From 1 January you can no longer sell your home "as is" (in Norwegian "som den er"). In practice, this means that the seller of the home becomes responsible for all flaws and flaws in the property, including hidden ones.
- Not everyone is competent to know everything about their home. That is why it becomes very important with a thorough and well-documented assessment by a construction expert "bygningssakkyndig" (former appraiser - "takstmann"), says Finn Christian Hovde-Hagen of Fremtind, insurance company SpareBank 1 and DNB. Hovde-Hagen is a specialist in home insurance.
- A status report under the new regulations will be a reassurance for you as a seller because you are not responsible for the errors and shortcomings that are mentioned in the report, says Hovde-Hagen.
These are the most important changes in the sale and purchase of homes
- Don't sell your home "as is"
A used home has a defect if it does not match what the buyer expects and it is not described in the condition report. - More stringent requirements for a construction expert and reportthat about the state
Stricter requirements are placed on building experts as well as on condition reports. - The obligation to control is tightened.
The buyer cannot claim compensation for the conditions described in the state report or other documentation. - Less time before something becomes a fault.
The limit of the amount for which the buyer can apply for compensation will be lower (10 NOK).
From January 1, 2022, all home for sale reports must comply with the new regulations. All this so that the seller could fulfill the obligation to provide information.
- In the event of legislative changes, an ordinance was drawn up specifying the formulation of the status report. It provides both the seller and the buyer with a much better condition report that will provide the information they need before selling the home, says Hovde-Hagen.
Complaining about mistakes becomes "cheaper"
The new law also means a reduction in the time when something can be called a defect. Previously, the cost for defects had to be around five percent of the purchase price, but under the new law, the limit was set at NOK 10.
– This does not mean that you will automatically receive compensation if you discover a defect worth 10 crowns or more. If it is a deficiency or defect that the buyer should have expected, for example due to the age of the house, or was discovered before the purchase, the responsibility also lies with the buyer himself, Hovde-Hagen concludes.
Photo: Fremtind
Source: Fremtind
Read our next article: What can I bring into Norway without customs clearance? Changes from 1 January 2022