1. Background
On December 9, 2024, the Municipal Council adopted case 216/24 – the Financial Plan for 2025–2028 and the Annual Budget for 2025. Through a verbal proposal, the administration was instructed to investigate and present a pilot project titled “Discover Kokelv” for political consideration by the end of the second tertial of 2025. The Housing and Property Department has developed a proposed set of guidelines for the scheme. The proposal has been circulated internally within the municipal organization, the housing allocation committee, the Norwegian State Housing Bank (Husbanken), NAV, and the Kokelv village association. Conversations have also been held with other municipalities that have implemented similar schemes to gather experience.
2. Purpose
The Try Living scheme aims to lower the threshold for young families to test life in Kokelv, Hammerfest Municipality. The goal is to encourage increased settlement, strengthen the local community, and make use of existing resources and infrastructure. Kokelv has been deemed suitable for such a pilot due to available kindergarten capacity and the availability of appropriate housing for the target group.
3. Target Group and Conditions
The scheme applies to:
- Families with children under 18 years or expecting a child
- Individuals who do not already own or rent housing in Hammerfest Municipality
- Residents must officially move and register their address at the assigned property for the entire rental period
- The scheme may be granted for a maximum of 3 years
4. Administration Responsibility
The scheme is managed by the Property Department of Hammerfest Municipality.
5. Offer Details
Housing:
- Municipal housing is offered free of charge for the first year
- 50% of standard rent in the second year
- Full rent according to municipal guidelines in the third year
- Two municipal homes are reserved for the scheme. If more applications are received, other available municipal homes may be used as long as they are vacant
Employment:
- The municipality provides information on job vacancies, support for starting a business, or facilitation of remote work where possible
Kindergarten and School:
- Families with children are guaranteed access to kindergarten and school places
Community:
- Each family is assigned a local mentor (“fadder”) and invited to social and cultural events to get to know the community
- Kokelv village association is responsible for the mentor program and follow-up
Purchase Option:
- Families who complete the 3-year residency will be offered the opportunity to purchase the home at market value
6. Project Marketing
The scheme is promoted through media advertisements, the municipality’s website, and its Facebook page.
7. Application Process
- Interested parties submit an application including motivation, background, and desired trial period
- Applications are reviewed continuously
- Priority is given to applicants with concrete plans for employment or business activity in the municipality
- Applications are submitted via the municipality’s housing application portal
- The housing allocation committee is responsible for processing applications
8. Evaluation and Duration
The project is intended to run for 4 years from the date of adoption. An evaluation report will be presented to the Municipal Council as the trial period nears completion.