Housing

Finding a place to live is an important part of settling into a new community. In Gjesdal, you can rent, buy, build, or improve your home, depending on your needs and plans. This page gives you a simple overview of where to look and where to find more information.

Please note that some of the links on this page are only available in Norwegian. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Looking for a place to live

Many homes for rent or sale in Norway are advertised online. A good place to start is FINN.no, where you can search for apartments, houses, and other homes in Gjesdal. You may also find housing through:

your employer
your personal network
real estate agencies
local Facebook groups

If you need guidance, Gjesdal municipality’s housing office can give advice about housing options and available support.

Renting a home

If you rent a home in Norway, it is important to have a written rental contract. Make sure you read the contract carefully before signing. Before you agree to rent, you should check:

how much the rent is
what is included (for example electricity, internet, or heating)
how long the rental period is
how much deposit is required

In Norway, it is standard to pay a security deposit when renting a home. The deposit should normally be placed in a deposit account in a bank. This is required by law and is meant to protect both the tenant and the landlord. If a landlord asks you to transfer the deposit directly to a private account or pay in cash, you have the right to refuse.

The deposit is held in this account for the duration of the tenancy and is returned to you when you move out, as long as the home is in the same condition as when you moved in.

To open a deposit account, you need a Norwegian bank account and a Norwegian electronic ID (eID). If you are new to Norway and do not yet have this in place, it is important to inform the landlord.

If you are unsure about your rights, you can find more information here.

Buying a home

If you are considering buying a home and need a house loan, you must talk to your bank before placing any bids on properties. It is also important to know that bids are binding in Norway. When buying a home in Norway, it is common to:

go to a viewing
read the sales documents carefully
check the technical condition of the home

If you are new to the Norwegian housing market, it can be helpful to ask the real estate agent or your bank to explain the process step by step.

Building or renovating

If you want to build, extend, or renovate a home, you may need to apply to the municipality before starting. Some smaller projects do not require an application, but others do. Before you begin, make sure you check:

whether your project requires approval
what documents you need
whether you must notify your neighbors
rules and fees

Gjesdal municipality provides information about building applications, what requires permission, and how to apply here.

If you are planning to build a new home, you can also find information about available building plots and housing projects in Gjesdal here.

Home insurance

Insurance is an important part of having a safe home. The two most common types are:

Household insurance (innboforsikring) – covers your belongings inside the home
Home insurance (husforsikring) – covers damage to the building itself

If you rent, household insurance is especially useful. If you own your home, you will usually need home insurance as well. Before choosing an insurance company, it can be smart to compare prices and terms. Read more here:

Water and electricity

Tap water in Norway is clean and safe to drink. If there are any issues with the water supply, you may receive an SMS alert from the municipality. To receive these alerts, it is important to keep your contact information updated in Altinn. When you move into a home, it is important to check:

whether water costs are included in the rent or municipal fees
whether electricity is included or needs to be set up in your own name
what type of heating the home uses

In most cases, electricity is already connected when you move in. You usually only need to transfer the contract to your name.

Most homes in Norway use electricity for heating, and gas is rarely used in private homes. Electricity is supplied at 220 volts, with standard European plugs (two round pins). Many households have smart meters that automatically send usage data to the electricity provider.

Electricity prices vary throughout the year, often with higher prices in winter. Many people compare providers before choosing a contract.

You can read more about the electricity prices and providers here.

Waste collection and recycling

In Gjesdal, households are expected to sort their waste and recycle according to local guidelines. This helps protect the environment and ensures that waste is handled safely and that recyclable materials can be reused to make new products. The municipality provides information about:

household waste collection
how to sort different types of waste
collection schedules
underground waste containers in some areas

For information, visit Renovasjon/avfall - Gjesdal kommune

Waste services in Gjesdal are provided in cooperation with IVAR. IVAR also operates recycling stations (gjenvinningsstasjoner) where you can deliver larger items and special waste. The nearest recycling stations are located at Sele and Forus. You can read more about sorting waste, potential fees for delivering waste, opening hours etc. here.

Fire safety in your home

There is a lot you can do to reduce the risk of fire in your home. The most important things are to have a smoke detector and a fire extinguisher. It is also important to:

test your smoke detector regularly and change the batteries at least once a year
know how to use your fire extinguisher
keep escape routes clear

You can find more information here:

Start-up loan (Startlån)

Some people may be able to apply for a start-up loan through the municipality. This is a housing loan for people who have long-term difficulty getting a mortgage from a regular bank. A start-up loan may be relevant for example for:

first-time buyers
families with children that need a stable and safe home
people with health or social challenges
people who need to adapt their home

Gjesdal municipality’s housing office (Boligkontoret) can provide guidance and help you understand your options. You apply for a start-up loan through Husbanken. You can read more here.

Buying second-hand items

Buying second-hand items is common in Norway and can help you save money when setting up your home. You can find furniture, kitchen equipment, and other household items on FINN.no, which is one of the largest online marketplaces in Norway. Many people buy and sell used items there. You can also find second-hand items in local reuse shops (gjenbruksbutikker) in the area. These shops often sell furniture, clothes, and household items at affordable prices.