Happiness is an apartment with a first-hand contract. Derrick Suh now has that.
This marks the first move-in at the new Myrängen block. Sixty apartments have now been occupied, and those who believe the outskirts are less desirable for newcomers are mistaken.
Increased demand has naturally led to heightened competition. To secure a key to one of these buildings, you'll need to have been on the HomeQ queue for a substantial amount of time.
– I had been saving points for two years, which allowed me to choose from several apartments. I also considered options in Kåge and Bureå but ultimately selected this one. It's the closest to my workplace, says Derrick Suh, a Northvolt employee for eight months.
Derrick previously resided in temporary housing and found it to be a suitable starting point.
So, how was he able to secure an apartment after 'only' eight months of waiting? Well, he had a head start. Before moving to Skellefteå, he lived in Stockholm and had already accumulated HomeQ points. This proved advantageous when he relocated to a new city.
Derrick has been living on Myrängsvägen for a few days and describes it as peaceful and pleasant. While the view primarily overlooks the forest, he enjoys nature and is content with the scenery.
– I feel incredibly fortunate to have an apartment; I know many people dream of this, he says.
After eight months in temporary housing, Derrick Suh now has plenty of space and room for his own furniture.
Mustohid Ahmed and Tazika Samiha Zaman also express their gratitude.
They previously lived in Malmö and brought with them 900 accumulated HomeQ points, equivalent to 2.5 years.
– We are so thankful for these points. I've heard so many coworkers express their frustration at having just started saving points now that they've joined Northvolt, says Mustohid.
– They are upset about having to live in temporary housing, especially those with families, adds Tazika.
Both Mustohid and Tazika work at the battery factory and moved to Skellefteå six months ago. Thanks to having children, they received assistance in securing an apartment in Kåge.
– But that one was so small, and now we're delighted to have a more suitable space. We also have easier commutes to work. Our son has started school, and we plan to settle here for a long time, they say.
Lawns and playground are already complete, now that the first phase of three has opened for move-in.
Sveabostäder is set to release two more phases in the Jullen block, and as Norran has previously reported, there is still an opportunity to sign up.
After that, the window for new rental apartments will close. Due to the construction crisis, no new projects are on the horizon. The next new buildings won't be ready until next autumn.
Note: The interviews were conducted before Northvolt 's current financial problems became known.
Before and after. The transformation at Myrängsvägen is significant between fall 2021 and fall 2024.
Work continues here. Phase two is expected to be ready for move-in around November/December, with the final phase set for May 2025.
The new buildings have been constructed by NCC using traditional casting methods.