Summary
High weight (0.15–0.20): The most severe and immediate environmental and climate-related risks—such as flooding and cloudbursts—are given a high weight due to their direct and immediate impact on property value and functionality.
Moderately high weight (0.10): Risks such as wildfires, storms, and soil contamination are given a moderately high weight, as they have significant but sometimes less acute effects.
Low weight (0.05): Risks such as drought, demographic trends, and ancient or cultural remains are assigned a lower weight due to their more long-term or indirect influence.
1. Vulnerable Area (Weight: 0.10)
Justification: Properties located in areas classified as "vulnerable" by the Swedish Police are subject to higher social risk, which may affect property value and investment risk. This is particularly relevant in areas with high crime rates, which can directly impact market value.
Source: Vulnerable areas are mapped by the Swedish Police based on crime rates and social challenges.
2. Population Trend (Weight: 0.05)
Justification: Population trends have a direct effect on the property market. A growing population increases demand for properties, while a declining population signals a risk of reduced demand and potential vacancies.
Source: Statistics Sweden (SCB) provides detailed data on demographic developments and trends across regions.
3. Flooding from Watercourses, Coasts, and Lakes (Weight: 0.20)
Justification: Flood risk is one of the most severe threats to properties, with the potential to cause extensive damage and financial loss. Both the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) and the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) stress the importance of flood protection and climate adaptation.
Sources:
SMHI: Flood mapping and climate data
MSB: Flood risk assessments and management of natural disasters
4. Cloudburst Flooding (Weight: 0.15)
Justification: Cloudburst-related flooding has become increasingly common due to climate change, particularly in urban areas with impervious surfaces where water cannot drain. Municipalities and County Administrative Boards (Länsstyrelser) have therefore developed cloudburst maps to assess these risks.
Sources:
Municipalities and County Administrative Boards: Cloudburst mapping and flood risk assessments.
Note: This factor is not yet included in the platform’s current assessment model.
5. Fire (Fuel Classification) (Weight: 0.10)
Justification: Fires, especially in forested and rural areas, can cause severe property damage. The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) and the Swedish Forest Agency (Skogsstyrelsen) use fuel classification to evaluate wildfire risk—an essential element in environmental risk assessments.
Sources:
MSB (The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency): Fire risk assessments
Swedish Forest Agency (Skogsstyrelsen): Fuel classification and fire risk
6. Ras, skred och erosion (Vikt: 0.10)
Justification: Soil erosion, landslides and ground movement can result in significant structural damage to properties. The Swedish Geotechnical Institute (SGI), Geological Survey of Sweden (SGU), and MSB have compiled geotechnical risk data to ensure such threats are included in property evaluations.
Sources:
MSB: Natural hazard risk assessments
SGI: Geotechnical risks to ground stability
7. Extreme Heat (Weight: 0.05)
Justification: Climate change has led to an increased frequency of extreme heat events. While not relevant to all property types, extreme heat can affect energy costs, residential comfort, and land use.
Sources:
MSB: Risk assessments for extreme weather
SMHI: Climate forecasts and heat-related risks
8. Storms or High Wind Speeds (Weight: 0.10)
Justification: Strong winds and storms pose significant risks to buildings and infrastructure. Wind load zones published by the Swedish National Board of Housing, Building and Planning (Boverket) are used to assess risk of structural damage.
Sources:
MSB: Storm-related natural hazards
Boverket: Wind load zones and storm protection standards
9. Drought (Weight: 0.05)
Justification: Prolonged drought mainly affects agricultural properties but may also impact groundwater levels and vegetation near buildings. The Swedish Forest Agency (Skogsstyrelsen) monitors and evaluates the impact of drought on forestry and land.
Source: Swedish Forest Agency: Drought risk assessment and land impact.
10. Energy Performance Certificates and Ratings (Weight: 0.05)
Justification: The energy performance of a property is increasingly important from both an economic and sustainability perspective. Certificates issued by the Swedish National Board of Housing, Building and Planning (Boverket) indicate a building’s energy efficiency, which is directly linked to long-term sustainability and operational costs.
Source: Boverket – Energy performance certificates for buildings
11. Soil Contamination (EBH) (Weight: 0.10)
Justification: Soil contamination represents a major environmental and health risk, especially on former industrial land or areas near polluted waterways. The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (Naturvårdsverket) and the County Administrative Boards (Länsstyrelsen) use the EBH support system to assess risks related to soil and groundwater pollution.
Sources:
Naturvårdsverket: EBH Support (Remediation of contaminated sites)
County Administrative Board (Länsstyrelsen): Soil contamination and impact on properties.
12. Ancient and Cultural Remains (Weight: 0.05)
Justification: The presence of archaeological or protected cultural heritage sites can influence land use and building rights. This is an important consideration for investors and property owners.
Source: Swedish National Heritage Board (Riksantikvarieämbetet) – Protection of archaeological and cultural heritage sites
13. Protected Areas (Grouped) (Weight: 0.10)
Justification: Protected areas such as Natura 2000 sites, nature reserves, and other zones regulated under the Environmental Code may limit development and land use. Proximity to such areas may require special permits for certain activities.
Sources: Naturvårdsverket: Natura 2000, nature reserves and protected areas