Back suspects that there are more abandoned houses in rural areas and in areas that have experienced long-term population decline. This applies to large parts of Northern Sweden, and he believes it is likely that there are many abandoned houses in the region.
How can abandoned houses be utilized?
“I imagine that many could be used as residences or holiday homes if they were available on the market. However, many abandoned houses are never put up for sale and instead deteriorate, replies Back.
Nostalgic feelings
The researcher says there are several reasons why the houses aren’t put up for sale, including low prices on such houses, leading to many not seeing a reason to sell.
In addition, many houses are located on agricultural or forestland, which can be used without anyone living in the house. Separating the house from the rest of the land is so costly that it is rarely worth it.
Finally, the emotional aspect also comes into play. People have strong emotions regarding the houses and their locations.
“Perhaps the house represents a connection to their hometown or their roots. This type of nostalgia leads to many owners keeping the house, even if they don’t use it. They might have a dream of using the house more in the future or hopes that their children will,” says Back, and adds:
“It is perhaps easier to feel this nostalgia when the prices of houses are as low as they are. If the prices were higher, I’m sure the nostalgia would weigh less.”
He says that problems and conflicts around inheritance can also be a factor when houses are not sold.
A resource for rural areas
How can abandoned houses be a resource for rural areas in Northern Sweden?
“In Sweden, most people rely on loans to build houses. Banks are often reluctant to lend money for housing construction in sparsely populated areas, because housing prices are so low that the houses cost more to build than they are worth on the market when completed,” says Back.
“That means that only the existing buildings are available. If abandoned houses can be made available on the housing market, it could be a resource for rural areas when no or very few new homes can be built.
If these homes are put up for sale, are there actually people who want to live there? Is there a need for more housing in the Swedish countryside?
“I believe abandoned houses, in many cases, are a sign of low demand. But that does not seem to be the case everywhere,” replies Back and continues:
“I have heard of rural municipalities claiming that people who want to move there are unable to get mortgages to build a new house or buy an existing house. In these cases, the housing market may be creating a housing shortage in places where there is actually housing available. This situation is exacerbated by the fact that we do not have any public support systems in Sweden that make it possible for people to build houses in rural and sparsely populated areas.”