Ett dysfunktionellt distansförhållande Relationen mellan ödehus och utboägda skogsfastigheter

Abstract

The aim of this bachelor thesis has been to investigate the consequences of absentee ownership of forest properties in relation to abandoned houses in Sweden. The complex concept of abandoned houses is difficult to define and understand. In this investigation, an attempt is therefore made to distinguish derelict houses that are connected to forest properties, in order to build up a context that can explain why the buildings are derelict. The rural shortage of permanent residents is exacerbated by absentee ownership in that the owner live in other municipalities and do not actively manage their houses. It also contributes to reduced tax revenues and population base. Moreover, the modern forest industry together with a changed ownership structure has led to the depopulation of local communities and the loss of local knowledge. Through inventories and document analysis the study identified that many derelict houses stood empty as a result of larger land acquisitions, where the possibility of subdivision had been affected by financial and emotional factors. In the work of revitalizing the countryside, there is a need for a broader discussion around the challenge of absentee ownership in order to generate an awareness of it in municipalities.