With water surrounding most parts of their country, Swedes have naturally developed a close relationship with it. We explore the opportunities to share this wonderful island lifestyle.
Sweden has one of the largest archipelagos in the world, close to 100,000 lakes, a great coast line and a strong boating industry. This means that it also has a plethora of superb island properties and waterside homes. Jan Tivenius, Residence Fastighetsmäklare, affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate, says, “The archipelago in Sweden and in Stockholm in particular consists of many islands and most are privately owned. The prices are also reasonable, especially if the access is limited to boat traveling. It means that you can buy you own little island for a much lower amount than other countries.
“There are many large islands which you can reach by car via roads and bridges which makes it possible to commute to Stockholm city. Prices are higher for these properties as there are many islands where you can commute to Stockholm city in less than an hour. People that can afford this can then combine the relaxing lifestyle with boating and beach life with work in Stockholm city. Also, it is quite common to combine this with an apartment in the city, so you can live in the apartment during the winter. All this is possible since the level of service in the island areas has increased with regular boat connections all year around, grocery stores and top-class restaurants, mostly in summertime.”
Mr Tivenius is finding that buyers of high-end properties have become younger than ever before over the last couple of years. “In Sweden we have seen many successful new companies being started by young people, especially in the IT sector,” he explains. These companies have been sold for high prices; money that, in many cases, has been invested in luxury properties. Also, the Swedish economy has been very successful during the same period with good profits for sea views or, preferably, a seaside lot.
Jukkasjärvi in Sweden.
“In Sweden and Stockholm, in particular, there has been decline in house prices during the fall of 2017. Prices are down approximately 10 % since August 2017. The reason for the decline is mainly found in the restrictions for the banks in allowing mortgages and the fact that the prices have been rising too fast the last couple of years. Nevertheless, we have noted an increased number of closures now in January this year compared with last year. This applies in all metropolitan areas and to both villas and condominiums.
“So, despite the broad reporting of price reductions, sellers and buyers have begun to meet to a greater extent than before but on a lower price level. Since there is a high demand, especially in all metropolitan areas, we predict that the prices will slowly start to increase from now and on.”
