Welcome to Sweden

Valkommen!

The kingdom of Sweden is the largest country in Scandinavia with a population of 9 million people. The size of the country provides great climate and seasonal variations throughout the year. Sweden has one of the most extensive welfare systems in the world and Swedes are among the world's top computer and Internet users. The country's economic strengths include high-tech industries and automobile production, such as Volvo and Saab. During the summer of 2001, a new bridge connecting Sweden to Denmark will be opened, allowing direct connection to the rest of Europe by car. Most Swedes are fluent in the English language, and they are very open-minded and friendly. Clean air and water, right of common access (allemansrätt), the archipelago, Pippi Longstocking, ABBA, Ingmar Bergman, August Strindberg, Absolut Vodka, Björn Borg and the Nobel Price are just a few distinguishing features of Sweden.

Real Estate in Sweden

The Swedish Real Estate industry is very stable with annual sales of 130,000 homes. The average price of a house is USD $120,000. The quality of houses is very high: first, because of the climate and laws regulating constructors, but also because the people of Sweden invest more than 30% of their income on housing. During the last two years, prices have increased by more than 20%. At the same time, mortgage loans carry an interest rate of approximately 5% on a time limit of 40 years. Government regulations and controls of the real estate industry are very strict. In fact, a two-year university course is required in order to become a licensed broker.

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