The real estate industry is characterized by both challenges and opportunities. It is a sector where outsourcing has become a common business strategy aimed at increasing efficiency and reducing costs. However, this approach also involves several risks that may impact the quality of operations, internal expertise, and the company’s brand image.

The purpose of this study is to explore how aware real estate companies are of the risks associated with outsourcing, and to examine and analyse the strategies they use to minimize these risks. The theoretical framework includes several perspectives that explain why and how companies choose to outsource.

The study is based on six qualitative interviews with individuals in senior positions within Swedish real estate companies who have direct experience with outsourcing. The interviews were recorded, reviewed, and formed the basis for the study’s results.

The findings suggest a clear awareness of the risks linked to outsourcing, including loss of control, reduced internal competence, and dependency on suppliers. Interestingly, economic risks are rarely mentioned, which may indicate that companies place greater emphasis on quality, relationships, and maintaining organizational flexibility. The analysis shows that risk management strategies are typically a combination of contracts, trust, and organizational structure rather than a sole focus on cost reduction.

By incorporating multiple theoretical perspectives, this study provides a nuanced understanding of how real estate companies implement outsourcing strategies in practice.