Five-year overview: a national picture with local twists
In Sweden, the Swedish condo prices have risen 14% over the last five years at the national level, equating to about SEK 352,714 for the typical condo, according to Fastighetsbyrån using Svensk Mäklarstatistik data. While that is a meaningful gain, Ulrica Hedman, CEO of Fastighetsbyrån, notes that the pace is modest compared with some other asset classes and, importantly, varies widely by region.
Regional performers and laggards
Regional data show pronounced differences. Norrbotten leads with a 26% rise, followed by Skåne at 19% and Stockholm at 17%. In contrast, Kalmar county downshifts by 6%, while Dalarna and Gävleborg see declines of 4% each.
Municipal outliers: Säffle, Ljusdal and Hofors
Among the municipalities, Säffle in Värmland stands out with a 154% price increase—the largest in the country. Ljusdal and Hofors in Gävleborg recorded even higher gains of 101% and 90% respectively.
What explains Säffle’s dramatic numbers?
Local broker Maria Larsson offers a straightforward explanation: Säffle features a mix of very cheap apartments and a few significantly more expensive options, often centrally located. Over the period, sales shifted toward the pricier segment, which can make the average price appear to rise more than the typical unit’s price. This helps explain the seemingly outsized growth in the statistics.
Implications for buyers, sellers and investors
For buyers and investors, the takeaway is clear: national trends don’t always map to the ground. Markets with abundant supply may show little movement, while towns with a narrow mix of units or improving demand can see sharper gains. Prospective buyers should research the specific locality’s current market conditions and examine the composition of recent sales to gauge what the numbers truly represent.
Sources, caution and future outlook
The analysis comes from Fastighetsbyrån based on Svensk Mäklarstatistik. Hedman adds a note of caution: “In Sweden, many still expect prices to rise clearly year after year, but we cannot assume that.” The data provide a snapshot, not a guaranteed forecast. Local market dynamics—employment, supply, and neighborhood desirability—will continue to shape prices in the years ahead.
