Finding a home: houselistings and ads

Explore trusted websites and discover tips for short-term and long-term renting and buying a home in Oslo.

If you're new to Oslo, finding a place to live is one of the first and most important steps in settling in. Whether you're looking for a short-term rental, student housing, or to buy a permanent home, this guide to houselistings and ads will help you navigate the most popular platforms, agencies, and strategies for finding accommodation in Norway's capital city.

Boliger mellom Bogstadveien og Ole Vigs gate
Majorstuen neighborhood. Image: Nikolai Kobets Freund / Oslo kommune

Online platforms to find accommodation in Oslo

Most private and commercial landlords and property owners however will advertise on FINN.no in addition to other platforms, so you are likely to find a lot of the same ads in several places. The commercial companies will list their available houses and flats in their own websites.

FINN.no: Norway's largest online marketplace

FINN.no is the largest and most comprehensive online marketplace for housing, vehicles, secondhand goods, and more.

The real estate category is called “Eiendom” and includes homes for sale and rent. You can search by location, price, property type, and even post your own ad.

It is a good idea to place an ad you introduce yourself and share what you're looking for, and invite landlords to reach out to you. Make the announcement personal so the landlords get to know you a little. Some landlords search the announcements to find new tenants to shorten the process rather than receive many messages of interest themselves.

Hybel.no: studio apartments and shared housing

Another popular platfom is hybel.no, which posts available studio apartments, shared houses and smaller flats for rent. You can search for a home here and post an ad requesting offers that meet your criteria.

Facebook marketplace and groups

Facebook Marketplace and various Facebook groups post available housing that may not be listed on other platforms. These are usually ads posted by private individuals rather than professional real estate agencies. Search for "Leie bolig i Oslo" (“Rental properties in Oslo”), and prioritize groups with lots of members and regular activity.

Renting agencies (utleiemegler)

While most available properties across Norway are posted on FINN.no, you might also find fresh listings on the websites of individual real estate agencies.

Contact rental/letting agencies for personalized assistance with your search:

Find accommodation in Oslo through your network

Sometimes, the best way to find housing is to ask around. Friends, colleagues, classmates may have a room available or know someone who does.

It can also be an advantage to have a personal reference when applying for housing.

Student housing in Oslo

If you are studying in Oslo, you may be eligible for housing through the Student Welfare Organisation in Oslo (SIO).

Anker Studentbolig is a privately owned alternative with English-language listings:

Student housing is a reliable and budget-friendly option for those enrolled in Oslo’s universities and colleges.

Short-term or temporary accommodation

During your first days or weeks in Oslo, you may need temporary housing while searching for something more permanent.

Several platforms offer short-term rentals:

Short-term accommodation can give you time to explore neighborhoods and make informed decisions about where to live long-term.

What to look for in the listings

Once you've found a listing that interests you, it's important to read it carefully and understand what’s included. Norwegian housing ads often use abbreviations and shorthand, and not all listings are equally detailed.

Here are a few things to pay attention to:

  • Monthly rent and deposit: Make sure the rent amount is clearly stated, and check whether the deposit is listed (usually three months’ rent). If the deposit isn’t mentioned, ask the landlord before committing.
  • Utilities and additional costs: Some rentals include electricity, internet, or heating (strøm, internett, oppvarming), while others do not. Look for phrases like inkludert (included) or ikke inkludert (not included).
  • Size and layout: Norwegian listings often use square meters (kvm) to describe the size. Check whether the space is a full apartment, a studio (hybel), or a room in a shared flat (kollektiv).
  • Furnished or unfurnished: Many rentals are unfurnished (umøblert), so if you need furniture, look for møblert or ask if furnishing is negotiable.
  • Availability date: Confirm when the property is available. Some listings are for immediate move-in (ledig nå), while others specify a future date.
  • Viewing details: If the ad mentions a visning (viewing), note the time and whether you need to register in advance.

If you're unsure about any part of the listing, don’t hesitate to contact the landlord or agent for clarification. It’s better to ask questions early than to face surprises later.

Homes for sale

If you're planning on buying a home in Norway, FINN.no provides a good overview of the market and home prices in different neighborhoods. Real estate agents can offer specific guidance based on your needs and help you find properties in your price range.

Buying a home is a major investment, and understanding the local market is key to making a confident decision.

Important: Know your rights and responsibilities

Before signing any rental contract, it's important to understand your rights as a tenant. Norway has clear regulations regarding deposits, standard contracts, and tenant protections.

Whether you're renting a studio, joining a collective, or buying your first home, Oslo offers a wide range of housing options and support services for internationals.