Are the housing construction plans realistic?

Region Stockholm has set a target of building 140,000 homes between 2010 and 2035. Today, about 75,000 have been completed, which means just as many remain over the next ten years. To reach the goal, 6,500 homes per year are required, compared to the approximately 2,500 that were built last year. It is clear that the challenge is significant. Interestingly, Stockholm has six times as many land allocations as Gothenburg, yet between 2020–2024 Gothenburg completed more homes. The need in Stockholm will remain high, not least because the influx of people into the city continues even though the overall population is relatively stable.

Is an uncertain world the “new normal”?

Geopolitics is currently impacting the real estate market more than economic factors. Many actors remain cautious, waiting for more stable conditions. The question is whether we should see this as a temporary situation or as the new normal. If the market begins to invest with the understanding that we are in a new normal, we may recover from the recession more quickly.

The defense industry’s impact on the real estate market

Louise Landeman, Head of Sustainability Analysis at Danske Bank, and Max Barclay, CEO at Newsec, discussed the growing role of the defense industry. The massive investments, especially in the Nordics, will affect both the housing market and infrastructure. When production and labor relocate to new areas, the demand for housing, schools, and critical community functions follows. Sustainability here takes on a new dimension, it is not only about climate and environment but also about securing functioning electricity and water supply, transport, and public services.

The Nordics – a safe market to invest in

The Nordics are perceived as a stable place to grow compared to the rest of Europe. Capital is available for investment, and those who commit here have good opportunities for long-term returns. The discussion at Business Arena mainly focused on the time perspective: when will the market turn? Skepticism about a rapid recovery remains, but the signals of a positive turnaround are clear.

About iBinder Group

iBinder Group provides digital information management services for the construction and real estate industry. Since its founding in 2005, the company has supported property owners in increasing productivity and ensuring regulatory compliance in construction projects and property management.