Buying in Copenhagen: the back story

About Buying in Copenhagen: the back story

By the ULTIMATE Copenhagen Editorial Team

Editor-in-Chief: Jai Michael

Copenhagen is a city of apartments: classic flats in the old town, Frederiksstaden, Østerbro and Frederiksberg, and new homes on the harbour at Nordhavn, Islands Brygge and Sydhavn. North along the coast, Hellerup has villas by the sea. In Denmark, a buyer who is not resident usually needs permission to buy property, and purchases are handled by a licensed estate agent and the buyer’s own adviser.

Where people buy

The old town, Frederiksstaden and Christianshavn for character; Østerbro and Frederiksberg for families; Nordhavn, Islands Brygge and the harbour for new homes by the water; Hellerup and the coast road north for villas.

How a purchase works

Denmark restricts the purchase of property by people who are not resident in the country; you may need permission from the Danish authorities unless an exemption applies, for example under EU rules. Always take independent legal advice before signing, and check the current rules with the Danish authorities.

We never publish prices; ask an agent and your own adviser.

Our advice: use your own lawyer (advokat) as well as the agent: in Denmark the agent usually acts for the seller.

Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Buying in Copenhagen: the back story before you go.