 2023, the average was 6 years.

Given the lengthy waiting times, it's crucial to register as early as possible, even if you don't plan to move immediately. It might be a good idea to register for the queue even if you don't have the luxury of waiting for years – while waiting, consider exploring private rentals, sublets, or co-living spaces as interim solutions.

Explore the Private Rental Market

Navigating Stockholm's private rental market as an international young professional can be challenging due to high demand and limited supply. Stockholm's rental market operates on a two-tier system: rent-controlled apartments and free-market rentals.

Rent-controlled units are regulated by the government, often resulting in lower rents but longer waiting times. Free-market rentals are dictated by market forces, typically offering more immediate availability at higher prices. Rental prices vary by location and apartment size. For instance, in Östermalm, a furnished studio averages SEK 13,484 per month, while a furnished two-room apartment averages SEK 19,756 per month.

Online Rental Platforms

Online rental platforms are primarily digital marketplaces that connect tenants and landlords directly. They provide a list of available properties, allowing users to search, filter, and apply for rentals on their own. Most platforms are available in English, but some listings may be posted only in Swedish. You may find it helpful to use translation tools like Google Translate to understand listing details.

As you browse listings online, familiarize yourself with common lease terms, which range from three months (for sublets) to a year or more. Ensure all agreements are in writing and check for any additional costs like utilities, internet, or maintenance fees.

At Hemavi, you can browse hundreds of listings across Stockholm and all of Sweden, and narrow down your search using our filters. Through our platform, you'll be able to arrange an online viewing to meet landlords, see the place online via videocall, ask questions directly, and sign your lease agreement online. Our service is a one-stop-shop to finding your accommodation before you even arrive in Sweden, without having to worry about scams or inaccurate listings.

Social Media and Community Platforms

• Facebook Groups: Numerous groups on Facebook cater specifically to rental listings in Stockholm. Examples include "Lägenheter i Stockholm," "Stockholm Apartments for Rent," and "Lägenheter Uthyres/Bytes Stockholm". Make sure you always verify the legitimacy of listings on Facebook, as scams can be more common here. Look for reviews of landlords in comments and avoid paying deposits until you’re sure the listing is genuine.
• Reddit: The r/Stockholm subreddit occasionally has rental listings and can be a helpful space for advice on navigating the rental market. One thing to keep in mind is that Reddit users often share their experiences and tips on safe rental practices, so check out recent posts on finding housing or ask the community for up-to-date advice.

Housing Agencies

Housing agencies offer more hands-on assistance, acting as intermediaries between landlords and tenants. Their properties are often pre-screened, which can provide peace of mind.

Agencies usually have a select portfolio of properties and cater to specific client needs, such as corporate rentals, relocation assistance, or high-end rentals. They often charge higher fees, typically a percentage of the annual rent or a one-time service fee. This cost reflects the added level of service, personalized support, and convenience.

When searching for a housing agency to assist you in your accommodation search, make sure you select one that has a portfolio of properties that aligns with your preferences, and that their price ranges and overall client offerings fit your vision.

Conclusion

Finding accommodation in Stockholm as an international young professional may seem daunting, but with the right strategies and resources, it’s entirely achievable. By exploring housing queues, leveraging employer assistance programs, and using reputable online rental platforms, you can navigate the city’s competitive market more effectively.

Starting your search early, staying vigilant about rental scams, and considering temporary accommodation options can also ease your transition. While the process may take time and patience, the reward of settling into one of the world’s most vibrant and dynamic cities is well worth the effort. Welcome to Stockholm – your new home awaits!

If you’re ready to make your move to Stockholm but need expert guidance to secure the perfect accommodation, Hemavi is here to help. Our platform connects international young professionals with reliable housing options, offering personalized support every step of the way. Visit Hemavi today to get started on your journey to finding a place you’ll love in Sweden’s capital.