Sweden’s bank-dominated real estate market ‘needs’ alternative lenders

In 2022, the Swedish real estate sector was one of several European property markets expected to see significant distress following the rapid rise in borrowing costs. Speculation grew over the fate of companies with huge refinancing needs, and it appeared to be a moment for non-bank lenders to provide an alternative source of debt.

Sweden’s policy rate is now among the lowest in Europe, while a material recovery in real estate transactions is also underway. Bank lenders remain the dominant source of debt capital by far. However, there is a growing community of non-bank lenders that believe the domination of banks in the sector is set to recede, regardless of recovery.

In this podcast, Lucy Scott explores the opportunities ahead for alternative lenders in one of the most bank-dominated real estate lending markets in Europe.

• Lesley Lanefelt, head of Nordic investments at Velo Capital and partner at Urban Partners
• Frans Heijbel, managing director, Heimstaden
• Pontus Sundin, chief executive of Niam Credit
• Maarit Nordmark, chief executive of Kinnerton Capital, head of credit Sweden & Finland