What does it mean?
Conversion (ombildning) means a rental property is transformed into a housing cooperative (bostadsrättsförening), where tenants get the opportunity to purchase their apartments. The process requires at least two-thirds of residents to vote in favour, after which a newly formed cooperative purchases the property from the landlord. The price is set through an independent valuation. Tenants who choose not to buy remain as tenants in the cooperative with full tenant protection.
Conversion has been politically controversial, particularly in Stockholm where thousands of rental apartments have been converted to cooperatives under right-leaning city council majorities. Critics argue that conversion reduces the supply of affordable rentals, increases segregation, and benefits those who can already afford to buy. Proponents point to increased resident influence and the building of popular ownership. Since the 2000s, the pace of conversion has slowed, partly because the most attractive properties have already been converted.
Key Points
- Requires at least 2/3 majority among tenants to proceed
- Non-purchasing tenants retain full tenant protection as renters within the cooperative
- Has significantly reduced the rental supply in Stockholm's inner city
- Politically controversial — right favours, left opposes
- Conversion pace has slowed since the 2010s
Practical Tip
If your landlord proposes conversion, find out what your apartment is valued at and compare with market prices. You have no obligation to buy — remain as a tenant if you prefer. Contact the Tenant Association (Hyresgästföreningen) for advice before deciding.
Legal Basis: Housing Cooperative Act (1991:614), Conversion Act (1982:352)