Nearly 20,000 Swedish holiday homes damaged by weather since 2015

Nearly 20,000 holiday homes in Sweden have been damaged by natural causes since 2015, with issues ranging from missing roofs to moisture problems. Despite this, a small fraction of homeowners believe their properties are vulnerable to climate change.

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I believe people think that natural disasters will not affect them. Then, unfortunately, it can be about not wanting to spend a lot of money on climate-adapting their house because it can be expensive.

Per Sangrud, head of sustainability at LF Fastighetsförmedling, notes that many prospective buyers lack awareness of the risks associated with climate change when purchasing holiday homes. He suggests that people often underestimate the likelihood of natural disasters affecting their specific property. Additionally, the cost of climate adaptation can be a deterrent, as homeowners may prioritize other expenses.

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As a home buyer, you have a duty to inspect the house before purchase, but I think many fail to consider climate risks and natural damage.

While buyers have a legal obligation to inspect properties, Sangrud believes climate risks are frequently overlooked. Data from LF Fastighetsförmedling indicates that only 4% of people believe their homes will be impacted by climate change. Water and wind damage, leading to issues like mold and detached roof tiles, constitute about 95% of natural damage to holiday homes. Other common problems include ice, snow, and pest infestations.

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In Stockholm, we see that storm Alfrida in 2019 has driven up the numbers. One also saw the differences in Gävle during the heavy downpour in 2021.

The Stockholm region has seen the most natural damage, with over 5,000 compensated claims since 2015, partly due to storms like Alfrida in 2019. Experts recommend thorough inspection of roofs, especially in windy areas, and checking basements for flood prevention. They also advise assessing the risk of trees falling on the house and consulting municipal authorities for guidance on climate change impacts.

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The most important thing to avoid natural damage is to check the roof and its quality before buying the house, especially in areas where it is very windy.