Hunting land becomes more valuable than agricultural land in parts of Sweden

Published 2026-10-22

As interest in hunting grows in Sweden, the market value of forests and land has shifted. In several parts of the country, we are now seeing a clear trend where the hunting value of a property is starting to exceed its traditional agricultural value. This means that buyers are prepared to pay more for the opportunity to hunt than for the land's potential to produce crops.

This development is particularly noticeable in areas where game populations are strong and the demand for hunting leases is high. For many landowners, this means that the property's economic value is no longer determined solely by the returns from forestry or farming. Instead, the recreational value, such as hunting and nature experiences, is becoming an increasingly important factor in the valuation of the land.

This change primarily affects smaller agricultural properties where the arable acreage is not large enough to be profitable under modern operations. When hunting value takes over, it becomes more attractive to keep the land as a place for leisure and hunting, rather than investing in active agriculture. This creates a new dynamic in the rural real estate market.

Experts believe that the trend could have consequences for how Swedish land is used in the future. If the focus shifts from food production to hunting and recreation, it could affect both the local landscape and Sweden's level of self-sufficiency. At the same time, it demonstrates how strong the interest in outdoor life has become in Swedish society.

In summary, the shift between agricultural value and hunting value is a clear signal of how the valuation of natural resources is changing. For landowners and buyers, this means that properties need to be viewed with fresh eyes, where experiential value carries increasing weight in the economic calculation.

Sources: Jordbruksaktuellt

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