Background & Purpose

High construction costs have led to a housing shortage for students, making it difficult to build affordable homes.

The Decision

The Swedish parliament approved the government's proposal to allow exceptions to accessibility rules for up to 80 percent of student apartments.

Does this affect you?

  • Students looking for housing: Will gain access to more newly built student apartments with lower rents.
  • Real estate developers: Can build student housing more cost-effectively with fewer regulatory hurdles.
  • Students with mobility impairments: Must rely on the remaining 20 percent fully accessible apartments or visitable exempted homes.

In Practice

  • Up to 80 percent of student apartments in a building can be exempted from certain strict accessibility rules.
  • At least 20 percent of the student apartments must still fully meet the current accessibility requirements.
  • Exempted apartments must still be accessible for visits by people with reduced mobility or orientation.
  • The new rules take effect on July 1, 2025.