Mortgage deeds and title deed

What is a title deed (lagfart)?

Title deed is a registration with the Swedish Land Registry (Lantmäteriet) that shows who owns a property. When you buy a cabin the title deed must be transferred to you as the new owner. It's an important part of the purchase since it gives you legal protection and publicly shows that you are the owner.

What is a mortgage deed (pantbrev)?

A mortgage deed is proof that there is a lien on the property. Mortgage deeds are used as security when a property is mortgaged, e.g. with a home loan. If the seller already has mortgage deeds they can often be transferred to you as buyer, which can lower your costs compared with issuing new ones. Mortgage deeds exist as paper and digital versions. In the past they were paper; today all new ones are digital. If a paper deed is lost the lien must be formally 'killed'.

What does the title deed cost?

• Stamp duty: 1.5% of the purchase price for private individuals, or 1.5% of the tax value if the tax value is higher.
• Handling fee: 825 SEK to Lantmäteriet.
• The cost is paid by the buyer when applying for the title deed at Lantmäteriet.

What do mortgage deeds cost?

• Stamp duty: 2% of the amount the mortgage deed is issued for.
• Handling fee: 375 SEK to Lantmäteriet.
• If you don't need to borrow the full purchase price existing deeds may cover you. You then pledge only the part you need for your loan. Example: property costs 3 million, existing deeds total 2 million, you take a loan of 1 million and pay 2 million in cash. You can use the existing deeds — the remaining 1 million sits dormant and can be used later if you want to borrow more.

Who is responsible for what?

The buyer is responsible for applying for the title deed and pays the cost. Mortgage deeds are usually handled together with the loan at the bank, but the buyer also pays if new deeds are needed. The seller must hand over correct documents, including information on existing mortgage deeds and any loans that will be settled at sale.

When must the title deed be applied for?

The title deed must be applied for within three months of purchase. Later applications may incur late fees.

Tips before buying

• Ask the seller to describe existing mortgage deeds and loans on the property.
• Include the title deed cost in your total purchase budget.
• Ask the bank if existing mortgage deeds can be used for your loan.
• Check that the title deed is registered in your name after handover.