Stockholm's housing market faces controversy over hidden bids. These secret offers remain confidential for limited periods without competing bidders' knowledge.
Sellers maintain full authority to reject hidden bids. The practice occurs most frequently in Stockholm's competitive real estate scene.
Niklas Rollgard, head legal advisor at the Real Estate Agent Association, stated these bids create market confusion. Three formal complaints reached the Real Estate Inspectorate during September.
Legal expert Magnus Melin questioned proposed bans. He asked how enforcement would work practically. Melin warned buyers might approach sellers directly if agents reject hidden bids.
Real estate agent Desirée Nilsson noted hidden bids can restart stalled negotiations. But she confirmed industry professionals, sellers and buyers all report uncertainty about actual rules.
Multiple Stockholm residents described experiences with hidden bids. One anonymous seller reported an agent revealing another buyer's hidden bid despite confidentiality promises. The same person later received a hidden bid when selling their apartment.
The seller criticized the practice. They said buyers cannot verify bid amounts or existence. They suggested some agents might use fake hidden bids as sales tactics.
Sellers control how hidden bids get handled. If sellers want bids disclosed to other buyers, agents must comply. This typically voids the original hidden bid.
Market observers note hidden bids create transparency issues in Sweden's already complex housing system. The practice highlights how competitive markets sometimes prioritize deals over clarity.