Free housing plots in Övertorneå!

Create a new life just as you want it, with a new house built according your dreams on waiting land, with a new surrounding and life-style! Welcome to explore your dreams at the Arctic Circle!

The municipality of Övertorneå offers free individual plots ready to build for permanent year-round living. In total around 60 plots are available. The plots are located all around the different villages in the municipality and include everything from villa plots in the central villa quarters close to everything, as well as plots in smaller villages in the forest or with a view over the magical Torne river.

The demands for receiving a plot free-of-charge are that you are registered as a resident living in the municipality Övertorneå, you will have to complete building within 2 years (otherwise the plot will go back to the ownership of the municipality) and the building has to be a year-round permanent residence. A permanent residence is defined as a fixed house built to normal Swedish standards that can be inhabited year-round. Therefore, you cannot only build a small accessory dwelling unit, tiny house, holiday home or similar structure (those may be built as additional buildings though).

When you do not fulfil the above stated demands for free-of-charge plots one can also buy a plot for the low price of 70-100 SEK/sqm.

Interactive map with plots
On the map below one can easily navigate and explore all the available free-of-charge plots in Övertorneå municipality:

Map with free housong plots

In the small town of Svanstein there are 20 plots awaiting your project with view over the river towards another time zone in Finland!

Svanstein is a small village located above the Arctic Circle, a bit further away from the central town. Yet, close to everything you need and directly at the main road and the Torne river.  The village is a society of its own and has close-knit and active community with several engaging clubs. Svanstein has a complete primary school up to class 9, an own sports club and outdoor sports arena as well as plenty of possibilities for outdoor activities such as cross-country skiing and snowmobiling on the T4-track. The splendid location, directly at the Torne river, allows for marvellous views and many fishing and bathing possibilities.

For years the skiing slope at the nearby mountain was a popular training facility for downhill skiers from all of Sweden and the North. Unfortunately, it has been closed down since a few years ago, however rumours have been heard around the village it might open up again in the near future…

Another famous part of the village is the huge “Hollywood” sign carrying the village its name on top of the hill directly behind the village. It can be seen from all around and is a popular place for photography and selfies. And not to forget, on top of the Pullinki mountain you will also find “The Struve Geodetic Arc”, a UNESCO World Heritage site! Right in your backyard, imagine!

Suitable plots:

Four plots are directly available with building allowance according to the current detailed plan. They vary in size, three of these provide an area between 1000-1200sqm each with allowance for building a 200sqm free-standing one floor bungalow and one plot offers a 4300sqm area with allowed floor size of 1500sqm and maximum 2 floors above ground.

Free plots in Svanstein:

Ruskola is small village just next to the main town of Övertorneå. It is placed along a side road stretching long following the river with magnificent views. It is at a perfect walking and biking distance from the central town with all its amenities.

The eco-village is a part of Ruskola established according to eco-municipality concept in 1990s. The guiding principles for Swedish eco-municipalities is to encourage development towards a more sustainable society, where we have a sound environment while at the same time, people have a high quality of life. Övertorneå was the first municipality in Sweden to adopt the concept in 1983.

In Ruskola Eco-Village there are 3 plots available and waiting for you to build and move in! All plots have an area of around 2200 sqm with possibility for building your new home. The plots are regulated in the detailed plan which gives you a quicker and cheaper building process. The plan allows for building your own eco-friendly home at around 550 sqm with excellent possibilities to grow your own food just outside your window. The eco-village principles do put a few minor demands on eco-friendly design, heating and water supply/sewage, which you indeed may benefit from as the house owner in the future!

Free plots in Ruskola:

Tornedalshus is a local construction company specialised in building sustainable wooden housing. A local family owned company located in the village of Rantajärvi in Övertorneå municipality, just above the Arctic Circle.

Tornedalshus focuses on quality and personal wishes from the first sketches to the last screw! They deliver different housing types, ready-to-move in different sizes or can adjust the standard type to your own wishes. With sustainable materials you get all the help and expertise you need to build your new house, locally in the Torne River Valley.

Tornedalshus AB | 

Purchasing a housing plot requires careful planning.

Ready-to build plots? Most plots are ready for building as far as there is a detailed plan directly allowing for construction of housing. electricity and sewage and water connections are ready in the area and xxx. Before construction starts the land of course has to be made ready in terms of levelling ground and cutting any trees as wished for.

There are regulations for construction in Sweden. More information can be found https://www.boverket.se/en/start/building-in-sweden/

The detailed development plan for each area dictates what can be built on the plot. It is advisable to consult an architect or house supplier for assistance with design, cost estimation, and construction. In addition to what is regulated by the detailed plan, there are no specific requirements regarding the size of the permanent residence. However, there are requirements for various functions that must be present for it to be classified as a permanent residence. Ask us at the municipality for more information on this!

You must apply for a building permit to construct a house!

By the Arctic Circle and the Finnish border lies Övertorneå municipality. In the municipality, which consists of the town Övertorneå and several cozy small villages, approximately 4100 people live. We are a rather small municipality, but with a big heart and plenty of space for everyone. The business culture here is strong, and most people who move here tend to start their own businesses. Perhaps we are inspired by the freedom that comes with rural living close to nature, who knows, but one thing is for sure: here you will realize that you are living the good life.

Hej Hemby move-in services

Hej Hemby translates to “Hello Hometown” and we want to help you find your new hometown in Torne Valley. Our move-in service can assist with finding a house, getting job contacts, school enrollment, and answering most questions you might have. We hope to welcome you as our new neighbour!

Read more and get in contact on www.hejhemby.com or follow Hej Hemby on social media for the latest updates.

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