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By 
10/14/2014
As the capital of Sweden, Stockholm is
not only one of the most exquisite cities in the world, it’s also the most populated
in Scandinavia. However, with the city sprawling over 14 islands in the archipelago,
where lake meets sea, all connected by bridges, who could ask for a more serene
setting?
A commitment to green spaces, parks
and recreation areas, plus all the water-based activities, gives Stockholm
further lifestyle appeal. Then again, Stockholm also has a strong and
deep-seated history and culture – museums, galleries and castles. But it
doesn’t end there, either, as the cool restaurants and a vibrant nightlife
support the modernity of the city. Celebrated for being trendy and innovative with
regard to architecture, art and design, it’s no wonder Stockholm is so popular
right now.Having just set the Stockholm record of 200 000 Swedish krona (SEK) – approximately R309 000 – per square metre with the sale of two properties in a row, Niklas says that the majority of the top properties in great areas cost around SEK100 000 (about R155 000) per m2. ‘The Stockholm market is very easy to get into for a foreigner. It’s very regulated and strict by law, so there is no need for dozens of different brokers or lawyers to be involved – just the broker and your bank. So find your favourite property and buy it,’ he says.
Foreigners are permitted to own almost
anything in Stockholm, although some of the cooperative housing developments do
require owners to be tenants of their property 100% of the time. However, the
market is generally quite open and easy to join if you’re quick enough.
Where
to buy as a foreigner?
There’s an exciting emergence of new
designer apartments that are uplifting certain areas. ‘You have the existing,
more posh villa areas in Djursholm, Äppelviken, Saltsjöbaden and some areas of Lidingö.
But in the suburbs, hip apartment developments are starting to appear.
At the moment Sundbyberg is hot,
especially now that the first new “haute couture” designer development – called
Tuletornen – is being built in a previously dull area. It has a sculptural façade
and apartments with all the streamlined interiors and amenities of a design
hotel, plus the area has been uplifted with cool restaurants, a gym and shops.
New development in Stockholm is changing
from dull to sexy, starting with a few developers that really put design and
honour into their structures and get us as a company involved early in the
process to really build a concept instead of a building,’ says Niklas.
How
to buy as a foreigner?
All listed properties can be viewed at
hemnet.se. Contact the broker and get into the bidding war. There are no
restrictions for foreigners buying in Sweden and transaction costs are low –
buyers pay around 1,5% in transfer taxes and you only have one broker.
Visit Stockholm and find your
favourite area. Stockholm islands are
very individual – ranging from trendy, green or posh to historical – and the
waterfronts are pricy.
The
going rates…
·
Apartment in central Stockholm SEK74 975/m2
·
Three- to four-bedroom apartment in the city about SEK15 million
(approximately 200m2)
·
High-end apartments are around SEK91 460 to SEK149 940 per m2
·
Waterfront properties range from SEK 21,5 million to SEK 71,5
million
·
*Currency: 1 SEK (Swedish krona) = 0.14 USD
Agents
Contact
Details:
·
Eklund Stockholm New York: http://www.esny.se/
Find the original article from REAL ESTATE Magazine here.
Find the original article from REAL ESTATE Magazine here.
