Finding a Roof in Copenhagen: An ongoing Challenge

Finding housing in Copenhagen is increasingly difficult for students, expats, and newcomers. Apartment prices in Greater Copenhagen rose by 9.4% in 2024, according to Europe-data, and in some neighborhoods, prices have doubled over the past decade. With strong public services, excellent restaurants, nature at your doorstep, and high-paying jobs, the Danish capital attracts thousands each year, but if you’re not already part of the market, getting a foothold can feel impossible.

Copenhagen Business School confirms the crisis is growing and is especially tough for international students. CBS hosts 1,400 exchange students annually, for whom it arranges housing, but provides no housing assistance for more than 1,000 full-degree international students. “We try to be very transparent,” a CBS representative said. “Prices can be very high, and scams are common. We warn students to be cautious, but there is no municipal support. Private landlords collaborate with us, but they’re in it because it’s highly lucrative.”

For anyone planning to move to Copenhagen, whether for study, work, or adventure, Maja, a Swedish student in the city, recommended searching months in advance, budgeting for high deposits, sticking to verified platforms like BoligPortal or HousingAnywhere, and leaning on local contacts or student communities for tips. 

Even in one of Europe’s richest and most livable cities, securing a roof requires persistence and planning.

This story is for prospective residents and students considering a move to Copenhagen and could be published on Expatica.