Buying a Home in Finland: Apartments, Houses and What It Costs

Most Finns live in apartments, and apartments for sale in Finland make up 60% of our listings. These are usually sold as shares in a housing company (asunto-osakeyhtiö), not as a deed to a unit. The share entitles you to occupy a specific flat, and the company owns the building and land. Check the company's financial statements, planned renovations (such as pipe renewals, which can cost tens of thousands of euros) and any shared company loans.

Houses are owned directly with a deed, or sometimes as a share of a terraced housing company. Summer cottages (mökki) appear in lake areas, and often have no year-round access or insulation, so confirm the details. Finland has few villas or townhouses in our data. For the lowest prices, see the cheap property page and the under 100k page.

EU and EEA citizens can buy property without restrictions. Non-EU citizens generally can too, though in some cases a permit from the Ministry of Defence is required, and there are special rules in the Åland Islands. Restrictions on buyers from certain countries, including Russia, were introduced in recent years, so check nationality-based rules with a lawyer before offering. Buying does not give residency.

1. Search and view. Agents hold open viewings, and sellers publish a condition report where a survey has been done.
2. Commission a condition inspection (kuntotarkastus) on older houses and flats.
3. Make an offer. Offers are written, and the seller can accept, counter or collect competing bids.
4. Sign the offer and then the purchase agreement. Finnish contracts for real estate must be signed in front of an authorised broker or a notary (public purchase witness), and a deposit of about 10% is typical.
5. Pay the transfer tax, usually within two months of signing.
6. Complete the sale. The keys are handed over and the ownership registered. Flat shares are recorded in the housing company's share register, and houses go to the land registry.

Our Finland consultation guide lists the professionals you will need.

All figures are approx. and should be verified locally.

Finnish banks are used to lending against housing company shares. They usually require 15% down for a main home (5% for first-time buyers with a state guarantee) and cap loans at 85% to 90% of the price. Variable rates linked to Euribor are most common. Non-residents without Finnish income are likely to face stricter terms, so many foreign buyers use cash or equity. Use the mortgage calculator and see our Finland financing guide.

EU citizens can move freely, and non-EU citizens need a residence permit for work, study or family. Property alone does not qualify you. Climate, language and the dark winters are major factors. For economic context see the Finland market analysis.

Pros

• Low city prices compared with Sweden, Norway or Denmark.
• Stable, transparent legal system and strong public services.
• Simple, low transfer taxes.
• Nature, lakes and clean air.

Cons

• Housing company shares can carry hidden renovation costs.
• Possible nationality-based restrictions for some buyers.
• Slow price growth in some regions.
• Long, dark winters.