Fewer Apartments, Higher Rents. The Real Estate Market Is Becoming Increasingly Difficult for Tenants
The real estate sector in Norway forecasts a continued strong increase in rental prices in 2026. The greatest pressure is expected to remain in Oslo and other large cities. The situation is influenced by a limited number of rental apartments, high demand, and a lack of clear signs of improvement.
The industry predicts that the challenging rental market situation will persist in the coming years.
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Utleiemegleren, a company specializing in rental brokerage, predicts that rents in the largest cities will continue to rise dynamically.
In Oslo, rental prices are expected to increase by 6 to 8 percent, and in Bergen by 5 to 7 percent. In Stavanger, an increase of 4 to 6 percent is forecast. Trondheim, where more apartments have been built in recent years, is expected to see a rise of 3 to 5 percent. Outside the largest urban areas, the pace of change is expected to be more moderate.
In Oslo, rental prices are expected to increase by 6 to 8 percent, and in Bergen by 5 to 7 percent. In Stavanger, an increase of 4 to 6 percent is forecast. Trondheim, where more apartments have been built in recent years, is expected to see a rise of 3 to 5 percent. Outside the largest urban areas, the pace of change is expected to be more moderate.
The Highest Rents in the Country
Data from the Central Statistical Bureau show that Oslo already has the highest rental prices in Norway. In 2025, the average rent for a two-room apartment was 15,260 NOK. This is almost 30 percent higher than the national average.
For several years, large cities have maintained higher rent levels than the rest of the country. The greatest pressure concerns small apartments in central locations.
For several years, large cities have maintained higher rent levels than the rest of the country. The greatest pressure concerns small apartments in central locations.
In 2025, fewer listings were published than the year before.Photo: Pexels
Fewer Apartments for Rent
Finn Eiendom points to a systematic decline in the number of available units. In 2025, fewer listings were published than the previous year, especially in Oslo.
Compared to 2021, the number of offers was 10 percent lower. Many owners are selling small apartments that previously entered the rental market. One listing in the capital generates an average of about 90 inquiries.
Compared to 2021, the number of offers was 10 percent lower. Many owners are selling small apartments that previously entered the rental market. One listing in the capital generates an average of about 90 inquiries.
Pressure on Tenants
The strongest increases affect one- and two-room apartments. This is the segment where the shortage of units is most visible.
The Student Index, which describes the availability of housing for students in Norway, shows that students are unable to cover rental costs on their own in university cities. Available apartments are increasingly located outside the city center. For many, this means longer commutes to work or university.
The Student Index, which describes the availability of housing for students in Norway, shows that students are unable to cover rental costs on their own in university cities. Available apartments are increasingly located outside the city center. For many, this means longer commutes to work or university.
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