After an effort to revitalize its community and entice new residents, a Swedish town has gone viral — it’s selling plots of land for less than 10 cents per square meter. The campaign has garnered so much attention that it has temporarily halted sales due to the overwhelming response.
Gotene, a quaint town in western Sweden, has a population of about 5,000 residents and is beside the largest lake in the EU. The town’s initiative to sell 30 abandoned plots of land for one Swedish krona ($0.095) per square meter was initially seen as a whimsical marketing stunt by Mayor Johan Mansson, but it quickly became a viral sensation.
What To Know About The Swedish Town’s Offer
Launched in mid-April, Gotene’s land sale aimed to attract new residents and stimulate local growth. The plots, ranging from seven to 1,200 square meters, come with a commitment. Buyers must construct a house on the land within two years. This requirement ensures that the land contributes to the town’s development rather than remaining idle.
However, the costs do not end with the purchase price. Potential buyers must also cover additional expenses. The costs include a building permit (30,000 kronor), water connection fees (170,000 kronor), electricity (40,000 kronor), and internet connection fees (30,000 kronor).
What began as a modest campaign quickly spiraled into a global phenomenon after a local television report and viral TikTok video brought Gotene’s offer to the world’s attention. The town hall received inquiries from around the globe, including Europe and Asia — particularly India and Pakistan — the United States, Australia, and South America.
Because of the sudden increase in interest, the government of Gotene had to temporarily halt sales to properly handle the situation. “It went viral and we’ve had thousands and thousands of requests to our telephone exchange,” Mayor Johan Månsson told CNN.
The unprecedented interest has sparked various reactions within Gotene. Some locals are excited about the prospect of new neighbors and the potential economic boost, while others are concerned about the town’s capacity to accommodate the sudden influx of new residents.
The land sales will resume on August 7 with an auction format, allowing the city to manage the high demand more effectively. This pause also gives the local government time to refine its strategy and ensure that the growth is sustainable and beneficial for the community.
