Real Estate Crash Course – Step 3: Preferences

Define what you're looking for in a home

Size & Layout

Living space: How many square meters do you need? Verify the listed area ("boarea") matches reality.
Rooms and layout: Number of rooms, open plan or separate rooms. Does it work for your daily life?
Floor level: Ground floor for accessibility, higher up for views and privacy.
Sun orientation: South-facing gets most sun. Check compass direction for balcony and living room.
Storage: Storage room ("förråd"), closets, attic. Enough for your stuff?
Balcony, terrace, garden: Size, sun exposure, and usability. Glassed-in or open?

Heating type: District heating ("fjärrvärme"), geothermal ("bergvärme"), or electric. Big difference in running costs.
Municipal or private utilities: Municipal water/sewage ("VA") is easiest. Private well ("brunn") and septic ("enskilt avlopp") need upkeep.
Utility connections at property line: Is water/sewage, electricity, fiber already at the property line? If not, it can cost 200–500k SEK.
Parking and EV charging: Garage, carport, or street parking. Is EV charging available or possible to install?
Jetty and water access: Waterfront? Check if you have the right to build a jetty ("brygga"). Shoreline rules ("strandskydd") may block it.

Elevator: Important on upper floors, for heavy groceries and strollers.
Washer and dryer: Is there hookup in the unit, or only shared laundry room ("tvättstuga")?
Dishwasher: Installed or at least hookup available?
Stove type: Induction, ceramic, or gas. Affects cooking and energy costs.
AC or cooling: Is AC installed or possible to add? South-facing upper floors get hot.

Commute: How long to work? Car, bike, or public transport?
Schools, daycare, shops: Distance to daycare ("förskola"), school, groceries, and everyday shops.
Neighborhood vibe: Families, quiet, lively? Visit the area evenings and weekends.
Noise: Traffic, flight paths, railway. Check the noise map at the municipality.

Step 3 of 8