Svalbard Housing
Homes in Longyearbyen, who builds them, who may rent them out, and the housing cap.
Where it stands
Store Norske (the state-owned mining company) resumed work on new family homes in Nedre Gruvedalen in October. It had waited for a reply from Sysselmesteren (the Governor of Svalbard) on the housing cap.
In September 2025, High North News reported that 70 homes in Nybyen would leave the rental market that December because of avalanche risk. They were about 5% of the town's homes.
Longyearbyen lokalstyre (the local council) says a home often rented out short-term may need a change-of-use permit.
Reports
November 2026
- Report9 November 2026Governor lends Villa Fredheim for Christmas, New YearGovernor of Svalbard
- Report6 November 2026Council upholds refusal of 88 rooms for visiting workersLongyearbyen lokalstyre
- Report6 November 2026Council backs new building at Vei 401 against adviceLongyearbyen lokalstyre
- Report6 November 2026Council upholds refusal of 15 flats at Elvesletta nordLongyearbyen lokalstyre
October 2026
- In full19 October 2026The council informs homeowners of rules on short-term rentalLongyearbyen lokalstyre
- In full15 October 2026Choosing local architects in Nedre GruvedalenStore Norske
- Report12 October 2026Statsbygg plans to replace older state homes in LongyearbyenLongyearbyen lokalstyre
- In full6 October 2026Store Norske resumes work on new homes in Nedre GruvedalenStore Norske
Tags in this topic
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