The northern Swedish town of Arjeplog is facing a severe housing shortage during winter months due to an influx of thousands of car testing industry workers, according to a report from SVT Nyheter. During the car testing season from December to March, the town's population reportedly swells from approximately 2,600 residents to nearly 7,000 as vehicle and component manufacturers from Europe and Asia arrive to test their products in cold conditions.
Ludvig Viklund, CEO of Stiftelsen Arjeplogshus, stated that it is difficult for other workers to compete with car testers who pay more for accommodation. According to Viklund, house rents in Arjeplog can reach 80,000 kronor per month during peak season, a price that healthcare workers and other professionals cannot afford.
it is difficult for other workers to compete with car testers who pay more for accommodation
The town offers about 2,300 commercial beds, plus 500-600 non-commercial beds exclusively for the vehicle testing industry, and approximately 340 private houses/villas rented to car testers. To address the housing shortage for other workers, the municipality provides temporary accommodation at 'Stugan', the old student dormitory, according to municipal manager Anna Kaltenegger.
Viklund described the situation as 'a big puzzle to offer housing to everyone during this period,' highlighting the challenges faced by the small community during the testing season.
house rents in Arjeplog can reach 80,000 kronor per month during peak season, a price that healthcare workers and other professionals cannot afford
a big puzzle to offer housing to everyone during this period