Copenhagen Real Estate: Apartments in Denmark's Capital

Indre By (the inner city) is historic and expensive. Vesterbro, once industrial, has cafés and the Meatpacking District; Nørrebro is multicultural and lively; Østerbro is a leafy, family-friendly district near the lakes and Fælledparken; Christianshavn has canals and a free-spirited reputation; Amager has newer waterfront areas such as Islands Brygge and Sluseholmen, and Nordhavn is a harbour redevelopment. Frederiksberg is an independent municipality inside the city with elegant villas and avenues.

The metro covers the centre and Kastrup airport, and cycling is a main mode of transport. Buyers are Danes, international professionals, and some investors. Danish rules on rents (cost-based regulation in many older buildings) mean investment yields can be lower than elsewhere.

Citizens of non-EU/EEA countries who have not lived in Denmark for at least five years generally need permission from the Ministry of Justice to buy a property to use as permanent residence, and holiday homes are tightly controlled. EU citizens who live in Denmark can buy a home to live in without permission. These rules are strict and exceptions rare, so seek advice before you search.

Costs include registration fees on the deed (a percentage of the price plus a fixed fee) and on any mortgage, legal fees and a buyer's advisor. Danish mortgage credit loans usually cover up to 80% of the price. Take advice from a Danish lawyer; see our Denmark buying guide and financing page.

Danish purchases have a distinctive rhythm. After a viewing you submit a bid, often within a few days, and the seller can accept or ask for higher offers. Once the price is agreed, the buyer signs a purchase agreement (købsaftale) with conditions, which typically allow time for a building survey and for finance. A Danish lawyer or buyer's advisor (køberrådgiver) is common, though not mandatory.

Annual costs include property tax (ejendomsværdiskat and land tax), which the state is reforming, a monthly owners' association charge, heating, and home insurance. Mortgage credit institutions finance up to 80% of the price with the rest from a bank loan, but non-residents will find lending more restricted. Use our valuation tool for a benchmark and the contact page for introductions to local professionals.

Compare with Frederiksberg, second city Aarhus, Odense, Aalborg, Esbjerg and Randers. The Denmark page lists more.