In December 2022, a second-hand apartment in Sweden cost an average of SEK 9,200 a month. In total, this is an increase in the monthly rent of 5 percent in one year, compared to the corresponding period last year.
Despite the increased rental costs, the number of homes put out for subletting has increased by approximately 70 percent in 2022 compared to 2021. Fredrik Strömsten, spokesperson for Blocket Bostad, points to the increasing costs in society as a contributing factor to the increases.
– When we see electricity prices and interest rates this high, many choose to turn to the rental market. This leads to more people renting out, but also to the need to charge a higher fee to cover their own costs, he says.
Hits hard on students
Some who are affected by the high second-hand rents are the country’s students. According to Sweden’s united student unions, SFS, there are about 400,000 students in Sweden, but only about 100,000 student housing, which means that many are forced to live second-hand.
In 2022, it cost between SEK 5,500 and just over SEK 11,000 to rent a room and kitchen in Sweden’s six largest student cities, according to Blocket Bostad’s annual rent report.
– We do not think that students should have to spend more than a third of their student funds on their accommodation costs, which corresponds to approximately SEK 4,200 a month, says Jacob Färnert, vice chairman of SFS.
Open for action
Jennie Nilsson, housing policy spokesperson for the Social Democrats, says that her party is positive about several measures to improve the situation. For example, making housing allowance more accessible.
– But we are really open to all solutions that student unions and the government put on the table, she says.
Jakob Olofsgård, housing policy spokesperson The Liberals believe that the economic situation means that the government must be restrained.
– This is a problem that has existed for a long time. It has been difficult to build new because of a jungle of regulations. It shows especially clearly now when times are tough.