Where do expats buy property in Finland?

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

Who is the author of this content?

INVESTROPA

A team specialized in real estate investing in European countries

We are a team of financial experts, legal professionals, developers, and local real estate specialists dedicated to helping people like you avoid mistakes when investing in real estate in a foreign place, particularly in Finland. If you'd like to learn more about us, you can check our presentation page.

How this content was created 🔎📝

At INVESTROPA, we explore the Finnish real estate market every day. Our team doesn't just analyze data from a distance—we're actively engaging with local realtors, investors, and property managers in cities like Helsinki, Tampere, and Turku. This hands-on approach allows us to gain a deep understanding of the market from the inside out.

These observations are originally based on what we've learned through these conversations and our observations. But it was not enough. To back them up, we also needed to rely on trusted resources

We prioritize accuracy and authority. Trends lacking solid data or expert validation were excluded.

Trustworthiness is central to our work. Every source and citation is clearly listed, ensuring transparency. A writing AI-powered tool was used solely to refine readability and engagement.

To make the information accessible, our team designed custom infographics that clarify key points. We hope you will like them! All illustrations and media were created in-house and added manually.

Where do most expats usually choose to buy property in Finland?

Most expats in Finland concentrate their property purchases in the major urban centers, particularly Helsinki, Espoo, Tampere, Turku, and Oulu.

Helsinki remains the top choice for international buyers due to its status as the capital and economic hub, offering the most job opportunities for foreign professionals. The city attracts over 40% of expat property purchases in Finland as of September 2025.

Espoo, technically part of the Greater Helsinki area, ranks as the second most popular destination because it combines suburban living with easy access to Helsinki's business district. Many tech professionals working for companies like Nokia choose Espoo for its modern infrastructure and family-friendly environment.

Tampere attracts expats seeking a more affordable alternative to Helsinki while still enjoying city amenities and strong employment prospects in technology and manufacturing sectors.

It's something we develop in our Finland property pack.

What are the most popular cities or regions for foreign buyers?

The Finnish property market for expats centers around five key urban areas that consistently attract international investment.

Helsinki dominates with approximately 35-40% of all expat property transactions, driven by its role as Finland's financial and cultural center. The city offers the highest concentration of international companies and English-speaking work environments.

Tampere captures about 15-20% of expat purchases, particularly among those working in the technology sector or seeking more affordable urban living compared to Helsinki. The city's universities also attract academic professionals from abroad.

Turku appeals to expats interested in Finland's historical heritage while maintaining access to modern amenities, representing roughly 10-12% of international buyer activity.

Oulu, despite its northern location, attracts about 8-10% of expat buyers, primarily technology professionals drawn to the city's growing tech ecosystem and lower property prices.

Are expats more interested in apartments, houses, or holiday cottages?

Apartments clearly dominate expat property purchases in Finland, accounting for over 60% of all international buyer transactions as of September 2025.

City center apartments remain the preferred choice because they offer better liquidity when it's time to sell, easier maintenance compared to houses, and proximity to work, schools, and urban amenities. Most expat professionals choose apartments in housing companies (asunto-osakeyhtiö) for their convenience.

Detached houses and terraced houses appeal to expat families, particularly those settling in suburban areas around Helsinki, Espoo, or other major cities. These properties typically offer more space and gardens, making them attractive for families with children.

Holiday cottages (mökki) represent a growing segment among established expats who want to experience Finland's nature culture. These properties in archipelago areas or near lakes serve as weekend retreats and potential retirement homes.

Rural properties attract lifestyle-oriented expats seeking privacy and connection with nature, though these purchases remain a small percentage of overall expat activity due to isolation and limited resale potential.

How does the property market differ between Helsinki, other big cities, and rural areas?

Market Segment	Price Range (€/m²)	Market Liquidity	Typical Buyer Profile	Investment Potential
Helsinki Center	€4,000-€8,000+	Very High	International professionals	Strong capital appreciation
Helsinki Suburbs	€3,000-€5,000	High	Expat families	Moderate growth
Tampere/Turku	€3,000-€6,000	Moderate to High	Cost-conscious expats	Steady appreciation
Oulu	€2,000-€3,500	Moderate	Tech workers	Location-dependent
Small Towns	€1,500-€2,500	Low	Lifestyle buyers	Limited growth
Rural Areas	Under €2,000	Very Low	Holiday home seekers	Minimal appreciation

What are the average property prices in these popular expat areas?

Property prices across Finland's expat-friendly areas vary significantly based on location, property type, and proximity to city centers.

Helsinki commands the highest prices, with city center apartments ranging from €4,000 to €8,000 per square meter as of September 2025. Premium neighborhoods like Töölö and Ullanlinna can exceed €8,000/m² for luxury properties, while areas like Kallio offer more affordable options around €4,000-€5,000/m².

Espoo, despite being part of the capital region, offers slightly more affordable options with prices typically ranging from €3,500 to €6,500/m² depending on the specific area and proximity to metro connections.

Secondary cities like Tampere and Turku provide more affordable alternatives, with centrally located apartments priced between €3,000 and €6,000/m². These cities offer better value for money while maintaining good urban amenities.

Oulu represents the most affordable major city option for expats, with city center properties typically priced between €2,000 and €3,500/m², making it attractive for budget-conscious international buyers.

Are there specific neighborhoods that attract more international buyers?

Several neighborhoods across Finland's major cities have established themselves as expat favorites due to their international character, amenities, and accessibility.

In Helsinki, Töölö stands out as the most popular expat neighborhood, offering proximity to the city center, excellent public transport, and a mix of historic charm with modern amenities. Lauttasaari attracts families due to its island location, good schools, and peaceful residential atmosphere while maintaining easy access to central Helsinki.

Ullanlinna appeals to expats seeking luxury living in Helsinki's diplomatic district, with many embassies and upscale restaurants nearby. Kallio attracts younger international professionals with its vibrant nightlife and more affordable housing options.

In Espoo, Tapiola remains the premier choice for expat families, known for its garden city design, international schools, and strong sense of community. Matinkylä offers modern apartments with excellent metro connections to Helsinki.

Tampere's Keskusta (city center) attracts expats who want urban living with easy access to work and entertainment, while Kaleva and Pyynikki offer more residential options with good amenities.

It's something we develop in our Finland property pack.

What legal requirements do foreigners need to meet to buy property in Finland?

Foreign property buyers in Finland face different requirements depending on their citizenship status and the type of property they want to purchase.

EU and EEA citizens can purchase property in Finland without any special permits or restrictions, enjoying the same rights as Finnish citizens in the property market.

Non-EU/EEA citizens must obtain permission from the Finnish Ministry of Defence before purchasing real estate that includes land (houses with land, land plots, or agricultural property). However, apartments in housing companies typically don't require this permit since buyers purchase shares in the company rather than actual land.

The Ministry of Defence permit process usually takes 2-6 weeks and is generally approved for legitimate property purchases. Permits may be denied for properties in sensitive locations near military installations or borders, but this affects very few residential properties.

All buyers, regardless of nationality, must complete the purchase through a notarized deed and register the ownership with the Finnish Land Registry. No residency requirement exists for property ownership in Finland.

Are there any restrictions on the type of property expats can purchase?

Finland imposes minimal restrictions on property types that foreigners can purchase, with most limitations based on location rather than property category.

Apartments in housing companies are freely available to all foreign buyers without permits, making them the most accessible property type for international investors. These include studio apartments, multi-room apartments, and penthouses in residential buildings.

Detached houses, terraced houses, and other properties that include land ownership require Ministry of Defence permits for non-EU/EEA citizens, but permits are routinely granted for residential purposes.

Holiday cottages and recreational properties are generally available to foreigners, though those in sensitive border areas may face restrictions. Most mökki (cottage) areas popular with expats have no limitations.

Agricultural land and forest properties may face additional scrutiny during the permit process, particularly large holdings, but small plots for residential use are typically approved.

Commercial real estate purchases are subject to the same permit requirements as residential properties for non-EU citizens.

What are the typical steps for an expat to go through when buying property in Finland?

The Finnish property purchase process follows a standardized sequence that typically takes 4-8 weeks from offer to completion.

1. **Property search and viewing**: Expats typically work with Finnish real estate agents or browse online platforms like Etuovi.com to identify suitable properties and arrange viewings. 2. **Making an offer**: Buyers submit written offers through real estate agents, often including conditions such as financing approval or satisfactory property inspections. 3. **Preliminary agreement**: Once the offer is accepted, both parties sign a preliminary purchase agreement and the buyer pays a deposit (typically 5-10% of the purchase price). 4. **Permit application** (if required): Non-EU/EEA citizens apply for Ministry of Defence permission, providing documentation about their identity, financial capacity, and intended use of the property. 5. **Property inspection and financing**: Buyers arrange technical inspections and finalize mortgage arrangements with Finnish banks during the waiting period. 6. **Final deed signing**: Both parties meet with a notary to sign the official deed of sale, with the buyer paying the remaining purchase price and transfer taxes. 7. **Registration**: The new ownership is registered with the Finnish Land Registry, completing the legal transfer process.

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.

How does financing work for foreigners—can expats get a mortgage in Finland?

Finnish banks offer mortgages to foreign buyers, but terms and requirements vary significantly based on residency status and employment situation.

Expats who are Finnish residents with local employment can typically access mortgage rates similar to Finnish citizens, currently ranging from 2.5% to 4.5% for fixed-rate loans as of September 2025. These buyers can often finance up to 70-80% of the property value.

Non-resident foreigners face stricter requirements, including larger down payments (typically 30-40% of the purchase price), higher interest rates, and more extensive documentation of income and assets. Banks prefer borrowers with stable, verifiable income from reputable international employers.

Major Finnish banks including Nordea, OP Financial Group, and Danske Bank actively serve expat customers, with some offering services in English and specialized international client advisors.

Self-employed expats or those with complex income structures may find the mortgage process more challenging and should expect longer approval times and potentially higher rates.

Pre-approval for financing is recommended before serious property hunting, as it clarifies budget limits and demonstrates serious intent to sellers.

What extra costs and taxes should expats expect when purchasing property?

Property purchases in Finland involve several additional costs beyond the purchase price that expats should budget for in their investment calculations.

Transfer tax represents the largest additional cost, charged at 2% of the purchase price for apartments in housing companies and 4% for houses and land. This tax is paid by the buyer and cannot be avoided or negotiated.

Real estate agent fees typically range from 1% to 3% of the purchase price plus VAT, though in Finland, the seller usually pays these fees rather than the buyer.

Legal and notary fees are relatively modest, usually under €500 for standard residential transactions, covering the notarized deed preparation and registration costs.

Property inspections, while not mandatory, cost approximately €300-€800 depending on property size and complexity, but are strongly recommended for houses and older apartments.

Ongoing costs include annual property tax ranging from 0.41% to 6% of the assessed property value, depending on municipality and property type. Apartments in housing companies also incur monthly maintenance charges covering building upkeep, utilities, and common area maintenance.

How do lifestyle factors like nature, work opportunities, and culture influence where expats buy in Finland?

Lifestyle considerations significantly shape expat property choices in Finland, with different priorities leading to distinct geographic preferences.

Career-focused expats typically choose Helsinki and its suburbs for the highest concentration of international companies, multinational corporations, and English-speaking work environments. The capital region offers the most diverse job market and highest salaries, making it attractive despite higher property costs.

Nature-loving expats often prefer locations that balance urban amenities with easy access to Finland's forests, lakes, and archipelago. Properties in Espoo, eastern Helsinki neighborhoods, or smaller cities like Turku and Tampere provide this combination.

Family-oriented expats prioritize areas with good international schools, family services, and safe neighborhoods. Espoo's Tapiola, certain Helsinki suburbs, and family-friendly areas in Tampere consistently attract expat families for these reasons.

Culture enthusiasts gravitate toward Helsinki for its museums, theaters, and international events, or historical cities like Turku for their cultural heritage and slower pace of life.

Winter climate tolerance significantly influences location choices, with some expats preferring southern Finland (Helsinki, Turku) for milder weather, while others embrace northern locations like Oulu for authentic winter experiences and lower costs.

It's something we develop in our Finland property pack.

Conclusion

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.

Sources

1. INVESTROPA - Finland Property Areas
2. eSales International - Buying Property in Finland
3. Immigrant Invest - Finland Real Estate Guide
4. International Investment - Popular Areas Finland 2025
5. Expat Focus - Buying Property Finland
6. Global Property Guide - Finland Price History
7. InfoFinland - Housing in Finland
8. Expat Finland - Buying Property Guide