Swedish student housing shortage worsens as record university applicants strain market

Sweden is facing an acute student‑housing crisis after a record number of applicants received offers for autumn university places. Student housing association Studentbostadsföretagen notes that while some cities such as Lund have a "very good" chance of finding accommodation, larger centres are under pressure: Malmö and Uppsala offer only a "moderately good" chance, and in Gothenburg the situation is described as critical, with 29 % of students opting out of the city because of the shortage.

Experts point to the rapid rise in the share of the population with higher education – from 10 % in the early 1990s to 30 % today – as a driver of demand. The lack of affordable rental options forces many to turn to the secondary market, where rents can be unsustainably high. Proposals include easing rental regulations and reducing construction hurdles for student residences to increase supply.