Buying a house in Småland: what to check before you sign
Swedish houses are often cheaper than they look, and sometimes more expensive. This is the list Michiel walks through when someone asks him to look at a house before buying. Takes an hour, usually saves a wrong purchase or a wrong offer.
Roof and attic
Look in the attic, not just from outside. Dark patches on the boarding, mould on the rafters or wet insulation mean the roof leaks or does not ventilate. A metal roof from the seventies is usually due for replacement even if it looks fine from the ground.
Foundation and crawl space
Many older houses stand on a natural stone foundation with a crawl space (torpargrund). If it smells musty there is damp. Look at the sill plate (syll): rotten timber there means 100 000 kronor or more in repairs. A cellar in Småland is almost never dry without drainage done after 2000.
Electrics and water
Electrics from before 1990 with screw fuses are not necessarily wrong, but budget 60 000 to 120 000 kronor for a new consumer unit and wiring. Own well: ask for a recent water test. Own sewage (enskilt avlopp): ask for the permit; the municipality often requires old systems to be replaced, which costs 150 000 kronor or more.
Permits and paperwork
Ask whether extensions, outbuildings and the stove were notified or permitted. Unpermitted work can cause problems later. Read the energy declaration (energideklaration) and ask about the last chimney sweep (sotning).
Get someone to look
A Swedish building survey (besiktning) is normal and costs 10 000 to 15 000 kronor. If you want Michiel to look at the photos or the house itself before you bid, send the listing on WhatsApp.
Want a price for something similar?
Send a few photos and the location. Michiel calls back and books a visit if it fits.