Sweden has Europe’s most liquid property market, according to research from Nordic advisory firm Leimdörfer.
Leimdörfer examined property transactions since 2005 in relation to each country’s total available stock.
It said that Sweden had the highest average annual turnover of assets, at 6.3%, followed by 5.8% in the UK.
Other Nordic markets also featured in the top 10.
Erik Bodin, head of research at Leimdörfer, said the Nordics dominate the rankings for three reasons. “Firstly, the Nordics are characterised by transparent, stable and high-quality institutional environments and are highly regarded places in which to do business.
“Secondly, liquidity breeds liquidity so with high transaction volumes sustained over a long period, this instils confidence that investors can exit at a favourable moment.
“Lastly and crucially, direct transaction costs are lower in the Nordics compared with many other jurisdictions. For example, both stamp duty and capital gains tax can under certain circumstances be avoided or at least postponed by making share deals instead of asset deals.”
