Andrahand apartments in Gothenburg for expats

Gothenburg — Göteborg in Swedish — is Sweden's second city and arguably its most liveable one. The city built its identity around industry: Volvo, SKF, and one of northern Europe's busiest ports still anchor a manufacturing economy, but a growing startup cluster and two world-class universities, Chalmers and the University of Gothenburg, are steadily rebalancing it. For expats, the andrahand market here offers noticeably more breathing room than Stockholm. Listings stay live a little longer, deposits are slightly lower, and the neighbourhoods around the canals feel genuinely welcoming to newcomers. The first-hand queue averages around seven years in central Göteborg, so second-hand sublets remain the practical route in. Expatriate monitors all major platforms and sends English alerts so you can act quickly without needing to navigate Swedish-language search interfaces.

Why expats choose Gothenburg

Gothenburg offers expats a softer landing than Stockholm: rents are 15–25% lower, neighbourhoods are more walkable, and the city's industrial heritage means plenty of international professionals have already established communities here. For Volvo employees, Chalmers researchers, and maritime industry workers, it is the obvious base — and the andrahand market is deep enough to find something within weeks rather than months.

Where expats live in Gothenburg

The best neighbourhoods for andrahand apartments and expat life.

Gothenburg rent prices for andrahand apartments

Typical monthly rents for second-hand sublets in Gothenburg. All prices in SEK.

Ranges reflect typical andrahand market prices. Furnished apartments typically add 10–25%. Prices vary by neighbourhood and listing platform.

Tips for finding an expat apartment in Gothenburg

Practical guidance for expats navigating the Gothenburg andrahand market.

• Tram lines are Gothenburg's defining feature. When evaluating apartments on Hisingen or the outer suburbs, check tram access before falling in love with a listing — the city's tram network is excellent but coverage varies significantly block to block.

• Gothenburg's tech scene is clustering around Chalmers and Lindholmen Science Park. If you're joining a startup or research institution there, flats in Majorna, Linné, or central Hisingen put you within a 15-minute tram ride.

• The Volvo campus is in Torslanda, which is west Hisingen. Expat Volvo employees almost uniformly rent in northern Hisingen or Backa rather than the city centre — factor that commute reality in early.

• Gothenburg has a notably relaxed social culture compared to Stockholm. Landlords here often value a brief personal message explaining why you're moving to the city — it helps you stand out without aggressive competition.

• Snow is a serious winter reality. Check that any andrahand flat you're considering has secure bike storage and a nearby tram stop, as cycling becomes impractical for months. Gothenburg winters are wetter and windier than Stockholm's.

Further reading for expats in Gothenburg