A classic red house with white knots. This is how the Sweden Democrats' idea of a "Sweden House" was visualized before the last parliamentary election in 2022.
The government and the Sweden Democrats are now taking a new step by letting the National Board of Housing, Building and Planning investigate a type approval of such small houses. Several models will be developed to enable building a villa without a building permit.
We know that many want to live in small houses, but too few are built, says Infrastructure and Housing Minister Andreas Carlson (KD).
Wooden Villa on 150 Square Meters
According to the Sweden Democrats' Mikael Eskilandersson, at least one of the type-approved house models will be designed in "traditional Swedish building style".
The Sweden Democrats previously drew up that the house should have a wooden façade, be a 1.5-story villa with 150 square meters of living space. And this is what the party promises will be possible.
Eskilandersson believes that the aesthetic factor is a prerequisite for the "Sweden House".
A red cottage with white knots is perceived as safe and cozy. If one had instead made a square concrete box, it would probably not have been as easy to get acceptance from the general public, he says.
The idea is that it will both become easier and less expensive to build houses. A standardized model with abolished building permits can press the cost by a few hundred thousand kronor, according to Eskilandersson.
Municipal Monopoly
The National Board of Housing, Building and Planning will present its investigation in June 2026, and then a referral and likely new legislation will be needed. No model will be in place before the election, according to Andreas Carlson.
An obstacle is the municipal planning monopoly, which, according to the Infrastructure Minister, will have to "step back somewhat" so that the individual can realize their housing dream. Also, neighbors' acceptance and defense interests are important and will be weighed in, he says.
Carlson also points to today's long lead times and complicated regulations.
The new production rate is so low that it becomes a legitimacy problem. It is difficult for those who want to live in small houses to realize the dream of their own home.
