Norway: housing

What is happening to house prices in Norway?

Prices of existing dwellings rose 3.3% in the third quarter of 2026 compared with the same quarter of 2025, according to Statistics Norway's price index for existing dwellings. Seasonally adjusted, they rose 0.5% from the second quarter. Over the year, Bergen saw the largest rise, 11.2%, while prices in Oslo including Bærum rose 0.1%.

The index measures price changes for comparable homes sold in the period, using sales data, and adjusts for size, type and location. SSB publishes it quarterly; the next update is due on 11 January 2027. Real estate industry figures published monthly use a different method and can differ.

Official sources: SSB: Price index for existing dwellings

How much is rent in Norway?

The average monthly rent for a two-room dwelling in Norway was NOK 11,790 in 2025, according to Statistics Norway's rental market survey. In Oslo and Bærum it was NOK 15,260, in Bergen NOK 11,870, in Trondheim NOK 11,850 and in Stavanger NOK 11,400.

The survey covers rents paid by tenants in the private rental market, and the average annual rent per square metre was NOK 3,040 nationally. SSB also publishes rents by price zone and number of rooms. The survey is annual; the next release is due on 21 December 2026.

Official sources: SSB: Rental market survey

What share of Norwegians own their home?

72.7% of households in Norway owned their home in 2025, up from 72.6% in 2024, according to Statistics Norway's register-based housing statistics. 59.2% of households were freeholders. The number of owner households rose by 20,021 to 1,896,754.

The figures are based on the population and dwelling registers, and most of the remaining households rent. SSB also uses the data to measure crowded dwellings. The statistics were last updated on 14 September 2026.

Official sources: SSB: Housing conditions, register-based

How many homes are being built in Norway?

Building permits were registered for 20,319 dwellings in the 12 months to September 2026, 5.6% more than in the previous 12-month period, according to Statistics Norway's building statistics. In September alone, permits were registered for 2,421 dwellings.

Seasonally adjusted, dwelling permits rose 22.9% from August to September, a volatile monthly figure; the trend rose 0.4%. Permits show planned construction, and some projects are delayed or never started. SSB also publishes dwelling starts and completions. The next update is due on 19 October 2026.

Official sources: SSB: Building statistics

What is Norway's urbanisation rate?

The UN Population Division puts the share of people living in urban areas in Norway at 83.6% in 2025. That is the highest since at least 2005. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 69.6%, and Norway placed 12th highest of 52. World rank, highest first: 34th of 193.

What share of Norway's city dwellers live in slums?

UN-Habitat puts the share of city dwellers living in slums in Norway at 0.0% in 2022. The figure has been the same every year since 2006. It is 33rd highest of 43 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 0.3%. Worldwide: 155th of 170.

What share of people in Norway have electricity?

100.0%: that is the share of people with access to electricity in Norway for 2024, according to the World Bank. It has not changed since 2005. It is 1st highest of 52 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 100.0%. World rank, highest first: 1st of 193.

What share of people in Norway have safe drinking water?

According to WHO and UNICEF, the share of people using safely managed drinking water in Norway was 99.1% in 2024. That is the lowest since at least 2005. It is 19th highest of 51 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 96.7%. World rank, highest first: 25th of 134.

What is access to sanitation in Norway?

WHO and UNICEF puts the share of people using safely managed sanitation in Norway at 77.9% in 2024. No year since 2005 has been higher. Europe & Central Asia median: 90.2%; Norway is 33rd highest of 45. World rank, highest first: 51st of 134.

What is access to clean cooking in Norway?

100.0%: that is the share of people using clean cooking fuels in Norway for 2024, according to the WHO. The figure has been the same every year since 2005. Europe & Central Asia median: 99.0%; Norway is 1st highest of 51. World rank, highest first: 1st of 192.