How to buy a Swedish summer house: UK guide (2026)

Brits have only recently discovered what Scandinavians have known for generations: there’s nothing quite like owning a Swedish summer house. The Swedish summer house is called sommarstuga or fritidshus in Swedish. Often painted red, these quaint wooden houses or cottages offer an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Swedes retreat to their summer residences to enjoy the good weather closer to nature, often spending weeks at a slower pace.

If that sounds appealing, this guide covers everything you need to know about buying a Swedish summer house as a UK national. This includes info on who can buy, costs, property taxes and the step-by-step purchase process.

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Can a UK citizen buy a summer house in Sweden?

Yes. There are no restrictions for foreigners when buying property in Sweden, which includes holiday homes. As a UK national, you should be able to buy a summer house on exactly the same terms as Swedish citizens.¹

In 2024, there were 37,973 foreign holiday home owners, making up around 6% of all holiday homes owned in the country.²

Can you get residency if you buy a Swedish holiday home?

Buying any kind of property in Sweden does not give you residency. UK citizens can travel to Sweden (and all of the Schengen area) for up to 90 days in a continuous 180-day period as a tourist or to visit friends or family.³

If you plan to stay in Sweden for more than 90 days or want to extend your visit, you can apply for a visitor's permit or another suitable visa.

Do you need a Swedish bank account to purchase a summer house?

Yes, you’re likely to need a Swedish bank account to complete the purchase. To open a bank account in Sweden, you will first need one of the following:¹

• Personnummer - a national identification number used in Sweden, if you live in Sweden
• Samordningsnummer - a tax ID number that lets you pay taxes in the country without being a resident. You also need it to purchase your summer house and pay the associated taxes.

To get yours, head to the nearest tax office in Sweden and apply in person. You can do this at the same time as viewing properties.

Step-by-step guide to buying a Swedish summer house as a Brit

Buying a summer house in Sweden is relatively straightforward.

You make a bid or offer on the home you want. If there are competing buyers, the sale becomes an auction-style process. Most of the time, this is handled through a real estate broker, who will guide you every step of the way.

Here’s how the process typically works:

1. Get your finances in order

Before you start viewing properties seriously, get your financing sorted. If you need a mortgage or bank loan, researching Swedish banks and getting a pre-approval in place first will save you time and avoid disappointment later.

2. Find the right summer home

Consider your needs, your wishlist, and your budget. Browse portals like hemnet.se, booli.se, and Myne (for co-ownership), use a real estate broker or agency, or buy directly from a seller. Choosing a broker or agency is a good idea, as they will provide help and guidance throughout.

3. Arrange a viewing in person

Make sure to visit in person so that you can inspect the property. You’ll always get the most accurate sense of the house and the surrounding area by going there yourself. If you’re happy with what you see, you can make an initial offer at this stage.

4. Inspect the property

As a buyer, you have the duty to inspect the property carefully. If the seller has ordered a professional survey, make sure you understand everything in it - there are limited options for recourse if a defect is later found that should have been visible during the inspection. A broker can help you with this part.

Before you proceed, it’s worth checking the ownership type.

Most Swedish summer houses are äganderätt (freehold), meaning you own the property and the land outright. Some properties, particularly older or urban ones, may be bostadsrätt (a form of co-operative ownership), which works differently. For a rural holiday home, freehold is by far the most common.

One local thing to be aware of: some properties in Sweden carry a risk of elevated indoor radon levels.⁴ Radon is a radioactive gas with no smell or colour, which means specialist equipment is needed to detect it.

Radon naturally occurs in the ground in Nordic countries. It can also enter homes through tap water from deep wells, and from some building materials. Long-term exposure can cause respiratory problems and has been linked to lung cancer.⁴

So, it’s definitely worth confirming whether testing has been carried out - your broker can advise.

5. Finalise your offer and sign the contract

Once you and the seller agree on a final price, it’s time to draft the contract. The deed of purchase sets out the final price, the date ownership transfers, when you can access the property, and any other agreed terms.

You will sign the purchase contract with the seller and the broker. The contract is only binding once all parties have signed.

6. Transfer the money

It’s common in Sweden to make a deposit (handpenning) of 10% once the contract is signed.⁵ The remainder is paid on the completion date. You can transfer the money to the real estate broker's account and they will handle the rest.

International transfers can be costly, particularly if some providers add a margin to the exchange rate when converting pounds into Swedish kronor.

Consider using the Wise account to convert your pounds to Swedish kronor (SEK), with transparent fees and no hidden markup on the exchange rate.

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7. Change of ownership

Your broker will register the change in ownership with the Swedish land registry.

8. Get insurance

Home insurance isn’t legally required in Sweden, but it is strongly advisable. Plus, your mortgage provider may demand it as a condition of granting the loan. Make sure your holiday home insurance is in place from the day of completion.

9. Enjoy your new holiday home

On the handover date, you get the keys and the seller receives the final payment. Time to enjoy your new Swedish summer house.

How much do Swedish summer houses cost?

You will find summer homes across a wide range of budgets in Sweden.

According to leading property portal Hemnet, the average price of a holiday home in 2025 was around 1.93 million SEK (approx. £153,064 in GBP).⁶

But it all depends on what and where you buy. Here are average prices for a few popular regions:⁶

For more context on everyday costs in Sweden, see our guide to the cost of living in Sweden.

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Buying a summer house in Sweden is a big investment, and the costs don't stop at the property price.

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Property taxes in Sweden

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for reference purposes only. All information on this page should not be considered financial or tax advice. You are also solely responsible for calculating and paying your tax liabilities depending on the applicable law. All tax saving strategies or decisions should be made after thorough research and consultation with a qualified financial advisor.

Property tax in Sweden is paid once a year. You’ll also pay stamp duty when you buy.

Here’s a roundup of all the taxes and rates you need to know about:

The cap is indexed and updated annually. The figure above applies to the 2026 income year (tax return filed in 2027).

If you rent the property out, you will need to pay tax on that rental income in the country where you are a tax resident. For UK residents, that means reporting it to HMRC under UK rules.

Where to find a Swedish summer house for sale

The easiest way to find a sommarstuga is through a real estate broker, an agency, or directly via online portals.

Popular portals include:

• hemnet.se - the largest and most widely used
• booli.se - another large aggregator
• Myne - if you’re interested in co-ownership of a holiday home.

Where do most Brits buy a summer house in Sweden?

Among other international buyers, the most popular regions and countries for Brits (and foreigners generally) to buy Swedish holiday homes are:

• Norrbotten - remote northern landscapes, lower prices, larger properties
• Västra Götaland - Sweden's west coast, popular for sailing and outdoor life
• Värmland - forested lake country with a growing international community
• Västerbotten - quiet northern countryside, often affordable and well connected.

How to choose the right holiday home in Sweden

There is no shortage of options. Here are the main things to consider when narrowing down your search.

Budget

Look at properties across different areas to find the best value for your budget. Decide early on what you’re willing to compromise on and what you are not. Also factor in ongoing costs - some utilities may need to be paid year-round, even when you’re not there.

House condition

A lower-budget property may need work. Before you commit, think about how much time and money renovation would take - and whether you want to spend your Swedish holidays doing DIY.

Location

Do you want something remote, or closer to towns and cultural attractions? Are you drawn to the coast, the forests, or the mountains? Do you prefer boating or skiing? Sweden is a vast country. Spend time exploring what each region has to offer before you decide.

Accessibility

Good road connections and transport links will help keep your property's value intact and make it easier for you and your guests to reach. A summer house that takes six hours and two ferry crossings to reach can lose its appeal quickly.

Internet access

Remote working is increasingly common, and connectivity varies widely across Sweden. If you need a reliable connection - whether for work or just for streaming - check what is available in the area before you buy.

If you are considering a longer stay or thinking about relocating, our guide to moving to Sweden from the UK covers everything from visas to healthcare.

FAQ - Swedish summer houses

What is a Swedish summer house called?

A Swedish summer house is called a sommarstuga or fritidshus, as well as a lantställe. These terms refer to a seasonal cottage, country house or rural home, typically a small wooden property used as a holiday home. The iconic red-painted wooden cabin is the most recognisable version.

Is it common to have a summer house in Sweden?

Yes, very. There are more than 628,000 privately owned holiday homes in Sweden, and the sommarstuga is deeply embedded in Swedish culture. Around 6% of all Swedish holiday homes are owned by foreign nationals, showing that overseas buyers are an established part of the market.²

Can foreigners get a mortgage for a Swedish summer house?

Swedish banks do offer mortgages to non-residents, but the terms can be stricter than for local buyers. You’ll typically need a larger deposit of around 20% to 40% of the property value,¹ and you may also need to demonstrate strong ties to Sweden or a Swedish income.

Some buyers choose to remortgage a UK property or use savings instead. It’s worth speaking to a Swedish bank early in the process to understand your options.

Key takeaways

• UK citizens can buy property in Sweden with no restrictions, allowing them to purchase a summer house on the exact same terms as Swedish citizens.
• Buying a property does not grant residency, meaning British citizens must adhere to standard Schengen rules allowing tourist stays of up to 90 days in a 180-day period.
• Buyers are likely to need a Swedish bank account to complete the purchase, which requires applying for a samordningsnummer (tax ID number) in person at a Swedish tax office.
• Property prices vary significantly by region, with the average holiday home costing around 1.93 million SEK in 2025, while popular areas like Stockholm County average 3.05 million SEK.
• International transfers can become very expensive when some providers add a hidden markup to the exchange rate, but Wise solves this problem by letting buyers convert pounds to Swedish kronor using the mid-market exchange rate with low, transparent fees.

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Sources used:

1. Investropa - Buying and owning a property as a foreigner in Sweden (2026)
2. SCB - 6 percent of Sweden's holiday homes are foreign-owned
3. Embassy of Sweden - Travel to Sweden from the United Kingdom
4. Oxford Academic - Swedish Radon Programme
5. Residaro - Buying a House in Sweden - Your Complete Expat Guide
6. Cheap Scandi Homes - The Cheapest Places in Sweden to Buy a Holiday Home in 2025
7. Skatteverdet - Property charge and property tax

Sources last checked: 05-Jun-2026