The state owned company Sveaskog, which is the biggest forest owner in Sweden, has made an evaluation of its forest sales. The conclusions indicate that the company's forest sales represent 30 - 40 % of all sales in Sweden of forest land at market prices. The opportunities for private individuals to purchase forest land have increased considerably.
Between 2002 and September 2006 Sveaskog concluded 927 sales transactions, whose aggregate area is 147 584 hectares. That is 3.5 % of Sveaskog's total real estate holdings.
In Northern Sweden, where most of Sveaskog's holdings are situated, 2 056 individuals have been offered to purchase real estate. More than one third of these offers - 37 % - resulted in sales. The aggregate sales value was almost 2 million SEK (circa 220 000 €).
Almost three transactions out of four - 72 % - were concluded with buyers resident in the municipality where the transaction was concluded. Circa 14 % of the buyers are resident in other municipalities, but within the same province. Circa 14 % are resident outside the province concerned.
The price of forest land has increased strongly. Comparative statistics indicate that Sveaskog's real estate was sold at market prices. One of the principles that Sveaskog applies in this business is not to cause market distortions.
