Accommodation in Norway
Expats moving to Norway will be delighted to learn that the housing options available to them are multifarious, easily organised, and of excellent quality.
Although accommodation prices in Norway can be significant (as much as a third or even a half of one's salary), it is common for employers to provide expats with a housing allowance in their employment contracts. Moreover, expats thinking of relocating to Norway with their families in tow, can rest assured that – like with all other aspects of Norwegian society – the range of accommodation options available to them is strikingly family-friendly.
Renting Property in Norway
At least during the initial stages of their Norwegian sojourn, most expats will probably opt for renting property in Norway. Expats have a variety of accommodation options to choose from, including flats, luxury apartments, and small houses. Those intending to rent property in Oslo will probably end up in a flat, as property prices in the Norwegian capital are very high (equivalent to London or New York prices). Expats, especially those who've grown accustomed to shared housing, should be aware that this isn't really an option in Norway – the closest thing being tomansbolig, which are large houses that have been sub-divided for use by two families.
The process of renting a property in Norway is straightforward – although, expats are advised not to pin all their hopes on one specific property, as competition can be quite stiff. Typically, you attend a showing; put your name on a waiting list, which the landlord of the property will then consider; and wait (hopefully) to be contacted at a later point. This can be a bit of a popularity game, and if an apartment has an open showing, you must be there to meet the owners if you want to be considered at all. Expats will probably elect to have a service do most of this legwork for them, once they've decided on their budget and their necessary housing specifications.
Most lease agreements in Norway are signed on at least a one-year basis, sometimes up to two or three. Expats will be required to pay three month's rent up front as deposit money before moving in, and will be subject to a penalty fee if they back out of the lease agreement before taking up residence in the property.
The standard of accommodation in Norway is very high, although expats relocating from countries where houses are generally commodious, might find themselves a little short of space in their Norwegian homes. Nevertheless, expats can look forward to comfortable, well-finished, well-insulated living quarters, with good heating systems. Expats should ensure that the heating in their prospective lodging – whether it be gas, electric or wood-burning stove – works well, because it'll be sorely needed in winter. Air-conditioning is extremely rare; however, it would be completely redundant for 364 days of the year, anyway.
Flats and apartments in Norway are available in furnished or unfurnished options, with the former obviously being slightly more expensive. If one goes the unfurnished route, it is more than practicable to ship one's furniture to Norway; otherwise, there is a good range of high-quality furniture stores (such as IKEA) to be found. Expats should be aware, however, that they'll need to budget for kitting out their new homes – and that these expenses might run into the thousands of Euro bracket.
Home security is basically a non-issue in Norway, with many expats reporting that they don't even feel the need to lock their doors. An incredibly small minority of houses in Norway will be fitted with alarm systems – don't panic if your dream rental doesn't have one, you're bound not to need it.
Buying Property in Norway
It is possible for expats – even those from non-EU countries of origin – to buy property in Norway. Over the last decade or so, buying property in Norway (and especially, in Oslo), has become a relatively common practice for expats who, no doubt, are attracted to the idea of settling in a country with such an extraordinary social welfare system.
As property laws in Norway can be nuanced, it is highly advisable that expats hire a local real estate broker to oversee the process. Expats will find listings online, or by attending open showings, which occur twice for each house on the market, normally on weekends.
