Andrahand apartments in Uppsala for expats
Uppsala is fundamentally an academic city, and that shapes everything about its housing market. Andrahand supply here is driven by the academic calendar — researchers depart on sabbatical, postdoc positions rotate, and visiting positions turn over on 12- to 24-month cycles. For expats on academic or research assignments, this creates a well-matched market where furnished, well-located flats regularly become available through entirely legitimate and straightforward channels.
Uppsala is Sweden's fourth-largest city and one of its most internationally connected. Uppsala University, Scandinavia's oldest, draws researchers, postdocs, and visiting academics from across the world — and alongside SLU (the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences), Uppsala Science Park, and Uppsala University Hospital, the city hosts one of the densest concentrations of research activity in northern Europe. For expats arriving on academic contracts or research fellowships, Uppsala is often the destination rather than a detour. The city sits 40 minutes north of Stockholm by commuter train, making it a viable base for professionals with partial Stockholm commitments. Andrahand apartments here are frequently vacated by researchers heading on sabbatical, which means furnished options with already-set-up broadband and kitchen are common. No personnummer is needed to apply.
Why expats choose Uppsala
Uppsala is fundamentally an academic city, and that shapes everything about its housing market. Andrahand supply here is driven by the academic calendar — researchers depart on sabbatical, postdoc positions rotate, and visiting positions turn over on 12- to 24-month cycles. For expats on academic or research assignments, this creates a well-matched market where furnished, well-located flats regularly become available through entirely legitimate and straightforward channels.
Where expats live in Uppsala
The best neighbourhoods for andrahand apartments and expat life.
Centrum / Inner City
8 500–12 500 kr/moUppsala's dense medieval core, walkable from the cathedral, Fyrisån river, and the university's main campus. Andrahand supply here is active — many university staff sublet while on research stays abroad. Expect higher rents but maximum convenience.
Luthagen
7 500–11 000 kr/moQuiet residential neighbourhood west of the city centre, popular with academics and families. Close to Akademiska Hospital. Strong supply of larger andrahand flats from researchers who need flexibility for sabbatical arrangements.
Norby
7 000–10 500 kr/moUppsala's most pleasant suburban district: low-rise housing, green spaces, and a gentler pace than the student-heavy centre. Popular with expats arriving with families. Regular bus connections to central Uppsala and Ultuna (SLU campus).
Fålhagen
6 500–9 500 kr/moEast of centre, a neighbourhood undergoing gradual renewal. More affordable than Luthagen or Centrum, with a good mix of young professionals and families. Growing café and restaurant scene.
Uppsala rent prices for andrahand apartments
Typical monthly rents for second-hand sublets in Uppsala. All prices in SEK.
| Apartment type | Monthly rent |
|---|---|
| Studio (1 room) | 6 000–9 000 kr/mo |
| 1 bedroom (2 rooms) | 7 500–11 500 kr/mo |
| 2 bedrooms (3 rooms) | 10 000–15 000 kr/mo |
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 Uppsala
Practical guidance for expats navigating the Uppsala andrahand market.
Uppsala is extremely bikeable — arguably the most bike-friendly city in Sweden. Almost all commuting within the city happens by bike year-round. When evaluating andrahand listings, prioritise those with secure bike storage. A good bike costs 1 500–3 000 kr and will be your primary daily transport.
The Stockholm commute is real and regular. The Uppsala–Stockholm pendeltåg runs multiple times per hour and takes 38–42 minutes to Stockholm Central. A monthly commuter pass costs around 1 400 kr. Factor this into your total housing cost comparison with Stockholm itself.
Academic networks are the most efficient way to find andrahand in Uppsala. Many researchers sublet directly within their department rather than posting publicly. Connect with your future colleagues early and ask whether anyone is planning a sabbatical — word-of-mouth listings never hit the public platforms.
Uppsala's student population is enormous relative to the city size. Student housing is separate from the general andrahand market and not accessible to non-students, but it does create pressure on the wider rental market. Start your search well before your intended move date.
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View city guideLive listings in Uppsala
Active andrahand apartments updated in real time.
Frodegatan, Uppsala
16 000 krFålhagsleden, Uppsala
10 500 krTegnérgatan, Uppsala
12 000 krIndustrigatan, Uppsala
12 020 krPrefektgatan, Uppsala
10 200 krHällbygatan, Uppsala
5 900 krFålhagsleden, Uppsala
12 000 krDag Hammarskjölds Väg, Uppsala
9 340 krTrattgatan, Uppsala
6 000 krFyrislundsgatan, Uppsala
11 500 krBanvallsvägen, Uppsala
12 300 krTrattgatan, Uppsala
6 000 krFree plan · No personnummer · Cancel anytime
Frequently asked questions
Common questions from expats searching for andrahand apartments in Uppsala.
Is Uppsala worth considering over Stockholm as a base for expats?
For academic or research expats assigned to Uppsala University, SLU, or Uppsala's hospital, it is the obvious choice. For others, it depends on your priorities. Uppsala rents run 25–35% below comparable Stockholm flats, it is 40 minutes from Stockholm by train, and the city offers a high quality of life. The trade-off is a smaller job market for non-academic roles and a social scene that is heavily student-oriented.
How active is the andrahand market in Uppsala?
Quite active, particularly for academics. Uppsala has a large population of researchers, postdocs, and visiting academics who sublet their flats when departing on sabbatical or research exchanges. This creates a steady supply of furnished, centrally-located andrahand apartments that are often specifically offered to other academics or professionals. Expatriate monitors all platforms and will alert you the moment matching listings appear.
Are there international schools in Uppsala?
Uppsala has one international school, the Uppsala International School (UIS), which offers IB education from primary through upper secondary. It is well-regarded and draws children of researchers, diplomats, and corporate expats. Some expat families with children in Stockholm schools also consider living in Uppsala and using the commuter train, though this adds complexity for school logistics.
What is the typical length of andrahand contracts in Uppsala?
Academic-cycle contracts of 12–18 months are most common, reflecting typical sabbatical and postdoc rotation timescales. You can often negotiate a 24-month contract, which provides more stability. Shorter contracts of 3–6 months also exist for visiting researchers and conference-period housing — more common here than in Stockholm.
How long is Uppsala's first-hand housing queue?
The wait for a first-hand contract in Uppsala city centre through Uppsalahem or private landlords is approximately 6–10 years. Like the rest of Sweden, andrahand is the practical path for anyone arriving without a long history in the queue. The andrahand market is proportionally large given Uppsala's academic population — newcomers commonly find housing within 2–4 weeks with active monitoring.