What it’s like to live in Norway in 2025

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Living in Norway is a unique experience shaped by its geography, culture, and evolving societal dynamics. As a country with approximately 5 million inhabitants and rich natural beauty, Norway often stands out in discussions about quality of life, governance, and social welfare.

While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to what it’s like to live here, I aim to share insights beneficial for my international clients who are considering establishing roots or investing in property in this exciting nation.

A safe haven amid global unrest.
Our world is changing rapidly, and events in the United States—particularly with its political climate—raise eyebrows here in Norway. We simply do not understand what is happening and how the current administration views us in Europe and Norway., and this contrast prompts reflection on what constitutes a good society. However, in Norway, we take pride in our stable political landscape. Most politicians agree on the importance of nurturing the welfare state that has been carefully cultivated over decades. Despite occasional grumbles about taxes, most citizens appreciate the safety net provided by free healthcare, education, pensions, and elderly care.

Norway boasts a flourishing diversity of political parties, strong labour unions, and active non-profit organizations contributing to a multifaceted society. Immigration is a hot topic, similar to other parts of the world, with one political party exhibiting more scepticism than others. Nevertheless, there’s widespread recognition of the essential role immigrants play in our economy, leading to a broadly supported immigration policy that emphasizes regulation and inclusion.
Recent experience with an American family
I recently helped a young American couple who wish to settle in a small village on the West Coast by purchasing a small farm. They view Norway as an ideal location for raising their children, with excellent schools, universal right to education, and breathtaking nature. Their journey to homeownership will be detailed in a future blog.

Will we see more emigrants from America?

I have noticed that there are several posts on social media about which countries residents from the USA most easily can move to on Instagram and other social media. I wouldn’t want to comment on how widespread this desire is, social media isn’t always reflecting the reality.

So far, I have mostly helped international clients who are already living and working in Norway, or people who want a holiday home here, often with a prior connection to Norway. There have been fewer families looking to move here for a completely new life in a new country.

For your information:
To obtain residency in Norway for an extended period, you need to have a job and a work permit in Norway, often linked to a specific skill set and a minimum income to support yourself. If you do not already have a job in Norway and an employer who can assist with a work permit, you should seek legal advice to clarify your options before deciding to move. This is not my area of expertise, but I can help you find someone who can provide you with good advice.

And you aver of course welcome to reach out for assistance if you are interested in buying property or have any questions!

The Norwegian housing market: Opportunities and Challenges
Norway’s housing market operates purely on market principles—there’s no trace of socialism here! Following World War II, we initiated a phase of social housing construction with regulated markets and subsidized lots. Although this system has been absent for about 40 years, the official policy still encourages homeownership, with around 80% of families owning their homes today. However, there’s a consistent 10% of the population wishing to rent, and another 10% struggling to enter the housing market due to financial constraints.

First-time buyers face increasing challenges; only those receiving support from parents with valuable properties often secure a foothold in the market 60% of first-time buyers gets financial help from their parents. In recent years, co-ownership models have also been developed where companies buy properties together with private individuals who rent part of the property while owning another part. This arrangement allows them the opportunity to gradually increase their ownership share over time. This has also helped first-time buyers enter the market.

Despite these hurdles, most Norwegians enjoy a solid housing situation.

Because of the emphasis on homeownership, our rental sector lacks stability and security. Lease agreements are relatively short, and most landlords are private individuals who have purchased properties for rental income. Recent surges in rental prices—especially in larger cities—have made it difficult for some families to afford housing.

Navigating the housing process
While there is room for improvement in the housing market, especially for first-time buyers and low-income families, the purchasing process is securely governed by laws and oversight. I encourage you to explore my English-language blogs for more information about how the market functions and how property transactions take place. Alternatively, feel free to reach out for a digital meeting to learn more.

In this blog, I touched upon political and social insights more than I typically do, but context is vital. I promise to maintain objectivity and remain free from political agendas if you seek assistance in purchasing property in Norway!

Living in Norway offers unique advantages, and as the world continues to evolve, understanding the nuances of this society can be particularly beneficial for future part full- time and part-time residents.
Welcome to Norway!

 

 

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Cabin life holds a special place in Norwegian culture

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Cabins hold a special place in Norwegian culture. Many families own one or have access to a shared family cabin. Recently, there has been an increase in foreign buyers, but they still make up only about 5% of total purchases.

Buying a cabin is a unique type of investment.

Some see it as a lifelong retreat, a place to pass down through generations. Others take a more short-term approach, choosing a cabin suited to a particular life stage or financial situation. No matter the perspective, the cabin dream is deeply personal – and that’s what makes it so fascinating.

I assist with several cabin purchases throughout the year, and interestingly, most of my clients in this area are international buyers. Their dreams are unique and diverse.

Some seek mountains and snow, while others long for coastal serenity. Some prefer simplicity, while others look for luxury. But one thing remains the same – the desire to create special moments with loved ones and experience the beauty of Norwegian nature.

The cabin market in Norway – a short overview

During the pandemic, there was a significant growth in cabin construction and cabin purchases. After 2022, sales volumes have dropped sharply, and prices have either declined or flattened. The reasons are inflation and high interest rates. It is natural for people to prioritize their primary homes and not a luxury item like purchasing a new cabin, which often turns out to be the case, despite varying price ranges. In popular areas, especially in the mountains, many cabins and apartments have been built that remain unsold.

Now, there are reports of an increase in sales, while prices remain steady. It seems that those built and currently vacant will eventually be sold, but it will take time before new construction resumes. Additionally, there are many used cabins on the market that can be good alternatives. Many who invested in cabin life during the pandemic have discovered that cabin living may not suit them as well as they thought and have chosen to put their cabins up for sale again.

If you were to invest in a cabin in Norway, what would be most important to you?

Feel free to contact me or request a non-binding digital meeting to discuss your dreams and situation.

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Understanding the Real Estate Brokerage Act in Norway: A Guide for Home Buyers

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The Real Estate Brokerage Act is a fundamental piece of legislation that regulates real estate agents in Norway. It aims to ensure that the buying and selling of properties through intermediaries, such as real estate agents, occurs in a secure, orderly, and efficient manner. This law guarantees impartial assistance for both buyers and sellers, fostering a trustworthy real estate market.

Over the years, the Act has undergone numerous revisions, with new amendments currently under consideration by the Norwegian Parliament. While these changes may not be significant, it’s essential to understand the core provisions and their impact on real estate transactions in Norway.

Purpose of the Real Estate Brokerage Act

The purpose of the Real Estate Brokerage Act is to facilitate real estate transactions while providing protections for all parties involved. The law ensures that real estate brokerage is a regulated profession requiring a government-issued permit (concession) to operate. Only authorized entities, such as real estate firms, lawyers, and legal advisors, can hold this permit, which is critical for maintaining high professional standards.

Key aspects of the law

A significant portion of the Act includes requirements for competence and education, outlining who can undertake independent brokerage assignments and the oversight of professional conduct within these firms. An important chapter addresses the duties and responsibilities of brokers to ensure that transactions are conducted ethically and in accordance with good brokerage practices.

Furthermore, the law stipulates the oversight mechanisms and penalties for brokers who fail to comply with established rules and regulations. In Norway, real estate agents are well-educated and generally equipped to carry out their duties in compliance with the law. However, there are instances where shortcuts may be taken. To address these issues, there are complaint bodies, and brokers can be held liable for damages if their actions are unlawful. Typically, it is the buyers who file complaints or take legal action against the brokers.

Consumer protection in real estate transactions

The laws governing real estate transactions, including the Real Estate Brokerage Act and the Sale of Real Estate Act, ensure that buying a home in Norway is relatively secure. However, it places a significant responsibility on buyers due to the obligation for due diligence and the binding nature of offers without a cooling-off period.

About buyers due diligence and duty of inspection, read more here

It’s essential to note that the broker’s client is the seller, who pays the commission. The broker’s primary focus is to achieve the highest possible price for the seller. As intermediaries, real estate agents are expected to facilitate agreements between both parties while exercising care for both the buyer and seller throughout the process.

Despite this care, the emphasis on obtaining the highest sales price can lead buyers to perceive agents as biased towards sellers. Unlike in some other countries, it’s uncommon in Norway to have a dedicated buyer’s agent, as a single professional is typically seen as sufficient to handle both parties’ interests.

Advocating for buyer representation

Considering the challenges buyers, particularly those from abroad, face in navigating the real estate market, there is a growing need for dedicated advisors who prioritize buyers’ interests. While I am qualified as a real estate agent, I have chosen to operate solely as a buyer’s representative and not as an intermediary. My practice does not fall under the Real Estate Brokerage Act, as I am focused exclusively on advocating for you as a homebuyer.

Commitment to your interests

As an independent advisor, I do not act as an intermediary, freeing me from the licensing requirements that apply to real estate brokers. This allows me to work entirely in your best interests during the transaction. To provide the highest level of service, I have also secured professional liability insurance, ensuring that you can trust my advice and support.

Navigating real estate transactions can be complex, and I invite you to reach out with any experiences or questions you may have regarding dealings with brokers in purchasing situations. Together, we can ensure that your interests remain at the forefront throughout the process.

Boligdama, Trude Larsen, +47 950 37 330 – trude@boligdama.no

Foto: www.friberg.no

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In Norway, there is no cooling-off period for property purchases

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Understanding the real estate market in Norway can be challenging, especially for those unfamiliar with the legal framework. One crucial aspect that is often underestimated is this: once you have submitted a bid, there is no cooling-off period. This can lead to significant consequences for buyers, especially if they haven’t familiarized themselves with the terms beforehand.

Buyer’s Due Diligence

When you submit a bid, you commit to a binding agreement. The bid must include the price, the transfer date, and any conditions. It is essential that you have conducted your due diligence: reading the sales material, inspecting the property, and asking questions to the broker. The buyer’s due diligence implies that you are expected to have understood everything presented to you before placing your bid. Simultaneously, the seller has an obligation to disclose all known information about the property. Keep in mind that the agreement you enter into with the seller is based on this information. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that all details are clear before you submit your bid. Unfortunately, many, particularly people from abroad, enter real estate transactions unaware that they are effectively binding themselves to terms that cannot be changed later. In many other countries, there is some sort of cooling period after the bidding.

Read:  Remember that the bid is binding when you buy a home in Norway

A Cautionary Tale About Being “Flexible”

Recently, I was contacted by a homebuyer who had indicated that he was “flexible” regarding the transfer date in the bidding form. In reality, he was far from flexible, as he was expecting a child and wanted to avoid moving during the delivery. He thought this could be discussed further. However, because he wrote “flexible” in the bid, the developer stood firm on their decision regarding the transfer date, creating a difficult situation for this buyer. To avoid legal action and compensation, he had to accept the earlier transfer date. Unfortunately, I could only appeal to the developer to negotiate. If he had come to me before submitting the bid, I would have advised against stating “flexible” in the transfer section of the bid if he was, in fact, not flexible.

It often happens that buyers send me purchase contracts asking for help in reviewing the property they have bought. Many mistakenly believe that there are still opportunities for negotiation after they have submitted a binding bid that has been accepted. Unfortunately, that is not possible, and if the property is in order without them having checked and understood the sales material, it’s simply luck.

Read:  What is the penalty for a walk away buyer

A Call to Homebuyers

Dear homebuyer, come to me in time. Before you place a bid on a property.

It is essential to seek advice to ensure that you are making a safe transaction and a good investment. Remember, there is no cooling-off period after your bid has been accepted!

Boligdama – Trude Larsen
trude@boligdama.no – +47 950 37 330

Foto:  www.friberg.no

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