Can you live permanently in an Attefallshus?

It is entirely possible to live permanently in an Attefallshus but certain requirements and regulations must be met. In this post we go through what applies, how to ensure that your Attefallshus meets the requirements for permanent residence, and which solutions Sommarnöjen offers.

What does the law say about permanent residence in Attefallshus?

In order to live permanently in an Attefallshus, the building must be classified as an accessory dwelling house and meet the same technical requirements as an ordinary residential building, including rules for housing design, accessibility, fire safety, ventilation and energy efficiency.

So more is required than just placing an Attefallshus on the plot; you must also ensure that the house is technically equipped for permanent living.

The difference between accessory building and accessory dwelling house

An Attefallshus can either be an accessory building (e.g. storage, sauna, guest cottage without a kitchen) or an accessory dwelling house, which is the variant that may be used as a residence. Only accessory dwelling houses may be used for permanent residence according to the law.

Would you like a clearer picture of what an attefallshus is and which variants exist? Then you can read more here:

When do you need a building permit?

You normally do not need a building permit for an Attefallshus up to 30 sqm, but a notification to the municipality is always required before you start building. The municipality will then assess whether the house complies with Boverket's building regulations for dwellings. If you want to build larger than 30 sqm a building permit is required – something that can also give you the opportunity for an even more functional dwelling. For those considering attefallshus of 40 sqm you can find more guidance here.

Read more about the rules here:

How to get an Attefallshus approved for permanent residence

For an Attefallshus to be approved as a permanent residence you should:

- Build it as an accessory dwelling house

- Follow Boverket's building regulations for dwellings

- Ensure good ventilation, insulation and heating

- Connect electricity, water and sewage

- Have an approved kitchen and bathroom

At Sommarnöjen you can get help with the whole process, from design and building permits to turnkey delivery.

Can an Attefallshus be a full-time permanent residence?

Yes, if all the above requirements are met you can use your Attefallshus as your only permanent residence. However, it is important to consider the planning regulations in the area and that some municipalities may have restrictions.

Benefits of living permanently in an Attefallshus

Living permanently in an Attefallshus can be both economical and practical. Here are some benefits:rn- Lower operating costsrn- Easy to maintainrn- Sustainable and space-efficient lifestylern- Opportunity to live close to naturern- Well suited as a first home or as senior housingrnYou are allowed to live permanently in an Attefallshus if it meets the requirements as a supplementary dwelling and complies with applicable building regulations. This means a building permit is not required, but a notification to the municipality is always necessary. By choosing a solution from Sommarnöjen you get help to meet all technical requirements and can safely live in your Attefallshus year-round.

Do you want to live permanently in an Attefallshus? We can help you.

Are you curious about living permanently in an Attefallshus? Explore our architect-designed Attefallshus that are built for year-round living – with sustainable materials and careful design. Contact us and we will help you realize your housing dream.