Thinking of Buying a Home in Norway as a Foreigner? Read This Before You Place an Offer

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Buying a home in Norway as a non-resident is entirely possible — but bidding process is very different from what you might be used to in countries like the US, UK, or Australia.

The biggest difference? You must have full financing ready before you bid.

Financing Rules in Norway

All funds must be secured in advance. You must document that you have the entire purchase amount either:

  • As equity in a Norwegian bank account, or
  • Through a mortgage pre-approval from a Norwegian bank.

Both of these things are not possible unless you have registered with the Norwegian Tax Administration, obtained a D-number, and receive your salary in Norway.

Read more here:

Foreign bank confirmation:
In some cases, sellers and agents may accept a bank statement or letter from your bank in your home country — but this needs to be agreed on before bidding.

Proof to the agent: The bank (Norwegian or foreign) must confirm your financing directly to the listing agent before your offer can be accepted.  Or you use a bank statement from abroad if the seller and real estate agent accept this.

No “Cash Buyer” Perks Like in the US

In the US, “cash buyers” often get a faster closing, a discount, or the ability to bypass certain contingencies. In Norway, there’s no such advantage — because everyone must show proof of financing upfront. And offers cannot be made “subject to financing later”. It will not be accepted. If your financing is not ready, your bid usually is invalid.

Why This Matters for International Buyers

Many international buyers assume they can make an offer first, then arrange financing. In Norway, that’s not possible — the system is designed to ensure only fully funded offers are considered. While this can feel restrictive, it also makes the process faster and more predictable once your bid is accepted.

How to Prepare as a Foreigner

  • Open a Norwegian bank account early (this can take time). (if possible for you)
  • Secure mortgage pre-approval from a Norwegian bank if you need financing if (possible for you)
  • If using funds from abroad, discuss the documentation requirements with the agent well in advance.
  • Understand the bidding process — offers are legally binding the moment they’re accepted.

With experience guiding many international clients through this process, I can help you navigate the rules and avoid costly delays.

I always take time with my clients in advance to clarify this, so we can avoid delays or being denied participation in the bidding process.

DM me if you’re ready to start your home-buying journey in Norway — and let’s make sure your financing is rock solid before you bid!

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Buying property in Norway: Residency, D-Numbers, and bank accounts

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Buying property in Norway as a foreigner is not as complicated as you might think. While the rules for living and settling in Norway can be complex, the process of acquiring real estate is relatively straightforward—provided that your finances are in order.

In this post, I’ll walk you through what’s required to buy property, how to handle residency questions, and what to do if you need a Norwegian bank account.

Can Foreigners Buy Property in Norway?

Yes, foreigners can buy property in Norway without significant restrictions. The main requirement is proof of financing. When you make a purchase offer, you must demonstrate that your funds are available and legitimate.

Due to anti-money laundering laws, sellers (or their agents) may ask about the origin of your funds. If your money comes from salary, savings, or other legitimate sources, this is not an issue.

Tip: Always have documentation ready, such as bank statements or proof of transfer, to avoid delays during the purchase process.

Residency Rules: What You Need to Know

While buying property is easy, obtaining residence or the right to live in Norway is a separate matter. Norwegian residency rules are complex and depend on your nationality, employment situation, and other factors.

This is not my area of expertise, which is why I work with an experienced immigration lawyer who can guide you through the process and assess your chances of getting a residence permit. If you need help, I can provide his contact details.

What Is a D-Number, and Why Do You Need One?

A D-number is a temporary identification number issued by the Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten). It’s often needed when you have financial or official ties to Norway but are not a resident.

To get a D-number, you generally need:

  • A connection to Norway (e.g., temporary residence, paying taxes, or receiving salary here).

If you buy property in Norway, you will automatically be assigned a special D-number to register your ownership with the Norwegian Land Registry (Kartverket).
Important: This property-related D-number is not the same as a general identification number and cannot be used for all services.

Opening a Bank Account in Norway

Most foreign buyers want a Norwegian bank account to pay property-related expenses. Unfortunately, it’s nearly impossible to open a bank account without a D-number(the “proper” one from the tax office).

So, how can you handle costs such as:

  • Housing association (felleskostnader) fees?

  • Municipal taxes and utilities?

  • Other running costs?

The solution is to pay from your foreign bank account using IBAN details (International Bank Account Number) provided on the invoices you receive.

Paying Bills Without a Norwegian Bank Account

Even if you can’t open a Norwegian bank account, you can still pay bills for your property:

  1. Use your foreign bank account.

  2. Ensure you include the IBAN number (listed on the invoice).

  3. Use SWIFT/BIC codes if required for international transfers.

This system works well for most property owners living abroad.

Final Thoughts

Buying property in Norway is straightforward for foreigners, but settling here is a different story. Make sure you have the right legal advice on residency and understand how to handle banking challenges.

Even without a Norwegian bank account, paying property expenses is manageable with international transfers and IBAN numbers.

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The Housing Market in Norway Right Now – And Some Summer Tips for Those Planning to Buy

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After a sharp increase in prices earlier this year, the housing market has calmed down somewhat as we head into summer. Prices have remained fairly stable over the past few months, but activity is still high — with many homes being bought and sold. Nationwide, housing prices have risen by 6.6% so far this year.

In June, we saw the first interest rate cut of the year — a modest reduction of 0.25% — but further cuts are expected throughout the autumn as inflation becomes more controlled. So far, this hasn’t had much impact on prices, but it’s quite typical for the housing market to quiet down a bit during the summer months. If interest rates continue to fall, we might see prices rising again this autumn.

However, there are large variations from region to region, so if you are considering buying a home, it’s wise to get an updated overview of the market in the area you’re interested in. Feel free to reach out to me — I’m more than happy to help you explore the opportunities where you want to live.

My Summer Plans – And My Availability for You

This summer, I’m enjoying time here in beautiful Norway — both at the cabin and with family and friends along the southern coast. This year, we also have family visiting from Canada, and we’re looking forward to showing them all the wonderful things our country has to offer.

Even though I’ll be on holiday for most of July, I always keep an eye on the housing market. If something interesting comes up, I’m never far from my phone. In fact, many people choose to list their homes early in the summer holidays, so there can definitely be good opportunities for buyers right now. Don’t hesitate to reach out if something urgent comes up.

A Small Piece of Summer Advice for Those Dreaming of Buying This Autumn
If you’re considering buying a home this autumn, I recommend using the summer wisely. When you have a bit more time and peace, it can be helpful to sit down and make a simple list of your “MUST HAVES” and “NICE TO HAVES” for your next home. This will give you clarity and confidence when the right home appears.

Wishing you a wonderful summer! Enjoy these days — and feel free to reach out if you’d like to have a nice chat about your home-buying plans in the summer sun.

Best wishes
Boligdama – Trude Larsen
e.mail: trude@boligdama.no

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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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