köpeskilling

Köpeskilling, or purchase price, is the monetary consideration agreed upon in a sale, most commonly in real estate transactions in Sweden. It is the price the buyer pays to the seller in exchange for transfer of ownership and the central price term stated in the köpekontrakt (purchase agreement). The köpeskilling is negotiated between buyer and seller and reflects factors such as market value, location, condition of the property, and terms of the sale.

In practice, the köpeskilling is binding once the kontrakt is signed. A typical sequence involves the buyer paying a handpenning (deposit) at signing, and the remaining amount being paid at tillträde (taking possession) when ownership is transferred and lagfart (title registration) is recorded by Lantmäteriet. The seller’s net proceeds equal the köpeskilling minus any outstanding mortgages or encumbrances that must be settled at closing or that the buyer assumes under the contract.

Köpeskilling can be subject to conditions and adjustments, such as financing, inspections, or credits for necessary repairs. If financing falls through or a contractual condition is not met, the agreement may allow termination or a price adjustment within the terms set in the contract.

Beyond the köpeskilling, buyers and sellers must consider additional costs related to the transfer, such as registration fees, taxes, and any mortgage-related procedures, which are typically paid separately from the köpeskilling. The term is primarily used in real estate but can apply to other purchases where a price is negotiated for transfer of ownership.