New construction and buying from abroad
Pre-agreements and allocation agreements, what can change before move-in, and what is practically required of you if you live outside Sweden.
Applies to: Sweden. Reviewed 2026-09-18.
Key takeaways
- A pre-agreement binds you to an apartment that does not yet exist, often long before move-in.
- The estimated fee in a new association rests on an economic plan with assumptions that can change.
- There is no general prohibition on foreign private individuals buying a home in Sweden, but banking, registration and membership approval can be practical obstacles.
The agreements in new construction
The Tenant-Ownership Act governs pre-agreements and allocation agreements, what information they must contain and when an association may enter into them. The pre-agreement is signed early and commits you to buy once the apartment is finished. The allocation agreement is where the bostadsrätt is actually granted to you.
If you live abroad
- Expect identification requirements and a Swedish bank, or a bank that lends against Swedish security.
- The association assesses you as a member and may ask about income and intended use.
- A power of attorney may be needed for signing and handover if you cannot attend.
- Tax questions on ownership and future sale should be checked against both Sweden and your home country.
Questions to ask
- What does the economic plan say about loans, fees and land lease?
- What is the latest handover date under the agreement?
- What happens if the project is delayed or does not go ahead?
- What guarantee and inspection apply at move-in?
Red flags
- The fee is subsidised for the first years and then rises according to plan.
- The agreement has no outer handover date.
- Marketing images that do not match the areas and materials in the economic plan.
Sources
- Tenant-Ownership Act (1991:614) (Sveriges riksdag)
- Selling a home – gain, loss and deferral (Skatteverket)