In 2023, Sweden's enforcement authority evicted 3,330 people from their homes, the highest number in nearly two decades and since records began in 2005. The figure affected 824 children, with reports highlighting rising homelessness among those without social issues. Politicians are urging reforms to reverse the trend.
Last year marked a peak in evictions. Sweden's Kronofogden authority carried out 3,330 evictions, impacting 824 children—either directly or via a parent registered at the address. This represents a 16 percent increase from the previous year and the highest level since statistics began in 2008.
The backdrop is a downward trend following the 2008 zero-vision policy against child evictions under the Alliance government, when figures stood at 716. Numbers fell to 387 annually, but rose from 2017 onward. Socialstyrelsen data shows around 27,000 Swedes as homeless, though underreporting is likely substantial.
The City Mission's homelessness report notes an increase among those without social issues. Malcolm Momodou Jallow, the Left Party's housing policy spokesperson, describes it as ”a national tragedy” where ”ordinary people, like Veronica, fall between the cracks”. He proposes barring child evictions without secured new housing and calls for broader housing policy changes.
Liberal Patrik Karlson highlights the ”Housing First” method, an evidence-based approach providing permanent homes without preconditions like treatment, paired with tailored support. ”The method is enormously successful when implemented. Municipalities should not evade it for various reasons”, he states.
Sweden's City Missions advocate a national action plan for socially sustainable housing and a housing commission to address market challenges.
