Checklist before buying a vacation home
We at Sommarnojen have helped many customers find their dream vacation home over the years. One thing we notice time and again is that it's easy to become so taken with a house that you forget to check the most important things. Read our checklist before buying a vacation home so you avoid the most common mistakes.
What should you consider before buying a vacation home?
The location is of course important, but it's not everything. We see many buyers get stuck on the fact that the house is beautifully situated by the lake and at the same time miss things that can become really expensive in the long run.
Before you sign anything you should check:
The condition of the property and what may need to be renovated
Whether the house can be lived in year-round or only during the summer
What is actually allowed according to the zoning plan
What it costs to own and run the house on an ongoing basis
Check building permits and zoning plan
This is something many skip, but it can cause trouble afterwards. We have seen cases where houses have been extended without building permits and then the problem falls on the new owner. Make sure that:
All buildings on the plot have the correct building permits
The zoning plan allows what you want to use the house for
There are no obstacles to permanent residence if that is relevant
You know if there are plans for changes nearby
Read more about rules for vacation homes here.
Look closely at the condition of the house
It's not enough that the house looks fresh at the viewing. Older vacation homes can hide problems such as moisture, old electrical systems, or a roof that is about to give way. It's not uncommon that a house that seems fine actually requires a fairly large investment. Look at:
Roof, facade and foundation
Electrical and plumbing, how old it is and how it is installed
Insulation and heating, especially if you want to use the house in winter
Moisture and ventilation, check crawl spaces and basements if they exist
Water and sewage
This is one of the things we talk about most with our customers because it's easy to underestimate. Outside urban areas it's common to have private wells and sewage systems and then it's important to know what you're getting into. Find out:
Whether the water is municipal or private
How the sewage works and what type it is
Whether the system meets current environmental requirements, otherwise the municipality may require measures
What it would cost to upgrade, if necessary
Calculate the running costs
The purchase price is only part of what a vacation home costs. We usually encourage everyone to sit down and calculate what it actually costs to own the house, not just buy it. Remember to include:
Heating and electricity which can vary greatly depending on the house and location
Water and sewage
Property fee
Maintenance because something always comes up sooner or later
Location and accessibility, year-round
Going there in July is one thing, but how is it in November or when it's wet and dark in March? Questions worth asking yourself.
What the road is like in winter and whether it is plowed
How far it is to the nearest grocery store and services
Whether there is mobile coverage and internet, which is important for most people today
Whether the location suits you if you want to be there more than just in the summer
Think a bit further ahead, too
Needs change. Maybe you have a family with children today and want a place to play and swim. In ten years you might prefer to sit quietly on the veranda and in the even longer term you might want to live there permanently.
Can the house be expanded if you have more people or want more space
What does the future look like for the area and are there development plans
How does the location affect the house's value in the long term.
Summary
Buying a holiday home should be fun and it becomes much more fun if you know the important things before you make the purchase. With this checklist in hand you are better equipped to make a decision you will be happy with for a long time.