Our guide on renting or buying a home in Norway

Jump right in:

• Renting a house or apartment in Norway
• Rental process & rules
• Rights of tenants in Norway
• Average rent in Norway
• Buying property in Norway
• Utilities
• Internet & TV

If you’re wondering how to rent a house or apartment in Norway, popular online sites can help you get started such as:

• Finn.no
• Hybel.no
• Utleiemegleren
• Leiebolig.no
• Facebook marketplace

It’s also a good idea to join different expats groups and ask colleagues or friends for any recommendations.

Looking for a rental in Norway as a foreigner

Be aware that there is a general shortage of good / high-quality rental properties throughout the country. Quality rentals are often taken within two to three weeks. Given the great amount of interest, landlords don’t bother returning every call they receive.

What does this mean for expats looking to rent? It means that options will be limited, so they need to act quickly. It’s also possible to lose an apartment to a local Norwegian person. This is because landlords want to ensure that their tenants will pay the rent and not leave the country. For this reason, having a guarantor can help. In addition, long-term tenants are usually preferred over short-term ones.

Once you’ve found a house you like, it’s important to act fast and contact the landlord quickly to set up a viewing. Some places might have common, public viewings so keep an eye out for that. As soon as you have decided on a place, let the landlord know you’re interested.

Keep in mind that there is stiff competition, so you may not always get the place you want. Therefore, it’s best to have a few options in mind. It may also be best to come prepared with all the requirements and documents needed for renting. This could include:

• your deposit and first month’s rent
• guarantor details and information
• identification and proof of income

Furnished and unfurnished apartments are both options in Norway. If you’re renting a furnished home, make sure you check and ask for an inventory list. Any major changes to the space need to be approved by the landlord.

Security deposit

Deposits in Norway are typically high. It’s usually three months' rent and can go up to six months. This is in addition to the first month’s rent, which you will also need to pay. Deposits must be placed in a separate account, and neither party can access the funds during the tenancy. You are entitled to get the deposit back at the end of the lease, including any interest earned, provided the property is in good condition.

If you don’t have enough funds for the deposit, your municipality or employer may be able to help as a guarantor, or you can take a loan from a private bank.

The contract

As a tenant, you have the right to demand a written lease from the landlord, which can’t be for fewer than three years. The contract should include:

• both parties’ names and addresses
• details of property to be rented
• amount of rent to be paid
• deposit conditions

Utility bills may or may not be included in your rent. It’s important to ask about the specifics of this.

It’s also important to note that a tenant can terminate a lease at any time without any reason. Typically, you need to give three months’ notice in writing if you intend on moving out unless otherwise stated in the contract.

Tenants in Norway are protected by strong rental laws that ensure fair treatment and clear agreements between landlords and renters. Understanding your rights can help you avoid problems and feel more secure in your home.

• Right to a written contract — Tenants can request a written lease agreement outlining rent, deposit terms, and responsibilities.
• Deposit protection — The security deposit must be placed in a separate bank account and cannot be accessed by the landlord during the tenancy.
• Notice of period for termination — Tenants usually have the right to end the lease by giving written notice, typically three months in advance.
• Right to safe and maintained housing — Landlords are responsible for ensuring the property is safe and in good living condition.

The minimum monthly house rent in Norway can be 4,000 NOK (approx. 440 USD) for a room in a shared home to upwards of 45,000 NOK (approx. 4,910 USD) for a large house with a view. You’ll find that apartments tend to be more expensive in and around cities.

Below you’ll find the average monthly cost of rent in Norway’s main cities:

The average rent across the whole country is 9,880 NOK (approx. 920 USD).

Short-term rentals

When moving to Norway as a foreigner, it’s a good idea to find a temporary rental to start. Apartments for rent on a short-term basis are provided by Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo. This will give you the opportunity to live in the country and judge different neighborhoods before you settle on an apartment long-term. If you need furniture, monthly furnished rentals are also available.

Pros & cons of buying property

Pros:

• No restrictions for foreigners purchasing property
• Stable real estate market and long-term investment potential
• Freedom to renovate and make the property your own

Cons:

• High property prices and large deposit requirements
• Additional costs such as stamp duty and registration fees
• Financial risk if you plan to stay short-term

If you’re considering buying property in Norway, you’ll be happy to know that there are no restrictions for non-citizens. However, expats may be shocked to learn that houses in this country are expensive — much more so than in many other countries.

Norway’s house price on average for a detached home in the country is around 50,000 NOK (approx. 5,170 USD) or more per square meter for many homes. Keep in mind that buying a house in Norway does not get you citizenship, permanent residency, or a visa in this country. For information on how to obtain this, visit our Visas and Work Permits section.

Mortgage rules in Norway

You can apply for a mortgage from most private banks in Norway. Most banks will lend up to 85% of the property’s value, which means buyers usually need at least a 15% deposit. The total loan amount is typically limited to around five times your annual income, depending on your financial situation.

Banks will require proof of income, tax returns, and employment details before approving a mortgage. Repayment periods usually range from 20 to 30 years. First-time buyers may qualify for special mortgage schemes, depending on their circumstances.

Process for buying property in Norway

Step 1: Check your budget and get a mortgage

Meet with banks. The most famous ones like DNB, Nordea, and Danske can help.

Step 2: Hire a real estate agent

Buying is usually done with the assistance of a real estate agent. They’re responsible for adhering to Norwegian rules. You can select from DNB Eiendom, Eiendoms Megler 1, and Krogsveen.

Step 3: Search for a property

Look online for homes on the market on Finn.no, Hybel.no, and Facebook marketplaces.

Step 4: Review the prospectus

Once you find a property that you think you might like, have a look at the prospectus to learn about the structure and technical areas of the house plus neighborhood.

Step 5: Place a bid

Keep in mind that bids are legally binding in Norway and there are hefty fines if you put in a bid for something you can’t actually afford.

Step 6: Sign the sales contract

Once a bid is approved, the real estate agent will draw up a sales contract that is signed by you and the seller.

Step 7: Deed and deposit

Once the sales contract is signed, you are issued the deed. It remains with the agent until completion of the final steps. You must also put down a deposit of 10% of the final purchase price.

Step 8: Register the property

The real estate agent will then register your new home with the land registry and the authorities will issue you an official registry document.

Required documents for purchasing a property

• Proof of identity
• D Number or Norwegian Personal Number
• Proof of income
• Tax returns
• Bank statements
• Mortgage pre-approval letter
• Additional documentation

When applying for a mortgage in Norway, you’ll need documents like tax returns, pay slips, and a D number as proof of income (learn more about this in the Working in Norway section). If a bank loan isn’t possible, you can apply for a start loan from your municipality, which can help you determine your budget before starting your house hunt.

Once you’ve found and moved into your home, you’ll need to figure out how to access utilities in Norway, including gas, water, electricity, etc. This section outlines different utility companies in the country along with essential things you need to know.

Gas/Electricity

In Norway, you pay two different companies for electricity: the one that owns the cables (grid owner) and the one that sells you the power (power supplier). You’ll need to choose a power supplier and sign a contract. You can compare prices and plans easily on websites like strømpris.no.

• Hafslund
• Vibb
• Fjordkraft
• Norsk Hydro Energy
• Oslo Energi
• Norsk energi

Water

Tap water in Norway is safe to drink and known for its exceptional quality. Water providers vary by region.

• Waterlogic
• Norwater
• Voith Hydro AS

Billing & payments

Utility bills are usually sent monthly (or annually in some cases) and come with a “giro” form to pay. You have 30 days to make payments, which can be done:

• online or via your bank
• at a post office
• by mail Utilities include electricity, water, and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and cooling), so it’s important to clarify what is included in your home.

Voltage

Norway uses 220 volts AC, 50Hz electricity with European-style round two-pin plugs. Expats from countries like the US will need an adapter.

• Converters and transformers can be purchased at airports, electronic shops, souvenir stores, and some bookstores.
• High-power appliances such as hairdryers are better bought locally to avoid electrical issues.

Whether you need a mobile plan, home internet, or television services, read on to get started.

How to get a phone number

To get set up with a mobile phone in Norway, you’ll want to look to the country’s three main providers:

• Telenor Mobil
• Netcom
• Network Norway

You can choose between pay-as-you-go SIM cards or monthly contract plans. Pay-as-you-go options are useful when you first arrive, while contract plans are usually cheaper for long-term residents. You’re better off with a contract plan if you intend on staying in the country long-term. You’ll require an ID number and Norwegian bank account for this.

When you first arrive, you can use your own phone with a Norwegian SIM card, so long as your phone is unlocked. SIM cards can be purchased at kiosks or convenience stores.

• Telenor
• TDCSong (TDC)
• Ventelo

Getting a fixed-line can take up to three months, so if this is something you’ll need, it’s best to start the process as early as possible. Norway’s country calling code is +47.

Internet

For internet, get in touch with:

• Telenor
• NextGenTel
• Altibox

Television in Norway

The main television providers in Norway are Viasat, Canal Digital, and GET. Norwegian TV often includes English-language programming, especially American and British shows. These programs are usually subtitled rather than dubbed, which makes it easier for expats to follow. Popular streaming platforms can also be accessed like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu.