The increased demand has driven up the prices of large apartments, especially in our county where the price increase is the second highest in the country.

For the country as a whole, the corresponding figure is an increase of nine percent.

This is shown by a new survey of the housing market in Värmland.

More work at home

These are condominiums with four rooms or more that have increased the most in price during the corona pandemic.

In Värmland, according to Länsförsäkringar Fastighetsförmedling, this is an increase of 29 percent of the square meter price of condominiums.

- The pandemic has made many in Värmland reevaluate how they want to live, because we spend much more time at home.

This has made larger living space highly sought after, in order to be able to combine homework and leisure, says Marcus Svanberg, CEO of Länsförsäkringar Fastighetsförmedling.

Popular with newly built

It is mainly newly produced apartments that are in demand.

Many also want to change from a smaller to a larger apartment.

- It is a low interest rate situation that seems to be holding up, which means that more people dare to buy a home, says Oscar Carlson, real estate agent in Karlstad.

Demand for villas is also increasing

There is also a great demand for villas and townhouses, while few houses are for sale.

- Due to the pandemic, many have waited with sales, so the supply is very limited, states Oscar Carlson.

Small apartments not as hot

Smaller apartments have not increased as much in price.

The average price of twos in Värmland is unchanged, while ones have risen by 14 percent in the county and 4 percent in the country.

Young people, who are often looking for small flats, have been hit harder by redundancies and layoffs during the corona pandemic.

A weakened private economy, tough amortization requirements and high housing prices limit their ability to get a mortgage and this affects the price development of smaller apartments, says Marcus Svanberg.

Overall, condominium prices in Sweden have increased by 7 percent this year, which is the largest increase since 2016.