How can I find accommodation?
What do I need to consider when renting private housing?
How do I go about buying property in Norway? 

 

Learn about your rights as tenant The Norwegian State Housing Bank, the state agency responsible for implementing Norwegian housing policy. Learn about your rights as a tenant, available housing loan options, and Norwegian housing policy.

 

Finding accommodation

Given the shortage of housing in Norway, especially in urban areas, and the high cost of living, the search for suitable accommodation should be given top priority from the very start.

A double-pronged approach is recommended:

1. Contact your host institution to find out if you can receive assistance in your search for housing and whether special housing for international researchers is available. List of Euraxess Services Local Contact Points
2. Start investigating private housing options.

For sale and for rent advertisements can be found in newspapers and on websites.

Some landlords choose not to advertise apartments/houses for rent themselves, but prefer instead to respond to advertisements placed by potential tenants. Therefore, you should consider publishing an ad specifying your particular needs on websites and in newspapers.

Main websites for housing (and other related topics):
www.finn.no (in Norwegian.)
www.zett.no (in Norwegian)

Other useful websites for housing:

www.hybel.no (in Norwegian) - A website that advertises smaller and cheaper housing units for rent, often with shared bathroom and kitchen facilities.
www.sabbaticalhomes.com - A resource for home exchanges and rentals for academics on sabbatical leave.
www.casaswap.com - Free student housing website
www.nef.no (in Norwegian)– The Norwegian Real Estate Association provides useful information and a list of reliable Real Estate Agents. Some Real Estate Agents also offer houses and apartments for rent.

Websites for short-term accommodation:

www.bestwestern.no (in Norwegian)
www.visitnorway.com (hotels)

Renting private housing

Foreign researchers are generally considered to be good, reliable tenants and are therefore popular with Norwegian landlords.

You should never enter into a tenancy agreement without a written contract. Using a standard contract is advisable; an English version can be downloaded from forbrukerportalen.no.

Rental prices vary throughout the country depending on location, size and standard. Electricity is normally paid separately while (centralised) heating is sometimes included. The rent must be specified in a written contract and all price regulation is linked to the national price index for the following three years.

Most landlords require a deposit of 3-6 months’ rent as security. Most banks require a Norwegian ID-number to open a deposit accpount. If you do not yet have a Norwegian ID-number, you shold ask your host institution for assistance.

The Tenancy Act provides tenants with significant protection. Read more about your rights as a tenant on the Government`s site 

Buying property

You may also consider buying your own property in Norway. Compared to other countries, many Norwegians prefer owning their own home rather than renting. Buying may even be cheaper than renting if you are staying in Norway for a longer period.

Buying and selling property is handled by real estate agents. The agents advertise houses and apartments on websites and in newspapers. A good place to start is The Norwegian Association of Real Estate Agents where you can find useful information and a list of state approved private estate agents.

Housing Loan

Please have a look on this link

Some commonly used terms:
 

leilighet: apartment
hybelleilighet: studio flat (with own kitchen and bathroom facilities)
hybel: single room (with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities)
enebolig: one-family house
rekkehus: row house
møblert: furnished
umøblert: unfurnished
delvis møblert: partly furnished
husleie: rent
leiekontrakt: tenancy contract
 

 

See also: The Norwegian Association of Real Estate Agents Leieboerforeningen (Norwegian) Housing bank New in Norway