| Area | Rent/month (one-bedroom, 30–40 sqm) | Type of rent |
|---|---|---|
| City centre (Vasastan, Linné) | 9,500–11,000 SEK | New builds and older stock |
| Intermediate areas (Majorna, Haga) | 8,000–9,500 SEK | Mixed |
| Outer areas (Angered, Biskopsgården) | 6,500–8,000 SEK | Older stock |
| New builds, whole city | 8,500–10,500 SEK | Market rent |
A one-bedroom flat in Gothenburg costs on average 8,900 SEK per month in new builds as of September 2026, while older stock ranges from 7,200 to 8,500 SEK. What actually determines what you pay is the location, the standard, and whether the rent is set through negotiation or on the open market.
What Does a One-Bedroom Flat Cost in Gothenburg in 2026 – Average and Range
The rental market in Gothenburg is split in two. In the existing stock with utility-value rents (bruksvärdeshyra), a one-bedroom flat of 30–40 square metres goes for 7,200–8,500 SEK per month. In new builds, where the developer sets the rent freely, the average is 8,900 SEK, but one-bedroom flats in sought-after areas like Vasastan or Linné can cost over 10,000 SEK.
The figures come from Bofrid's compilation of adverts and negotiated rents during the first half of 2026. They are indicative, not fixed prices. Your actual rent is determined by what you and the landlord agree on, within the limits set by law.
What Does a One-Bedroom Flat Cost in Gothenburg in 2026 – New Builds vs Older Stock
Newly built one-bedroom flats usually have higher rent because the developer is allowed to set the rent freely. This follows from the fact that the rent act (hyreslagen) does not apply to newly built flats for a certain period – in practice, the rent can be market-based. For older flats, utility-value rent applies, negotiated between the Swedish Union of Tenants (Hyresgästföreningen) and the Swedish Property Federation (Fastighetsägarna). There, standard, location and demand matter, but the rent must not be 'clearly unreasonable' under Chapter 12, Section 55 of the Land Code (jordabalken).
The difference can be several thousand kronor. A newly built one-bedroom flat in Gårda often costs 9,800 SEK, while a similar size in a 1970s building in Kortedala is around 7,000 SEK. For you as a housing seeker, this means you can save money by looking at older areas, but then you often have to join a queue.
How Rent Is Set – Utility Value, Negotiation and Market
Rents in Gothenburg are determined in three steps. First, the parties – the landlord and the Swedish Union of Tenants – negotiate a utility-value rent for older flats. Then it is tested against similar flats in the area. Finally, the Rent Tribunal (Hyresnämnden) can set the rent if the parties cannot agree.
For new construction, special rules apply under presumption rent (presumtionshyra) according to Chapter 12, Section 55 c of the Swedish Land Code (jordabalken). The rent is negotiated between the developer and a tenant association based on production costs, remaining protected from ordinary utility-value comparisons for up to 15 years.
If you rent in the second hand, the Private Housing Rent Act (privatuthyrningslagen, 2026:772) applies. There, the rent may be market-based, but must not significantly exceed what is reasonable considering the flat's standard and the circumstances in general.
What Is Included in the Rent – and What Is Extra
The rent for a one-bedroom flat in Gothenburg usually includes water, heating and waste collection. Electricity is rarely included in older stock, but often in new builds. If electricity is not included, expect 300–500 SEK per month for normal usage. Broadband and TV may be included in newer buildings, but otherwise cost an extra 200–300 SEK.
Parking is almost always extra. A rented space in a garage costs 1,200–1,800 SEK per month in central Gothenburg, while a street space can be cheaper. Storage is sometimes included, but can also be billed separately.
Before you sign the contract, always ask what is included. A low rent can become high when electricity, parking and broadband are added. Read the agreement carefully – it is the contract that governs what you actually pay, not what the agent said.
How to Find a One-Bedroom Flat in Gothenburg – Queue, Agency and Second-Hand Market
The Gothenburg Housing Agency (Bostadsförmedlingen) is the most common route to a rental flat in the older stock. The queue time for a one-bedroom flat in the city centre is often 10–15 years, while outer areas can take 3–5 years. New builds are often let directly by the developer, where you can get priority if you show interest early.
The second-hand market is an alternative, but different rules apply there. Under the Private Housing Rent Act, you may let out your home if you have permission from the landlord, and the rent may be market-based. For you as a housing seeker, this means you can find a one-bedroom flat faster, but you often have to pay more and the contract is time-limited.
Bofrid's network on Facebook can be a way to find short-term lets and direct contacts with landlords. Read more in our guide on Facebook groups for housing seekers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of a one-bedroom flat in Gothenburg in 2026?
On average, the rent for a one-bedroom flat is 8,900 SEK in new builds and 7,200–8,500 SEK in older stock. The price varies with location and standard – a one-bedroom flat in Vasastan can cost over 10,000 SEK, while one in Angered is around 6,500 SEK.
Can the landlord raise the rent at any time?
No. For older flats, negotiation with the Swedish Union of Tenants is required, and the rent cannot be raised without the tenant's approval. For new builds, the rent can be adjusted annually, but only in accordance with the contract. Read more about rent increases mid-contract.
What is included in the rent for a one-bedroom flat?
Water, heating and waste collection are almost always included. Electricity is often included in new builds, but rarely in older buildings. Broadband, parking and storage are usually extras. Always check the contract to see exactly what is included.
How long is the housing queue for a one-bedroom flat?
The queue time varies greatly. For a one-bedroom flat in central Gothenburg, you may need to wait 10–15 years, while outer areas can take 3–5 years. New builds are often let without a queue, directly by the developer.
How New Rules Affect Rents for One-Bedroom Flats in 2026
It applies when a natural person lets out their home, and it replaces the previous law. For you renting a one-bedroom flat in the second hand, the law means the rent should be market-based, but not unreasonable. The law also includes a requirement for a written contract if either party requests it.
The government has also put forward proposals for a more flexible rental market (report 2026-05-08). The proposal includes, among other things, that tenants should be able to give notice with shorter warning. Nothing is decided yet, but if it goes through, it could affect both rent levels and the availability of one-bedroom flats.
For you considering letting out your own one-bedroom flat, it is important to know the tax rules. The Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) governs deductions for rental income, and you can read more in our article on how rental income from a villa is taxed.
Summary – What Does a One-Bedroom Flat Cost in Gothenburg in 2026?
A one-bedroom flat in Gothenburg costs on average 8,900 SEK in new builds and 7,200–8,500 SEK in older stock. The actual price depends on location, standard, and whether the rent is negotiated or market-based. To find a one-bedroom flat, you either need to join a queue or look on the second-hand market, where the Private Housing Rent Act sets the framework.
Before you sign the contract, always compare with similar flats in the area. Use Bofrid's guide for housing and living costs in Gothenburg to get the full picture. And if you are considering letting out your own home, read about what a vacancy costs to calculate the profitability.
This is general information and not legal advice. For specific questions, contact the Swedish Union of Tenants or a lawyer.
