The hidden costs of climate: What to watch for when buying a home in Sweden

Are you dreaming of retiring in a cozy Falu-red cottage nestled in the Swedish countryside? Or perhaps you're planning to leave behind a charming flat in Stockholm as a legacy for your kids?

In either case, it is worth checking how climate could affect the area your property is in.

In 2021, Gävle and Dalarna counties were severely affected by floodings, temporarily sinking property values. And it’s not just a one-off. Every year, more regions across Sweden suffer from heat waves, lack of fresh water, forest fires or floods.

While we can’t predict the future with a crystal ball, we can lean on science. Climate researchers have mapped out which areas in Sweden are most likely to face environmental challenges in the coming decades.

In this mini-guide, we distill insights from leading climate studies and spotlight the zones in Sweden most vulnerable to climate change—complete with easy-to-read maps. Whether you're buying your forever home or investing for the next generation, we hope this guide helps you make a climate-smart decision.

1. Heat waves and forest fires

Between 2015 and 2025, the country has seen a sharp uptick in heatwaves and wildfires, due to a warming climate and prolonged droughts. The summer of 2018 was a fiery milestone, with over 25,000 hectares scorched in what became Sweden’s worst wildfire season in modern history. Scientists have linked these blazes to increasingly dry conditions, with 48% of Sweden experiencing drought by early summer 2023.

These fires increasingly threaten residential areas, particularly in places where homes meet forests. In 2023 alone, over 50 wildfires broke out during a severe heatwave, prompting evacuations and damaging property in regions like Gävleborg.

We’re seeing a new normal, where multiple extreme events overlap and amplify each other”

— Professor Gabriele Messori, Uppsala University

The risk is compounded by infrastructure not built for such extremes—fire hydrants and water systems in residential zones are often overwhelmed, as they were never designed to handle large-scale wildfires.

Therefore, if you have eyes on a particular property in Sweden and you are not very familiar with the climate patterns there, check the map below. It highlights areas most prone to elevated temperatures—specifically those exceeding 26°C.

It’s not just the sunny south experiencing the heat. Even Stockholm, Södermanland and Kalmar counties, together with Gotland are clocking in more hot days than ever, raising the risk of wildfires.

What should you evaluate before buying a property?

1. Evaluate vegetation: Is the property located close to a forest, surrounded by dry grass, or flammable shrubs? The more fuel, the higher the risk.

2. Check fire risk maps: Analyse if a property you are planning to purchase is located in a high-risk area according to available maps.

3. Assess buffer zones: Is there a defensible space (at least 30 m) between the house and surrounding vegetation? Open lawns, gravel paths, and fire-resistant landscaping act as natural firebreaks.

4. Inspect building materials: Are the roof and exterior walls made of fire-resistant materials like metal, tile, or treated wood?

5. Review water access: Is there a nearby water source (pond, well, or fire hydrant) that could be used for firefighting?

   
   
   
   

Bonus: This real-time map forecasts the likelihood of various types of fires across Sweden up to six days in advance. It’s a handy tool to keep an eye on during the summer months—even if you’re only in the early stages of scouting property in a particular region. A quick glance could save you from a hot-headed investment.Brandriskprognoser och brandriskkartor

---

2. Zones with lack of water

Sweden is a land of lakes and rivers, but during last years the number of counties, creating restrictions on water use, is rising. This is a result of fewer rains during autumn and less snow during winters.

Periods of low rainfall can cause water levels to drop to critical levels. To ensure there is enough water for essential needs, a water restriction is sometimes necessary.​ By limiting non-essential water use, we can prioritize water for cooking, drinking, washing and personal hygiene.​ The restriction applies to the entire island to help distribute water where it's needed most and to maintain a stable water supply, even in areas with lower water levels.​

— Region Gotland official website

That means, that one should consider restrictions that may be imposed, like a ban to fill up a pool during summer. Here is an example of what is prohibited on Gotland during summer months. By drinking water one should understand water, coming from the pipes from communal system.

What is allowed?

• In most counties with restrictions, one may use drinking water for:​

• Personal hygiene (e.g., showering, handwashing)

• Cooking and drinking

• Laundry and dishwashing

• Watering plants with a watering can

What is not allowed?

• Using drinking water for the following is prohibited:​

• Watering lawns, flowers, or plants with a hose or sprinkler (watering with a watering can is permitted)

• Filling or refilling pools, hot tubs, or inflatable children's pools

• Washing cars, patios, or similar surfaces with a pressure washer or hose

Where were those restrictions valid:

In 2025, those counties imposed certain restrictions:

• Gotland

• Öland

• Södermanland county

• Västra Götland county

• Jönköping county

• Kalmar county

• Kronoberg county

• Skåne

  
  

While even more counties were under a risk of water shortage:

• Stockholm County

• Uppsala County

• Örebro County

• Halland County

• Blekinge County

• Östergötland County

  
  

Here, you can explore a detailed map of the county you're interested in:Kartor över områden med risk för vattenbrist

What should you evaluate before buying a property?

 If you're considering buying property in these regions, it's wise to plan ahead for water restrictions. Think twice about installing a traditional pool—perhaps a natural pool could be a smarter alternative. It may be wise to skip the thirsty green lawn and opt for drought-resistant plants (lavender, rosemary, coneflower, houseleeks). And consider investing in a rainwater harvesting system or reuse household water for irrigation. In short: design your dream home with climate resilience in mind.

---

3. Flood-risk zones

Another climate challenge one should keep in mind when choosing a place to purchase property is floodings.

Between 2015 and 2025, Sweden has seen a notable rise in flood incidents, driven by heavier rainfall, rapid snowmelt, and rising sea levels. Sea levels in Sweden are projected to rise by up to 1 meter by the year 2100, according to the latest evaluations from the IPCC and SMHI.

Major urban areas like Gothenburg, Malmö, and parts of Stockholm have been flagged as high-risk zones, with several flash floods disrupting transport and damaging infrastructure. According to the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB), flood-related damages have increased by over 30% in the past decade.

The storm “Hans” in 2023 alone caused widespread flooding across southern Sweden, leading to evacuations and millions of SEK in damages.

Check the map below to see which regions in Sweden are judged to be under the high risk of flooding (yellow being low risk, red being the highest).

What should you evaluate before buying a property?

1. Check the risk maps: analyse if a property you are planning to purchase is located in a high-risk region according to available maps.

2. Assess the topography: Is the house situated on a hill or in a valley? Is it near a river, lake, or coastline? Proximity to water bodies increases flood risk.

3. Evaluate the surroundings: Is the property surrounded by impermeable surfaces like asphalt, or by water-absorbing materials such as lawn or sand?

4. Inspect drainage and grading: Does the yard slope away from the house to direct water flow? Are driveways and paths made of permeable materials that reduce runoff?

5. Check waterproofing: Ensure that basement walls and foundations are sealed with waterproof coatings to prevent seepage.

6. Review water management systems: Confirm that gutters, downspouts, and drains are in place and direct water away from the structure.

7. Check critical systems: Make sure electrical panels, heating systems, and appliances are elevated above potential flood levels.

---

We hope that this knowledge can help you to make a well-rounded decision that takes climate challenges into account about purchasing a property you are planning to invest in.

At BAC Agency we help expats understand the Swedish housing market and find a property that just right for you.

If you’re looking for general guidance on buying property in Sweden, like what to expect, what pitfalls to avoid, and how to sell with profit, check out our guidebook “Buying and Renovating Property in Sweden.” It could save you thousands of SEK in costly mistakes.

If you are planning to buy a flat or a house in the nearest future, explore our online consultation services. We’ll help you choose the right area, find properties that match your criteria, or assess a specific property you’ve already set your sights on—saving you time, stress, and money.