Student Housing Crisis Deepens as Rents Surge Across Sweden
Swedish students face increasing rental costs and availability issues as they prepare for the 2025 academic year.
Key Points
- • Average student rent ranges from 7,000 to over 9,000 SEK per month.
- • 70% of students lack guaranteed housing at the start of the semester.
- • Lund and Malmö experience the largest rent increases over 22%.
- • Students spend nearly 40% of their income on rent, creating a financial burden.
As the 2025 academic year approaches, Swedish students face a daunting housing crisis characterized by surging rental costs and limited availability. Recent data indicates that average rents for second-hand student apartments range from 7,000 to over 9,000 SEK per month, with Stockholm leading the pack at over 9,000 SEK for a 24-square-meter unit. Rasmus Lindstedt, chairman of Sveriges förenade studentkårer (SFS), describes the situation as systematic, emphasizing that many students are compelled to seek expensive second-hand accommodations due to a dire shortage of student housing.
Cities like Lund and Malmö have seen the most significant rent increases, rising over 22% in just one year. A survey by Zmarta reveals that Göteborg's average rent stands around 7,600 SEK, while Lund follows closely at 7,400 SEK. Conversely, Halmstad offers the most affordable options with average rents just above 5,200 SEK.
The SFS housing report highlights that nearly 70% of students reside in areas with no guaranteed housing at the beginning of the semester, resulting in lengthy waits for first-hand contracts. With students receiving about 13,500 SEK monthly in financial support, a staggering 40% goes towards rent, which creates significant financial strain.
In light of these challenges, students are encouraged to promptly register for housing queues and to utilize their student unions' resources while remaining cautious of scams in online rental listings. Some are even advised to consider temporary housing or commuting as interim solutions to secure better accommodation later in the year.