When looking for housing, the first step is to determine your budget. The cost of living in the Oslo region is relatively high, so it's important to have a clear understanding of how much you can afford to spend on rent or a mortgage.

Once you have a budget in mind, you can start looking for properties that fit your needs and price range.

Where can you find housing?

When searching for housing, you have several options: online housing platforms, newspaper ads, estate agents and word of mouth.

Online platforms such as finn.no (link to website), hybel.no (link) and utleiemegleren.no (link) are popular and offer a wide range of options, both rental and for purchase. Some estate agents also have housing options available for rent or for sale. It's a good idea to check these options and compare the prices, location, and conditions of each property.

Looking for a place short term right when you arrive in Norway? There are a couple of serviced apartment services in Oslo, but you can also use Airbnb/Vrbo, a hotel booking site, or Visit Oslo's website for housing (link)

Where should you live?

When looking for a place to rent, it is important to consider the location of the property. Ideally, you'll want to find a place that's convenient to your work or school, with access to public transportation, and other essential services. Do you need a car or not? Consider if the house/apartment comes with parking.

Are you interested in living near nature? Near the sea? In the Oslo city center, or do you want to commute to Oslo in order to have lower rent? Thanks to effective train/bus/public transport it might be more convenient to live outside of Oslo, and it is quite common to commute to and from Oslo or other cities around the Oslo region.

Additionally, when choosing a place to live, it's important to consider the size and layout of the property. The condition of the building and the surrounding area.

Buy house or apartment in the Oslo region

When looking to buy a property, it's important to consider the long-term value of the property and the potential for appreciation. Here you can search for the sale cost of properties (link to Virdi website), and you can compare prices.

It's important to check the property's condition, the construction quality and the location. Also, you should consider the cost of repairs and maintenance, as well as the cost of property taxes and insurance.

When looking for a property, it's also important to consider the terms of the rental or purchase agreement. Be sure to read the lease or purchase contract carefully and ask any questions you may have before signing. It's also a good idea to have a lawyer review the contract to ensure that you understand your rights and obligations as a tenant or homeowner.

What apartment to choose?

Finally, when selecting a property, it's a good idea to visit it in person. Take a tour of the property, and pay attention to any potential issues or concerns. This will give you a better idea of what to expect and help you make a more informed decision.

In conclusion, finding housing in the Oslo region can be a challenging task, but with a bit of research and preparation, you can find the perfect place to call home. Be sure to consider your budget, the location of the property, and the terms of the rental or purchase agreement before making a decision.

Take your time, visit the properties you are interested in, and don’t hesitate to ask for help.
Remember that colleagues and be asked over lunch to share their knowledge about renting and buying, friends can come along on viewings and online there are multiple forums where you can ask as well.
If you visit a real estate agency - explain that you are new in Norway and hope they can explain what you need to know, we are sure they'd like to help!