Buying a home

Many newcomers start out as renters, but later consider buying if they decide to stay long-term.

• Learn more about renting in Oslo from Welcome to Oslo.

Even if you don’t plan to purchase right away after moving to Oslo, understanding how to buy a home can help you make sense of the housing market in Oslo and make plans for the future. This overview will give you the basics so you know what to expect when the time comes.

Housing ads: how to look for homes for sale

Almost all property for sale in Norway is listed on the open market. Most realtors choose to publish their listings on the real estate agency's website as well as on finn.no, a large online marketplace.

In each listing, look for:

• Tilstandsrapport: a technical report on the home’s condition.

• Salgsoppgave: a detailed sales prospectus with financial and legal information.

These documents are standard and give you important insight into the property before you view or bid.

Visning: viewing a home in Oslo

In Norway, both reading the reports and physically inspecting the home are standard before making an offer.

• Open viewings (fellesvisning): Time slots listed in the ad, open to anyone.

• Private viewings (privatvisning): If you cannot attend the open viewing, you can request a private showing.

It is common for multiple viewings to take place within a few days, as homes in Oslo often sell quickly.

Eiendomsmegler: What the realtor does

The realtor’s role is to act as a neutral third party. They are expected to know the local market well, which can help you as a buyer—even if their legal duty is to the seller.

If you go to a open viewing, the realtor will always be there. They are expected to answer any questions you may have about the home. If you arrange for a private viewing of the home, it can often be the homeowner who conducts the showing without a realtor present.

Budrunde: bidding on a home

The bidding process (budrunde) is often the most unfamiliar step for newcomers. Here’s what you need to know:

• All bids must be submitted in writing to the realtor.

• You must provide valid ID and proof of financing from your bank.

• Each bid must include an acceptance deadline. The earliest allowed is 12:00 (noon) on the first working day after the final viewing.

• Bids are binding. If accepted, you cannot withdraw your offer.

Although the highest bidder usually wins, the seller is not required to accept the top bid. They can choose another buyer or relist the property. This makes it important to study the listing carefully and only bid once you are confident in your financing.

Eiendomsskatt: property tax in Oslo

Property tax (eiendomsskatt) is tied to the property itself. If you share ownership, you and your co-owners must divide the payment.

Only homes valued at more than 4.7 million NOK are subject to property tax. Current rates are:

• 0.28% for homes and vacation properties.

• 0.37% for all other properties.

You can find detailed information on property tax in Oslo (in Norwegian).

Types of home ownership in Norway

In Norway, you will usually acquire one of two forms of home ownership.

Self-owned home (selveier)

These homes include detached houses and apartments who are owned by the individuals.

There is a document tax when you buy a self-owned property. The rate is 2.5 percent of the property's sales value as of the date of registration.

Cooperative apartments (andel)

As opposed to self-owned homes, a cooperative apartment belongs to a housing cooperative. All the co-owners own the property / apartment building together. Each of the co-owners holds exclusive rights to their apartments.

There is no document tax when you buy a cooperative property.

First steps toward home ownership

Although not required, it is strongly recommended that you get in touch with your bank early and acquire proof of financing before placing a bid on a home.

You should also keep in mind that it is not only the loan you have to pay. There might also be joint debt attached to the property, which you will need to make payments towards.

Who can buy a home in Oslo?

Anyone with the means to buy a home in Oslo can do so.

Buying a home in Oslo can feel complicated at first, but the process is highly structured. By familiarising yourself with listings, viewings, realtors, bidding, and taxes, you will be well-prepared when the time comes to buy.

For newcomers, even if purchasing is not yet on the horizon, this knowledge helps you understand the housing market and plan ahead for a long-term stay in Norway.