Fewer second-hand homes as competition increases

The Swedish second-hand rental market is experiencing a significant contraction, with the number of available apartments shrinking across major cities. Qasa's report for the first half of 2026 reveals a sharp decline in listings, with Örebro seeing nearly a third of its second-hand rentals disappear compared to last year. Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö have also seen substantial drops of 18%, 16%, and 22% respectively, while Linköping stands out with a 28% decrease.

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The development with a decreasing supply has been going on for quite some time now.

Qasa's CEO, Maria Björkander, notes that this shrinking supply has been ongoing. She attributes the trend to falling interest rates and a rebound in the property market after a quieter period. Erik Holmberg, a market analyst at Hemnet, agrees, pointing to a market pickup in spring following the easing of credit restrictions. This increased sales and purchase activity is likely linked to fewer properties being available for rent.

Despite the intensified competition for the remaining rentals, prices have remained relatively stable. Björkander explains that most landlords are not renting out their properties for profit. Instead, they do so due to life circumstances such as studying elsewhere, testing cohabitation, or being unable to sell their apartment immediately. This suggests a practical, rather than speculative, approach to renting.

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It is seen a quite clear increase from April when the credit restrictions were eased. I believe that has had an effect both on price development and on the number of sales. There is likely a connection between the growing sales and purchase market and the decreasing number of apartments rented out second-hand.

Stockholm continues to have the highest rents, with median prices per square meter ranging from 303 to 330 Swedish kronor. While average rents for smaller apartments and houses have slightly decreased, three-room apartments have seen an increase of 350 kronor. The report also highlights intense demand, with one two-room apartment in Årsta, Stockholm, attracting 1,394 applicants for a monthly rent of 8,700 kronor, illustrating the high competition in desirable areas.

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Our experience is that most people rent out their home due to a life situation where they are going to study somewhere else, try living together with a partner, or perhaps not succeed in selling their apartment at that moment – not for any kind of speculative purpose.