Sweden is selling land at 9 cents/m2. Here’s why

In an increasingly complex real estate market influenced by various economic dynamics, the idea of selling land at symbolic prices like the one adopted in Sweden, might seem counterintuitive. But let’s see in detail what it is and what the reasons behind such a choice are.

Sweden, land at 9 cents per square meter

Götene, located about 200 miles southwest of Stockholm, has adopted a rather curious strategy that has earned it international attention. We are currently witnessing the offer of land for sale at very low prices, precisely in those geographical areas. As already written, the land is sold starting from just 9 cents per square meter. But why such a move?

First of all, it is necessary to note that in this way we are offering the opportunity to purchase an asset within which future owners could also build their ideal home. But not only that: they could also build a residence for the holidays. The initiative is in all respects a creative response to the economic and demographic challenges that our contemporary world can present: here’s what it’s about in detail.

The city of Götene is close to a UNESCO heritage site

The city of Götene, framed by the shores of Lake Vänern, is the largest in Sweden and in all of Scandinavia. Götene is an idyllic destination. It has a population of approximately 5,000 residents in the main city and 13,000 in the entire municipality. It offers not only breathtaking landscapes but also access to a small local mountain called Kinnekulle and two UNESCO World Heritage sites:

• the Platåbergens Geopark
• the archipelago of Lake Vänern (in which the splendid biosphere of Mount Kinnekulle is located)

This strategy of selling at symbolic prices could be seen as an “out of line” way to attract new residents and support infrastructure development.

These are just some of the reasons that the mayor explained, together with other details and news regarding the initiative. Let’s see, from the First Citizen’s declarations, what the others are.

The reasons for the initiative

Mayor Johan Månsson explained that the initiative was motivated by the need to stimulate the local economy, given the slowness of the real estate market and the demographic decline.

Selling the lots at such a symbolic price was an innovative response and aroused enormous global curiosity, with thousands of requests arriving from all over the world in a very short time. However, if anyone reading this has thought about buying a ticket to Sweden straight away, we have bad news for you.

Due to high interest, local authorities have temporarily suspended the project and bidding. The response was unexpected for everyone and now it seems that some time is needed to evaluate how to proceed.

Despite the enthusiasm, Månsson clarified that there are still some rules to follow: first of all, the construction of a house must begin within two years of purchasing the land. Furthermore, visa regulations remain under the jurisdiction of the national government.

Is a home for everybody possible?

This low-cost land sale initiative in Götene, Sweden, not only highlights the growing demand for affordable housing solutions around the world but also raises broader reflections on global housing policy.

The strong response to this opportunity suggests widespread interest in affordable home-buying alternatives. This phenomenon could be a sign of a new emergency, a global housing crisis, prompting a review of policies and strategies to address the challenge of providing accessible and sustainable housing for all.

Original article published on Money.it Italy 2024-07-02 23:26:00. Original title: Terreni in vendita in Svezia a 9 centesimi al metro quadrato, ecco perché