The process for buying property in Sweden has been simplified a great deal over the years and is now straightforward, involving little in the way of red tape, and restrictions have been abolished for foreigners wishing to invest in property.

Once a property has been decided upon a trusted local lawyer should be employed to help with all dealings/translations and the like. A contract is drawn up by the estate agent and once checked by the lawyer the signing can be carried out by the buyer and seller. Once this is complete, the documents are notarised and all outstanding fees are paid. It is then up to the buyer to apply for title deeds to be officially signed over within three months of the purchase – though this is normally carried out by the lawyer on the buyer’s behalf.

Fees include applicable lawyer and notary fees, along with stamp duty of around one percent and annual land tax of around one point five percent. Other taxes and costs may be incurred on top of these.