Andrahand apartments in Östermalm for expats

What is Östermalm like?

Östermalm is old money done Nordic-style: wide, tree-lined boulevards, four- and five-storey pre-war apartment buildings with high ceilings and parquet floors, and the kind of quiet that feels deliberate rather than empty. The neighbourhood runs from Stureplan — Stockholm's power-lunch and private-club corridor — through the embassy belt around Djurgårdsvägen out to the breezy open space of Gärdet. Karlaplan is the social hub, a circular square ringed with cafés and a popular dog-walking park. The international schools along Lidingövägen make this the first choice for expat families with children — the French school, the British school, and several other international options are all within the district or a short tram ride away. Andrahand turnover is low precisely because tenants who land a flat here stay. When a listing does appear, it tends to be a well-maintained, fully-furnished flat sublet by an executive on overseas assignment.

Why expats choose Östermalm

For expats arriving with a family, a corporate housing allowance, or both, Östermalm is the obvious destination. The international school corridor, the proximity to the major embassies, and the neighbourhood's long history of housing diplomatic and corporate staff mean the infrastructure for expat life — multilingual doctors, international supermarkets, English-speaking estate agents — is fully built out. The risk is the price: expect to pay a significant premium over comparable space in Vasastan or Kungsholmen, and expect to compete with other well-funded applicants. Corporate relocation packages often specify Östermalm explicitly, which narrows the field of applicants somewhat but keeps rents elevated.

Pros & cons for expats

Sub-areas in Östermalm

Listings may be tagged with these area names across platforms.

Typical rent in Östermalm

Andrahand market reference prices. All values in SEK per month.

Typical andrahand market prices. Furnished flats add 10–25%. Actual rents vary by floor, condition, and platform.

Further reading for expats in Östermalm