Dream Home for a Bargain? Look to the Norwegian Countryside!
- Marion Solheim
- Mar 31
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 1
FOLLDAL: Owning a house at just 21 might sound like a utopian dream. But not for Adrian Solly. The young carpenter owns a home with a basement apartment and a lovely garden. Like a lot of guys his age, he works, hangs out with friends, parties and relaxed. Often with gaming. Oh, and does a lot of renovation projects in his very own house.
-I love it here! It’s peaceful, safe, and a great place to live. Plus, I have good friends in the neighborhood, Adrian says.
He isn’t the only young homeowner in what locals call Sjokoladebyen (The Chocolate Town) in the heart of Folldal. The village is located next to Rondane National Park, with its stunning mountains and vast, breathtaking landscapes. Just a few hundred meters away lives one of his best friends, also a homeowner in his early 20s. And there are more. One after another, more young people have followed suit. Now, five young men in their 20s each own their own houses with gardens in the same neighborhood.
-It’s nice to have a social life close by, Adrian says with a smile.
Save Big on Housing
Buying a house or an apartment costs money. A lot of money. It has always been expensive to buy property in the big cities, and in recent years, real estate prices have skyrocketed. For many, the dream is to own a home with a spacious garden, maybe a garage, or even a playhouse for the kids. But in the city, that dream comes with a hefty price tag.
"Location, location, location," they say. But what if affordability, space, and nature were the key factors for the best quality of life? If so, you just might find your dream home in the Norwegian countryside.
While a small to medium size apartment in central Oslo, Bergen, or Trondheim can cost anywhere from 4 to 15 million NOK, a spacious house with land in a rural area can often be bought for as little as 1 to 3 million NOK. The price difference is staggering, raising the question: why aren’t more people taking advantage of rural housing opportunities?
You definitely get more for your money, says Adrian. He has renovated the basement apartment, which he now rents out. Great extra income, and it makes it even more economical.
What Do You Get for Your Money?
In urban areas, buyers are primarily paying for location, accessibility, and proximity to workplaces, schools, and cultural attractions. But space is limited, and high demand drives prices up. In contrast, rural homes are often larger, more affordable, and surrounded by nature. Many come with spacious gardens, stunning scenery, and direct access to outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and skiing.
For the same price as a tiny apartment in Oslo, you could own a detached house with a garden, panoramic views, and maybe a garage or a boathouse.
In Folldal, untouched nature stretches as far as the eye can see. Adrian isn’t the most avid hiker, but even he can’t deny the stunning views.
-For those who love the outdoors, this place is just incredible. Me? I prefer to admire it from a distance, he laughs.
Lower Cost of Living
Beyond the initial cost of purchasing a home, rural areas in Norway also offer a generally lower cost of living. Property taxes tend to be lower, and everyday expenses such as groceries, childcare, and leisure activities can be more affordable. Many municipalities even offer financial incentives for those moving to rural areas, including grants for home purchases and business development.
Or other perks, for example these:
In Aukra you get free hot meals for the kids, made by professional chefs – all the way from they start kindergarten and finish 10th grade.
If you want to start a business in Folldal, the municipality have several goodies and a great advisor, ready to help. One of the goodies – the lowest employer's national insurance contributions tax at only 6,4 %.
In Åseral, the municipality might pay you 150 000 NOK – 300 000 NOK to build your dream home.
And the list goes on.
Remote Work: A Game-Changer
With the rise of remote work, more people are realizing they don’t need to live in a big city to build a successful career. This shift in work culture allows individuals and families to enjoy the peace, space, and affordability of the village life. Without having to sacrifice a lot of professional opportunities.
According to World Economic Forum, the number of jobs that can be performed remotely from anywhere will increase massively. By 2030, the number of these global digital jobs is expected to rise by roughly 25% to around 92 million (!).
Let’s Not Sugarcoat
Of course, moving to the countryside comes with its own set of challenges. Job opportunities in some fields may be more limited, and access to specialized healthcare, cultural events, and public transportation isn’t always as convenient as in urban areas.
-You’ll probably need a car, Adrian points out.
-Not every place has frequent buses or public transport.
Still, for many, the benefits far outweigh the inconveniences.
A Housing Market Worth Considering
These days, there’s a growing focus on work-life balance. People don’t want to stress themselves to exhaustion. Many dream of having access to nature, fresh air, and more space for their kids to grow up in. Perhaps they’d like to grow some veggies, fish, hunt, or pick berries and mushrooms in the forest. At the countryside, they can.
-For me, the best thing about owning my own home at such a young age is definitely the freedom that comes with it, says Adrian.
The opportunities are there. However, integrating into a small community often requires some effort. That said, rural villages tend to have strong social bonds, where people know each other, look after each other and lend a hand when needed.
Norway’s rural housing market might be a great option for those who want to own a home without drowning in debt. The dream of homeownership might be closer than you think – at least if you're willing to look beyond the city limits.
-There’s plenty of space here, and it’s not far to bigger towns like Tynset or Oppdal. Plus, there’s a train connection, so Folldal isn’t as remote as people might think. I’d absolutely recommend considering buying a home in a smaller place, Adrian concludes.
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