Couple embraces new rental lifestyle in Heimasta Horni, Faroe Islands

“Make yourself at home; this is now your home,” said the building manager as he handed Sólbjørn and Ruth Mortensen the keys to their apartment at Heimasta Horni.

“It feels really, really good,” Sólbjørn shared while sitting around the dining table in their new rental from Bústøðum. Although they have owned houses before, they chose to rent for several years, and it is now that they truly feel like they’ve come home.

Ruth added, “The biggest difference between our previous rentals and this apartment is that here we know we can stay—permanently.” She expressed relief over avoiding the uncertainty that comes with private rentals, where landlords can reclaim their properties at any time. Questions like, “What if we can’t stay for the five years we agreed upon?” often plagued them.

The apartment is brand new and includes two bedrooms, a bathroom, a laundry room, and an open kitchen and living area, along with a balcony offering beautiful views of Havnadal. They have already made personal touches to turn the apartment into a home. For Ruth, the kitchen was particularly important, as she needed space to bake the famous kringla pastry for which she is nearly world-famous in the Faroe Islands.

The couple’s decision not to own property has puzzled some. “People often look at us strangely and think something must be wrong because you’re supposed to own the home you live in,” Ruth commented, noting the societal pressure to own property.

However, Sólbjørn has come to appreciate the benefits of renting, realizing that pride for property ownership can sometimes overshadow practicality. As housing prices have soared in recent years, finding affordable options has become increasingly challenging for Faroe Islanders, prompting discussions about future living arrangements.