The local municipality and the county administrative board typically control land use and the density of the development through zoning and development plans. Construction of new projects is also subject to municipal authority. Building codes set specific standards for the construction of buildings, and municipalities require building permits before the commencement of construction. Building codes also regulate the maintenance of existing structures.

The Environmental Code affects most aspects of the use and occupation of real estate. There are also more specific laws regarding nuclear safety, certain fuels and chemicals, etc.

Generally, a building permit is required to construct, renovate, or to change the use of real properties. Building permits are applied for at the municipality and are granted if they are in line with the local regulation on land use, or specific decrees on the use of certain houses.

Demolishing real property also requires permits. Such demolishing permits, in the same way as building permits, are applied for at, and issued by, the local municipality.

Some activities may also require additional environmental permits, especially businesses that handle chemicals, toxic waste or similar substances. Furthermore, governmental authorities may require that premises are constructed in certain ways in order to assure health and safety, etc.

Generally, environmental cleanup may be required where authorities seek to reduce or mitigate potential dangers to human health or the environment.

Building codes provide minimum energy efficiency requirements for new buildings. Old buildings are usually not covered by these requirements. Moreover, there are a number of voluntary standards for environmentally sustainable buildings.

The ever-increasing awareness and focus on various environmental issues, such as energy-efficiency, recycling and sustainability throughout Swedish society has also permeated the commercial real estate industry − environmentally-certified buildings, green bonds and “green leases” have become increasingly common on the market. Such certifications, bonds and leases are currently still performed on a voluntary basis.

An energy declaration is mandatory for most new buildings, as well as for buildings that are sold or leased out. The owner of the real property is responsible for the declaration, which is valid for 10 years. Some buildings are exempted from the requirements of energy declaration, e.g., temporary buildings intended to be used for a maximum of two years, industrial buildings and workshops.