Real Estate in Norway

How do I find a place to live in Norway?

We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"We found our place to live off the internet site here in Norway Finn.no. We weren't concerned about neighborhood as much as we were concerned about finding a place to live. Its a University island so places go fast and there's not a lot available," remarked another foreigner who made the move to Tromso.

"We live in the center of Oslo because it is close to the train and bus stations for us to get to work- it also has a great balcony. We also wanted two large bedrooms, and a w/d in the flat which can be tricky to find in older flats," explained one person living in Oslo, Norway.

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What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Norway?

"We live in a one bedroom apartment that we were able to sublease fully furnished. Typically people live in houses if available," said another person in Tromso.

"I live in a huge former old peoples' home except I don't live in it. There's no work for me near the house and I don't live in Norway though I work there and pay tax there. 22 years in Norway and I've had a residence permit for about 9 months. Most expats in the area? Most live in "normal" houses. I didn't have much choice," added another expat who made the move to Skei i Jolster.

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What is the average cost of housing in Norway?

If you are thinking about moving to Norway, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"The housing and food costs is the most expensive you will ever find in all of the world. Our small 1bdrm is $1300 and food costs are about $1200/mth for 2 people. Beers are $12/pint if that gives you any indication of food prices," remarked another foreigner who made the move to Tromso.

"I've never owned a house in the UK, just a holiday home. My house in Jolster is classed as a holiday home as well but it would be unfair to compare them. I'm quite certain my housing costs are massive compared to the UK. I'd estimate you need four times your UK salary to have the same standard of living in Norway. 38% will go in tax. Staple foods are twice the price. Winters are long and cold and much water is frozen driving up the price of hydro electricity. If you put a value on the time you will have to spend working out if you live in Norway or the UK, dealing with residency and citizen issues, translating documents, dealing with legacy issues from the UK that are hard to resolve until residency and citizenship issues in Norway have been settled (in my case, not settled after 22 years) you need to earn 6 times the UK salary and forget having the time to take a holiday (which would invalidate any claims you might have to living in Norway anyway)," explained one person living in Skei i Jolster, Norway.

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