The Ultimate Guide to Renting Apartments for Business Professionals in Norway
Introduction
Finding the right corporate apartment in Norway can be far more challenging than expected, particularly for foreign businesses. While Norway offers high-quality living options, many landlords are sceptical of renting to foreign companies. Combined with high competition in cities like Oslo and Bergen, and the complexities of securing apartments with essential amenities, the process can quickly become overwhelming. This guide provides a step-by-step breakdown of everything you need to know about renting apartments for business purposes in Norway — from navigating rental prices to understanding key challenges like utilities, parking, and lease terms. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to secure the perfect living space for your team and avoid common pitfalls.
1. Understanding the Norwegian Rental Market
High Demand in Major Cities
Norway’s largest cities experience constant housing demand due to thriving industries like construction, IT, and energy. For foreign businesses, this process can feel even more competitive:
Landlords often prioritize tenants with local references.
High-quality apartments, especially with parking, are rented out quickly.
Average Rental Prices for 2-Bedroom Apartments
Rental prices reflect the strong demand and high living standards in Norway. For fully furnished 2-bedroom apartments:
Oslo: For a centrally located apartment, expect to pay between 20,000–30,000 NOK/month (approximately €1,750–€2,600/month). Apartments with parking are extremely limited, particularly in neighborhoods like Frogner and Majorstuen. Bergen: In business districts, rents for 2-bedroom apartments range from 18,000–25,000 NOK/month (approximately €1,575–€2,150/month). Central parking spaces are scarce. Stavanger: As a hub for oil and energy, 2-bedroom apartments cost around 17,000–24,000 NOK/month (approximately €1,490–€2,060/month). Trondheim: With growing tech and industrial sectors, rents for 2-bedroom apartments range from 16,000–22,000 NOK/month (approximately €1,400–€1,890/month). In smaller towns, prices may be slightly lower, but competition remains high during major projects.
2. Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an Apartment
Location
Choosing the right location balances convenience and cost:
Proximity to Work: Short commutes mean more productive time for your team.Access to Public Transport: Reliable transport hubs near apartments are critical.
Neighborhood Quality: Prioritize central, secure neighborhoods like Frogner in Oslo or Fana in Bergen.
Essential Amenities
While many apartments are fully furnished, key amenities can still be challenging to secure:
High-Speed Internet: Essential for remote work and communication. Parking: Limited availability in larger cities like Oslo and Bergen. Spaces are rare and often come at an extra cost. Utilities: Due to the electricity crisis in Norway, landlords rarely include electricity costs in the rent. This is particularly critical in winter when energy prices can spike dramatically. At its peak, electricity can cost 13.5 NOK per kilowatt-hour (approximately €1.20 per kilowatt-hour). For a standard 2-bedroom apartment, this can result in significant additional monthly expenses.
3. The Challenges of Renting in Norway
Renting as a foreign business tenant involves unique obstacles:
Landlord Scepticism
Many landlords are reluctant to rent to foreign companies due to concerns over reliability, payment delays, or unfamiliarity with the tenant. Local references are rarely available, creating additional hurdles.
Limited Supply of Quality Apartments
Central apartments with modern amenities are often rented within days. Parking is extremely limited and can significantly increase costs.
High Utility Costs
The electricity crisis in Norway has made utility expenses unpredictable. Prices can peak at 13.5 NOK (€1.20) per kilowatt-hour, particularly during winter. Landlords often exclude electricity from rental agreements to avoid responsibility for fluctuating costs. Solution: Partner with an experienced housing provider like HomeShare to ensure transparency, minimize delays, and access properties that meet your needs.
4. The Rental Process: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Outline Your Requirements
Clearly define your company’s needs: location, parking, amenities, lease flexibility, and budget.
Step 2: Schedule Viewings
Act quickly — desirable apartments in Norway’s major cities rent out within days.
Step 3: Negotiate Lease Terms
Clarify key points like: Lease duration and policies for early termination, Utilities (electricity, heating, water) and Rent inclusions like Wi-Fi and cleaning.
Step 4: Finalize the Lease
Ensure all agreed-upon terms are reflected in the lease. Request an English version if necessary.
5. Legal Rights and Obligations for Tenants
Your Rights
Fair Rent: Rent must align with market rates. Privacy: Landlords must provide proper notice before entering the property. Maintenance: Landlords handle significant repairs and ensure a habitable environment.
Your Obligations
Pay rent on time, manage electricity and heating costs unless otherwise specified and notify landlords of maintenance issues promptly.
6. Why Corporate Housing Providers Simplify the Process
Given the complexities of Norway’s rental market, partnering with a corporate housing provider simplifies the experience and saves valuable time.
Benefits of Corporate Housing:
Move-In Ready Apartments: Fully furnished, modern apartments with all essential amenities. Lease Management: Expert negotiation of lease terms and handling of landlord communication. Time and Cost Savings: Providers handle viewings, paperwork, and logistics.
7. Checklist Summary: What to Look for in a Business Apartment
Location: Central, with good transport links and amenities
Furnished Apartments: Fully equipped for immediate move-in
Utilities: Clarify costs for electricity, heating, and water
Parking: Confirm availability and any extra fees
Lease Terms: Flexible durations to match your project timelines
Conclusion
Finding the right corporate apartment in Norway can be challenging, particularly for foreign businesses facing sceptical landlords, high competition, and rising energy costs. By understanding these challenges and prioritizing location, amenities, and lease terms, you can secure the ideal living space for your team.
Why Choose Homeshare for Your Corporate Housing Needs?
At Homeshare, we simplify corporate housing for businesses working on short- or long-term projects in Norway.
Our Expertise:
Tailored Solutions: Fully furnished apartments in prime locations across Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, and Trondheim.
Bulk and Custom Requests: Whether you need one apartment or multiple units for a large team, we handle it all.
Time and Cost Savings: We manage viewings, negotiations, and landlord communication, ensuring a stress-free experience.
Deep Market Knowledge: With years of experience in Norway’s rental market, we secure the best options to meet your business needs.