Buy a Flat or House in Espoo, Greater Helsinki

Tapiola is the garden city with a modernist centre and sea views. Otaniemi is the university and technology campus, Leppävaara is a busy hub with a big shopping centre and rail links, and Matinkylä and Espoonlahti are linked to the metro that now runs west from Helsinki. Nuuksio National Park lies on the northern edge. The metro, commuter rail and ring roads make commuting to Helsinki simple, and Helsinki-Vantaa airport is close.

See also Helsinki, Vantaa and Turku.

EU and EEA citizens buy freely. Non-EU buyers generally can too, though some real-estate transactions need approval, and the process can vary, so confirm with a lawyer. Transfer tax is lower on housing company shares than on directly owned real estate. Check the housing company's financial statements, renovation plans (including pipe renovation) and the monthly maintenance charge before bidding. See the Finland page, financing and consultation.

Before bidding, request the housing company's latest financial statements, the maintenance plan and any planned renovations such as pipe, façade or balcony works, which can run into thousands of euros per flat. Check whether the company has loans and how large your share is, since the 'debt-free price' includes it. Unlike buying a house with direct title, you also buy into the company's rules, so read the articles of association and any restrictions on subletting.