> see e.g Sweden). Those economies still seem competitive.

That's what you get when you have a high qualified and restricted (in numbers) workforce. But let's see if it keeps being that way or it goes the way of France and Italy

(So how's that idealistic view working out in their real estate market again?)

Again, it's a job, not a marriage. Some stability and regulation is welcome, sure, but jobs for life don't exist anymore.