The number of evictions in Sweden has reached an alarming level, the highest since 2008. A new report shows a clear increase, especially concerning families with children.
Evictions Increasing – Over 3000 Carried Out in 2024
The latest figures from the Swedish Enforcement Authority (Kronofogden) show a worrying trend: the number of completed evictions in Sweden continues to rise. In 2024, 3,042 households were forced to leave their homes, an increase of almost 10 percent compared to the previous year. This is the highest level recorded since the 2008 financial crisis, highlighting a growing challenge for many Swedish families.
The statistics also show that the number of applications for eviction assistance increased by 6 percent during the same period, but a large proportion – as many as 59 percent – are withdrawn before the process is completed. This suggests that many manage to resolve their situation, but also that the need for support is significant.
Children Particularly Vulnerable During Evictions
A particularly worrying aspect is the impact evictions have on children. Since 2008, over 8,900 children have been forced to leave their homes. In 2024, 711 children were affected by evictions, of which 391 children were forced to leave their permanent residence. The remaining children live partially in the home or have visitation rights there. In nine out of ten cases where children are involved, rent arrears are the primary cause of the eviction. This underscores the need for interventions specifically targeting families with children facing financial difficulties.
Early Interventions Can Prevent Evictions
The high proportion of withdrawn applications for eviction assistance shows the importance of early interventions and collaboration between landlords and social services in Sweden. By offering payment plans and budget counseling early on, the eviction process can often be stopped before it goes too far. However, this requires landlords to be willing to cooperate and for social services to have the resources to act quickly and effectively.
Regional Differences in the Number of Evictions
The number of completed evictions varies greatly between different counties in Sweden. Stockholm had the highest number, with 638 evictions in 2024, an increase of over 11 percent compared to 2023 (573 evictions) and 2022 (511 evictions). Östergötland and Dalarna also show sharp increases. In Västra Götaland, the number decreased from 419 evictions in 2023 to 413 in 2024. Skåne also shows a slight decrease.
