Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Finland Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Finland Property Pack
Finland lets foreigners own and rent out residential property, but non-EU buyers often need a permit from the Ministry of Defence before purchasing real estate like houses or land.
Rental yields in Finland hover around 5.5% gross, but after housing-company maintenance charges and taxes, net yields typically land between 2.8% and 4% in early 2026.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest regulations, market data, and rental conditions in Finland.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Finland.
Insights
- Most city apartments in Finland are bought as housing-company shares (not land titles), which means you pay only 1.5% transfer tax instead of 3% on real estate.
- Helsinki metro vacancy runs around 8.5% according to KTI data, so Finnish landlords should budget about 1 to 1.5 months vacant per year even in the capital.
- Average housing-company maintenance charges in Finland reached 5.12 euros per square meter per month in 2024, making this the single biggest predictable cost for apartment investors.
- Finland's rental income tax rate is 30% on the first 30,000 euros and 34% above that, but you can deduct maintenance fees, repairs, and management costs.
- Short-term rental occupancy in Helsinki averages around 59% with nightly rates near 100 euros, but housing-company rules often limit Airbnb-style operations more than city regulations do.
- The Aland Islands have a special "right of domicile" rule that restricts property ownership even for EU citizens, which surprises many foreign buyers.
- Neighborhoods like Kallio, Vallila, and Arabianranta in Helsinki often deliver better yields than premium waterfront areas because purchase prices rise faster than rents in prestige locations.
- Finnish law caps security deposits at three months' rent, and any lease clause requiring more is automatically void.
Can I legally rent out a property in Finland as a foreigner right now?
Can a foreigner own-and-rent a residential property in Finland in 2026?
As of early 2026, Finland allows foreigners to own and rent out residential property, though non-EU and non-EEA buyers generally need prior authorization from the Finnish Ministry of Defence before purchasing "real estate" like detached houses, plots, or shoreline properties.
The most common ownership structure for foreign investors in Finland is buying shares in a housing company, which is how most city apartments are held and which avoids the land-title permit requirement while also carrying a lower 1.5% transfer tax instead of 3%.
The single biggest restriction foreigners face in Finland is the Ministry of Defence permit requirement for non-EU/EEA buyers purchasing actual real estate, plus the unique "right of domicile" rules in the Aland Islands that restrict ownership even for other Europeans.
If you're not a local, you might want to read our guide to foreign property ownership in Finland.
Do I need residency to rent out in Finland right now?
No, you do not need Finnish residency to rent out property in Finland, and the country taxes your rental income regardless of where you live in the world.
You will need to be able to report rental income and expenses to Vero (the Finnish Tax Administration), which in practice means getting whatever tax identification or registration Vero requires for non-resident landlords.
A Finnish or SEPA bank account is not strictly required by law, but it makes rent collection much easier since Finnish leases typically assume standard bank transfer payments.
Managing a Finnish rental remotely is entirely feasible, especially if you use a local property manager who can handle tenant communications, maintenance issues, and rent collection on your behalf.
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What rental strategy makes the most money in Finland in 2026?
Is long-term renting more profitable than short-term in Finland in 2026?
As of early 2026, long-term renting in Finland is typically the steadier and lower-stress strategy, while short-term rentals can generate higher gross revenue in tourist hotspots but come with more costs, higher vacancy risk, and potential pushback from housing companies.
A well-managed long-term rental in Helsinki might generate around 10,000 to 14,000 euros per year net after costs for a typical one-bedroom, while a well-run short-term rental in the same location could gross 15,000 to 20,000 euros but nets closer to 8,000 to 12,000 euros after cleaning, platform fees, and higher vacancy.
Short-term renting tends to work best financially in central Helsinki near tourist attractions, waterfront areas, and near major event venues where visitor demand is consistent and nightly rates can exceed 100 euros.
What's the average gross rental yield in Finland in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average gross rental yield for residential properties in Finland is around 5.5%, based on Q4 2025 data from multiple market sources.
Realistic gross yields in Finland range from about 4% in premium Helsinki locations to around 7% in well-chosen properties in secondary cities like Tampere, Turku, or Oulu.
Studios and compact one-bedroom apartments typically achieve the highest gross yields in Finland because their lower purchase prices relative to achievable rents create a better rent-to-price ratio than larger family units.
By the way, we have much more granular data about rental yields in our property pack about Finland.
What's the realistic net rental yield after costs in Finland in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average net rental yield after all costs for residential properties in Finland falls between 2.8% and 4%, depending on property type, location, and management efficiency.
Most Finnish landlords realistically experience net yields ranging from about 2.5% in expensive Helsinki core areas to around 4.5% for well-bought properties in cities like Tampere or Turku with tight cost control.
The three main cost categories that reduce gross yield to net yield in Finland are housing-company maintenance charges (averaging 5.12 euros per square meter monthly), capital income tax on rental profits (30% up to 30,000 euros, 34% above), and vacancy losses that run around 1 to 1.5 months per year even in Helsinki.
You might want to check our latest analysis about gross and net rental yields in Finland.
What monthly rent can I get in Finland in 2026?
As of early 2026, typical monthly rents in Helsinki are around 800 euros (850 USD, 780 EUR) for a studio, 990 euros (1,050 USD, 990 EUR) for a one-bedroom, and 1,270 euros (1,350 USD, 1,270 EUR) for a two-bedroom apartment.
A decent entry-level studio in Finland rents for roughly 600 to 850 euros per month (640 to 900 USD), with the lower end in smaller cities and the higher end in Helsinki proper.
A typical one-bedroom apartment in Finland commands 800 to 1,100 euros monthly (850 to 1,170 USD), depending on location and condition.
A standard two-bedroom apartment in Finland rents for 1,000 to 1,400 euros per month (1,060 to 1,490 USD), with premium Helsinki neighborhoods pushing above 1,500 euros.
If you want to know more about this topic, you can read our guide about rents and rental incomes in Finland.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Finland versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
What are the real numbers I should budget for renting out in Finland in 2026?
What's the total "all-in" monthly cost to hold a rental in Finland in 2026?
As of early 2026, the total "all-in" monthly cost to hold a typical rental apartment in Finland runs between 250 and 450 euros (265 to 480 USD), covering maintenance charges, insurance, minor repairs, and property management if outsourced.
Realistic monthly holding costs in Finland range from about 180 euros for a small studio with minimal services to over 500 euros for a larger apartment in a full-service housing company with high maintenance fees.
The largest single contributor to monthly holding costs in Finland is the housing-company maintenance charge (called "vastike"), which averages 5.12 euros per square meter per month nationally and covers building upkeep, water, sometimes heating, and reserve fund contributions.
You want to go into more details? Check our list of property taxes and fees you have to pay when buying a property in Finland.
What's the typical vacancy rate in Finland in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical vacancy rate for rental properties in Finland's capital region is around 8.5%, based on institutional occupancy data showing approximately 91.4% occupancy.
Finnish landlords should budget for roughly 1 to 1.5 months of vacancy per year in Helsinki and 0.5 to 1 month in other major cities like Tampere or Turku, because even well-priced units experience turnover gaps.
The main factor causing vacancy rates to vary across Finnish neighborhoods is proximity to universities, metro stations, and major employers, with areas near Aalto University in Otaniemi or central Helsinki seeing faster tenant turnover but also quicker re-letting.
Late spring and early summer (May through July) typically see the highest tenant turnover in Finland because lease cycles often align with the academic year and job relocation season.
We have a whole part covering the best rental strategies in our pack about buying a property in Finland.
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Where do rentals perform best in Finland in 2026?
Which neighborhoods have the highest long-term demand in Finland in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three neighborhoods with the highest overall long-term rental demand in Finland are Kallio in Helsinki (young professionals and students), Kamppi in central Helsinki (walkability and transit), and Hervanta in Tampere (university students and tech workers).
Families in Finland tend to concentrate their rental demand in neighborhoods like Munkkiniemi, Lauttasaari, and Kulosaari in Helsinki, plus Matinkyla and Leppavaara in Espoo, where schools, parks, and family-sized apartments are more available.
Students drive the strongest rental demand in Kumpula and Viikki near the University of Helsinki, Otaniemi in Espoo near Aalto University, Hervanta in Tampere, and the Student Village area (Yo-kyla) near Turku's universities.
Expats and international professionals favor neighborhoods like Eira, Ullanlinna, Punavuori, and Toolo in Helsinki, where English-friendly services, central location, and quality housing stock make settling in easier.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Finland.
Which neighborhoods have the best yield in Finland in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three neighborhoods with the best rental yield in Finland are Kallio and Vallila in Helsinki (around 5.5% to 6.5% gross), Hervanta in Tampere (around 6% to 7% gross), and Kupittaa in Turku (around 5.5% to 6.5% gross).
These top-yielding Finnish neighborhoods typically deliver gross yields between 5.5% and 7%, compared to 4% to 5% in premium waterfront or historic core areas.
The main characteristic that allows these neighborhoods to achieve higher yields is that purchase prices remain moderate due to being slightly outside the most prestigious cores, while rents stay strong because of excellent transit connections and proximity to universities or employment centers.
We cover a lot of neighborhoods and provide a lot of updated data in our pack about real estate in Finland.
Where do tenants pay the highest rents in Finland in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three neighborhoods where tenants pay the highest rents in Finland are Ullanlinna, Eira, and Punavuori in central Helsinki, where a standard apartment can cost 1,400 to 2,200 euros per month (1,490 to 2,340 USD).
In these premium Helsinki neighborhoods, monthly rents for a typical two-bedroom apartment range from 1,600 to 2,500 euros (1,700 to 2,660 USD), with waterfront or historic properties pushing even higher.
The main characteristic that makes these neighborhoods command Finland's highest rents is their combination of architectural prestige, waterfront proximity, walkable access to Helsinki's cultural and commercial core, and extremely limited new supply in these historic districts.
Tenants in these high-rent neighborhoods are typically senior executives, diplomats, established professionals, and wealthy expats who prioritize location quality, building character, and proximity to embassies, high-end restaurants, and cultural institutions.
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Finland. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
What do tenants actually want in Finland in 2026?
What features increase rent the most in Finland in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three property features that increase monthly rent the most in Finland are a private sauna (rare and highly valued in Finnish culture), a balcony (essential for enjoying brief summers and storing items in winter), and excellent energy efficiency ratings (tenants care about heating costs during long, cold winters).
A private in-unit sauna can add a rent premium of around 10% to 15% in Finland, making it the single most valuable Finland-specific amenity for attracting tenants willing to pay more.
One commonly overrated feature that Finnish landlords invest in but tenants do not pay much extra for is luxury kitchen finishes, because most Finnish tenants prioritize functional layouts and energy efficiency over high-end countertops or designer appliances.
One affordable upgrade that provides strong return on investment for Finnish landlords is installing a dishwasher, which costs around 400 to 600 euros but is now expected by most tenants and removes a common objection during viewings.
Do furnished rentals rent faster in Finland in 2026?
As of early 2026, furnished apartments in Finland typically rent about one to two weeks faster than unfurnished units, especially in Helsinki, Espoo's Otaniemi tech hub, and university cities where incoming expats and students need ready-to-move-in options.
Furnished apartments in Finland command a rent premium of roughly 10% to 20% over comparable unfurnished units, though this premium is most achievable in central Helsinki and areas with high international tenant turnover.
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How regulated is long-term renting in Finland right now?
Can I freely set rent prices in Finland right now?
Finland is not a rent-controlled country for ordinary private rentals, so landlords can freely set initial rent prices at whatever level the market will bear when signing a new lease.
Rent increases during an existing tenancy in Finland must be agreed upon in the lease contract with clear grounds specified, and landlords cannot give themselves unlimited unilateral power to raise rent, though there are no fixed percentage caps like in some European countries.
What's the standard lease length in Finland right now?
The most common lease arrangement in Finland is a non-fixed-term (indefinite) lease, though fixed-term leases of one year are also popular, and if no term is specified the lease is treated as indefinite by default.
Finnish law caps security deposits at three months' rent maximum (roughly 2,400 to 3,800 euros or 2,550 to 4,040 USD for a typical Helsinki apartment), and any lease clause requiring more than this is automatically void.
At the end of a tenancy in Finland, landlords must return the security deposit promptly after deducting only documented damages or unpaid rent, and disputes over deposit deductions can be taken to the Consumer Disputes Board for resolution.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Finland compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
How does short-term renting really work in Finland in 2026?
Is Airbnb legal in Finland right now?
Airbnb-style short-term rentals are legal in Finland, but Finnish law distinguishes between occasional home-sharing and professional accommodation activity, with the latter potentially requiring different treatment under building and business regulations.
Finland does not have a nationwide permit or license requirement for short-term rentals, but if your activity is deemed "accommodation business" rather than residential renting, you may need to notify municipal authorities and ensure compliance with building-use rules, especially in Helsinki.
There are no national night limits or caps on short-term rental days in Finland, but housing companies (which govern most apartment buildings) can restrict or prohibit short-term letting through their own rules, which is often the real limiting factor.
Non-compliant short-term rental operators in Finland risk housing-company sanctions (fines or forced sale in extreme cases), municipal building-control enforcement if the use is deemed a change from residential to accommodation, and potential tax penalties if rental income goes unreported.
By the way, we also have a blog article detailing whether owning an Airbnb rental is profitable in Finland.
What's the average short-term occupancy in Finland in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average annual occupancy rate for short-term rentals in Helsinki is around 59%, based on platform data tracking thousands of active listings in the city.
Realistic occupancy rates for short-term rentals in Finland range from about 40% for poorly optimized or badly located listings to over 75% for professionally managed properties in prime central Helsinki locations.
The highest occupancy rates for Finnish short-term rentals occur during June through August (summer tourism and events), December (Christmas markets and holidays), and during major conferences or festivals in Helsinki.
The lowest occupancy rates in Finland typically fall during January through March and November, when tourism drops significantly and business travel slows during the dark winter months.
Finally, please note that you can find much more granular data about this topic in our property pack about Finland.
What's the average nightly rate in Finland in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average nightly rate for short-term rentals in Helsinki is approximately 95 to 105 euros (100 to 110 USD), based on platform data covering nearly 4,700 active vacation rental listings in the city.
Realistic nightly rates for Finnish short-term rentals range from about 60 euros (64 USD) for basic studios in outer neighborhoods to over 200 euros (213 USD) for well-designed apartments in central Helsinki or waterfront locations.
The typical nightly rate difference between peak and off-season in Finland is around 30 to 50 euros (32 to 53 USD), with summer months and holiday periods commanding the highest rates and dark winter months requiring discounts to maintain occupancy.
Is short-term rental supply saturated in Finland in 2026?
As of early 2026, the short-term rental market in Helsinki shows moderate saturation, with nearly 4,700 active listings competing for a relatively small tourism market compared to major European capitals.
The number of active short-term rental listings in Helsinki has been relatively stable, as housing-company restrictions and the residential-vs-accommodation regulatory distinction limit rapid supply growth even when investor interest is high.
The most oversaturated neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Helsinki are Kamppi, Punavuori, and Kruununhaka, where listing density is highest and competition for the same tourist traffic is most intense.
Neighborhoods with room for new short-term rental supply in Finland include areas near Helsinki Airport (Vantaa), waterfront districts in Turku with growing cruise traffic, and Tampere's emerging event and business tourism market.
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What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Finland, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| Finnish Ministry of Defence | The official government body that administers foreign buyer permits in Finland. | We used it to explain when non-EU buyers need authorization. We also used it to frame the main ownership constraint for foreign investors. |
| Finnish Tax Administration (Vero) | The national tax authority's official guidance on rental income taxation. | We used it to describe how rental income is taxed as capital income. We also used it to clarify reporting requirements and tax rates. |
| Finlex (Act on Residential Leases) | Finland's official legal database with the actual text of tenancy law. | We used it to explain rent-setting rules and deposit caps. We also used it to anchor what standard lease terms look like in Finland. |
| Global Property Guide | A long-running international dataset with transparent yield methodology. | We used it to estimate gross yields for different property types in Finnish cities. We also used it to cross-check our net yield assumptions. |
| Statistics Finland | The national statistics office providing baseline data on rent levels. | We used it to ground rent estimates in official measurement. We also used it to verify private-sector benchmarks for realism. |
| Statistics Finland (Maintenance Costs) | Official nationwide data on housing-company operating costs. | We used it to estimate the biggest predictable monthly cost for apartments. We also used it to build realistic "all-in cost" examples. |
| CBRE Finland | A top-tier global brokerage with institutional-grade yield benchmarks. | We used it to validate yield levels against professional market data. We also used it to highlight yield differences between cities. |
| Retta Management | A major Finnish property services firm citing KTI institutional statistics. | We used it to estimate vacancy and occupancy conditions. We also used it to translate market data into practical vacancy budgets. |
| AirDNA | A widely used short-term rental analytics provider with platform-based data. | We used it for occupancy and nightly rate benchmarks in Helsinki. We also used it to assess market saturation and competition levels. |
| Nordic Cooperation (Info Norden) | A public cross-Nordic service explaining Aland's special legal status. | We used it to flag Finland's biggest location-specific ownership exception. We also used it to warn about a common surprise for foreign buyers. |
| City of Helsinki | Official municipal guidance on building control and permit practices. | We used it to illustrate how local enforcement affects short-term rentals. We also used it to keep STR guidance grounded in reality. |
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Finland. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.