Background & Purpose

High construction costs lead to high rents for student housing, making it difficult for many students to afford a place to live.

Proposals & Debate

The government proposed allowing exceptions from strict accessibility and usability requirements in student housing up to 80 percent of the units in a building, while ensuring that at least 20 percent still meet full accessibility standards.

The Decision

The Swedish parliament approved the government's legislative proposal to change the Planning and Building Act.

Does this affect you?

  • Students: Access to newly built student housing with lower rents starting from July 2025.
  • Housing developers: Permitted to use more flexible building standards for up to 80 percent of planned student units.

In Practice

  • Exceptions from standard accessibility rules can be applied to a maximum of 80 percent of student apartments in a building.
  • At least 20 percent of the student apartments must still fully meet current accessibility requirements.
  • Apartments covered by the exception must still be possible to visit for a person with reduced mobility or orientation.
  • The changes aim to facilitate the construction of student housing with lower rents.