Second homes as a means for regional development

In Oppland county there are more than 44 000 second homes, which is more than in any other county in Norway. This affects local communities in many ways (infrastrucuture, real estate prices, services to be provided, etc.). In some municipalities there are just as many visitors as permanent residents, and the local authorities need to address the challenges and opportunities created by this development.

If rural territories want to make the best out of this phenomenon, it is time to take one step further and look at the policymaking – which initiatives and interventions can be applied at the local and regional level to maximize the benefits and minimize the negative impacts of second homes development: 

• Regulation through planning systems or other agreements/laws.
• Local taxes.
• Infrastructure like roads and sewage.
• Development of local services.
• Taking advantage of second home owners’ competence and networks in local development processes.

The purpose of the proposed project would be to improve our knowledge of the implications of second homes development  and to identify which tools and mechanisms politicians and administrators can use to maximize the benefits and minimize the negative consequences of second homes development, both at a local and regional level.

The project proposal will be discussed at the meeting in Linz, and the aims and planned activities might be changed, depending on the interest and initiatives from other regions. After the meeting in Linz, Oppland County Authority will follow up and invite the regions that are interested in joining the project to a first network meeting.