Devolv launches new mapping tool for homes

The newly formed Luleå company Devolv launches its digital map tool this spring and wants to expand its platform, first nationally, and then internationally. A tool that can facilitate the green transition in northern Sweden.

Devolv is run by Jonas Bergbom and Axel Kangas, who until recently were students at LTU. They have developed a map tool that is available on a digital platform. There you can search for plots that are for sale and plan a suitable house that you want to build.

The company's business concept is to simplify things for people who want to build a home. Finding a suitable location and planning your new house should be done by people who are not experts in the field, and it should be faster than today.

“We are gathering as much data as possible on one platform. The target audience is people who don't know houses. We want to create a process based on the user's perspective, not the builder's perspective. By making the process more efficient, we want to create value for families who want housing," says Jonas Bergbom, one of the founders of Devolv.

The background to the business idea is the fact that 70 percent of Swedes surveyed say they want to live in single-family homes, but only 20 percent of newly built homes are single-family homes. A fact that was recently highlighted in DN Debatt, where a representative of the Swedish Association of Estate Agents wrote that if the green transition of the industry in northern Sweden is to succeed, more single-family homes must be built, because it is single-family homes that many people moving up want, not apartments.

This is where Devolv wants to play a role. The company has started a collaboration with Sweden's largest house manufacturer, Älvsbyhus in Norrbotten. All Älvsbyhus house models are available in 3D on Devolv's website for those who want to test the location of the houses in the map tool. A pilot project is currently underway together with Älvsbyhus in Skellefteå, where there is great pressure on the housing market in connection with the establishment of Northvolt's battery factory. They are also in contact with Northvolt. Estate agents are also offered the opportunity to list their plots for sale on the site.

"We want a fantastic tool that people start talking about. You should be able to load everything into our map. Maybe even crazy features like testing fantastic models like the Royal Palace or the Eiffel Tower on your plot," says Jonas Bergbom with a smile.

The business model is that it is free to show plots and houses on the site, and it is free for visitors who are looking for housing. Devolv charges house builders a fee when someone goes from Devolv's platform to the house builder's site.

"If you want to manage the pressure that is now arising, you must ensure that it is easy for private individuals and administrators to plan for new homes. Especially when Lantmäteriet's processes are taking longer and longer," says Jonas Bergbom.

He divides the pressure on the housing market into two phases. First, the direct pressure, where there is an acute need for temporary housing for visiting contractors, a need that is solved with temporary houses and barracks. In the next phase, there is pressure on ordinary houses and villas for people moving to their new jobs. Skellefteå is in phase two now. Luleå and Boden are entering phase one.

To be able to scale up operations, Devolv is now looking for capital. Talks are ongoing with investors. The ambition is to build a team of 6-7 people to expand, first nationally and then internationally.

Within two years, according to EU rules, standardized property data will be available and free to the public. Today, only Sweden and France have not already introduced this option. When it is introduced everywhere, the conditions for Devolv's business concept will be further improved.

“The goal is to expand internationally. We are optimistic. We see the Nordic region as the next step within 1-1.5 years. Many of the players in the housing market, such as Älvsbyhus, are located throughout the Nordic region," says Jonas Bergbom.