Regulations for Attefallshus
Since 2020 new rules apply for Attefallshus in Sweden. They make it easier to erect smaller buildings on your own plot regardless of whether the purpose is a guest house, workplace or a smaller dwelling.
Current rules for Attefallshus
The current rules mean that you may erect an Attefallshus of up to 30 square meters building area without a building permit. This applies regardless of how the house will be used.
If the Attefallshus is equipped with a kitchen and bathroom it is counted as a complementary dwelling house. Then the building must meet the same requirements as a permanent residence, for example regarding accessibility, insulation and ventilation.
Otherwise the following applies:
Maximum height: 4 meters above average ground level
Placement: at least 4.5 meters from the plot boundary, unless the neighbour approves a shorter distance
A building notification must be submitted to the municipality, but not a building permit
New rules for Attefallshus
According to the government's referral to the Council on Legislation from February 2025 further relaxations are proposed. If the proposal is adopted and comes into force on 1 October 2025, it will be permitted to build up to 50 square meters without a building permit on plots outside a detailed plan.
For many planning a holiday home or guest house in the countryside this represents a significant simplification.
Read more about the proposed rules for Attefallshus 2026.
Attefall rules take precedence over the detailed development plan
The most valuable aspect of Attefallshus is not the exemption from building permits itself, but the possibility to build an additional house even when the development rights have already been used.
Attefallshus may also be erected on prickmark, which otherwise is not permitted according to the detailed plan. This means you can create new usable areas on the plot even where other buildings are not allowed.
The rules also make exceptions to planning provisions on, for example, roof pitch, materials and colour. This gives greater freedom in design – something Sommarnöjen works with carefully, so that each house harmonizes with its surroundings.
Building Attefallshus outside a detailed development plan area
On properties outside a detailed plan there is often the possibility to apply for complementary houses of any size instead of an Attefallshus. However these houses may be subject to restrictions; for example they cannot always be used as full-fledged dwellings.
Regardless of plan status, Attefallshus may be placed closer to the plot boundary than 4.5 meters if the neighbour approves it in writing, usually down to 1 meter.
Placement in relation to the main building
An Attefallshus must be freestanding; it may not be built attached to the main building or other structures.
If you want to create an architectural link between the buildings a deck or pergola can connect them. A pergola is not considered a roof if it allows at least 50% open light penetration.
The building should be located adjacent to the main building, which in practice means within approximately 25 meters. A closer location may require special fire protection measures.
Building an Attefallshus on an undeveloped plot
For a house to be classified as an Attefallshus there must be a main building on the property. If the plot is undeveloped the house is instead counted as a main building of 30 sqm, which requires a building permit.
If you want to build both a dwelling and an Attefallshus on the same plot, the building permit for the main building must be applied for first.
Some municipalities require the main building to be completed before the building notification for the Attefallshus is reviewed; others are satisfied with a start notice. If you plan to demolish and replace a main building it is wise to first submit the building notification for the Attefallshus before applying for a demolition permit. That reduces the risk that the municipality will consider the plot undeveloped.
Turnkey Attefallshus from Sommarnöjen
We guide you through the entire process – from building notification to a finished house. Our architects and project managers have extensive experience of building permit and Attefall matters across the country.
Explore our turnkey Attefall houses, designed with the same architectural care as our larger houses, but in a format that fits within the bounds of the law.