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Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Finland Property Pack
Finland's property market offers relatively stable pricing compared to many European nations, with apartments averaging €2,000 to €4,000 per square meter nationwide.
Helsinki dominates the higher end at €3,500-5,000/m², while secondary cities like Tampere and Turku offer more affordable options between €2,100-3,800/m² and €2,600-2,850/m² respectively. Rural areas present the most budget-friendly opportunities, often ranging from €1,500-2,800/m².
If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Finland, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.
Finland's residential property market shows clear regional price variations, with Helsinki leading at €3,500-5,000/m² and rural areas offering opportunities below €2,000/m².
After moderate growth over the past decade and recent price adjustments in 2023-2024, experts predict steady 1.5-2.5% annual growth through 2026.
| Location | Price Range (€/m²) | Rental Rate (€/m²/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Helsinki Center | €9,000-10,000 | €21-23 |
| Helsinki Average | €3,500-5,000 | €21-23 |
| Tampere | €2,100-3,800 | €15-17 |
| Turku | €2,600-2,850 | €15-17 |
| Rural Areas | €1,500-2,800 | €13-15 |
| New Construction | €4,000-6,500 (Helsinki) | N/A |
| Waterfront Properties | €4,000-8,000 | N/A |
How much does the average apartment cost per square meter in Finland right now?
As of September 2025, the average apartment in Finland costs between €2,000 and €4,000 per square meter.
Helsinki leads the market with prices ranging from €3,500 to €5,000 per square meter, with premium city center locations reaching €9,000 to €10,000 per square meter.
Secondary cities offer more affordable options: Tampere averages €2,100 to €3,800 per square meter, while Turku ranges from €2,600 to €2,850 per square meter. Rural towns and smaller municipalities present the most budget-friendly opportunities, with prices often falling between €1,500 and €2,800 per square meter.
These price variations reflect Finland's concentrated urban development, where the capital region commands premium pricing due to higher demand and limited supply.
It's something we develop in our Finland property pack.
How do prices differ between major cities and smaller towns?
The price gap between Finland's major cities and smaller towns can exceed 100%, with Helsinki consistently commanding the highest premiums.
Helsinki's city center properties can cost €9,000 to €10,000 per square meter, while the overall Helsinki metropolitan area averages €3,500 to €5,000 per square meter. This represents a significant premium over other major Finnish cities.
Tampere, Finland's second-largest city, offers more moderate pricing at €2,100 to €3,800 per square meter, making it roughly 30-40% less expensive than Helsinki. Turku, the former capital, maintains prices between €2,600 and €2,850 per square meter.
Smaller towns and rural areas present dramatically lower costs, often under €2,000 per square meter and sometimes dropping below €1,800 per square meter in the most remote locations. This price differential reflects employment opportunities, infrastructure quality, and population density variations across Finland.
What's the trend in property prices over the past five to ten years?
Finland's residential property market has shown relative stability over the past decade compared to many European neighbors, with nominal growth but periods of real price stagnation.
Property prices peaked in 2021, followed by slight declines in 2023-2024, particularly affecting older apartments in major cities. Helsinki experienced a 2.8% price drop, while Tampere saw a 5% decrease during this adjustment period.
Despite these recent corrections, Finland's property market has avoided the dramatic boom-bust cycles seen in other Nordic countries. Real inflation-adjusted prices have remained relatively flat or shown modest declines in some years, indicating a mature market without speculative bubbles.
Market experts predict stabilization and modest growth of 1.5% to 2.5% annually through 2026, driven by declining interest rates and demographic trends favoring urban centers. This projected growth represents a return to historical norms rather than speculative appreciation.
How much more expensive is new construction compared to older buildings?
New construction commands significant premiums over older properties, typically costing 50-80% more per square meter across Finland.
In Helsinki, new builds average €4,000 to €6,500 per square meter, compared to €2,000 to €3,000 per square meter for older properties. Secondary cities like Tampere and Turku show similar patterns, with new construction ranging from €3,000 to €4,000 per square meter.
This premium reflects modern energy efficiency standards, updated building codes, and high construction costs in Finland. New properties typically offer better insulation, modern heating systems, and contemporary layouts that appeal to buyers seeking long-term value.
High construction labor costs and strict building regulations in Finland contribute to these price differentials. However, newer properties often provide lower maintenance costs and energy bills, partially offsetting the higher purchase price over time.
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What are the typical costs of renting versus buying in Finland?
Renting in Finland varies significantly by location, with Helsinki commanding the highest rates at €21 to €23 per square meter per month.
A typical 50 square meter apartment in Helsinki costs €1,000 to €1,200 monthly to rent, while similar properties in Tampere and Turku rent for €15 to €17 per square meter monthly, totaling €750 to €850 for the same size apartment.
Outside major cities, rental rates drop to €13 to €15 per square meter monthly, making smaller towns significantly more affordable for renters. Rural areas often offer even lower rates, though availability may be limited.
Buying costs are notably higher in Helsinki but offer stability and potential long-term value appreciation. The rent-to-price ratios suggest that buying becomes more attractive for long-term residents, particularly in stable markets like Finland where property values don't fluctuate dramatically.
Transaction costs for buyers include approximately 7-12% of the purchase price in taxes, fees, and commissions, which should factor into buy-versus-rent calculations.
How do property taxes and maintenance fees add to the real cost of owning a home?
Finland's property ownership comes with ongoing costs that significantly impact the total expense of homeownership beyond the purchase price.
| Cost Type | Rate/Amount | Annual Cost (70m² apartment) |
|---|---|---|
| Property Tax | 0.41-2.0% (typically 0.5%) | €875-1,750 |
| Maintenance Fees (yhtiövastike) | €3-5/m²/month | €2,520-4,200 |
| Transaction Costs (purchase) | 7-12% of price | €17,500-30,000 (one-time) |
| Higher Holiday Home Tax | Up to 2.0% | €3,500 (if applicable) |
| Vacant Land Tax | Higher rate | Varies by municipality |
How do mortgage interest rates affect affordability for buyers in Finland today?
As of September 2025, Finnish mortgage interest rates range from 2.8% to 4.3%, representing a significant increase from the near-zero rates available before 2022.
These elevated rates have cooled buyer demand and reduced affordability, particularly for first-time buyers and those purchasing in expensive markets like Helsinki. Monthly payments on a €300,000 mortgage now cost approximately €200-400 more per month compared to 2021 rates.
Banks have tightened lending criteria, requiring stronger income documentation and higher down payments. Most lenders now require 10-20% down payments, with some premium properties demanding even higher initial investments.
However, experts predict gradual rate declines through 2026, which should improve affordability conditions. This expected rate environment supports the projected 1.5-2.5% annual price growth as financing becomes more accessible to buyers.
What's the difference in cost between urban properties and rural ones?
Urban properties in Finland typically cost 1.5 to 2 times more than rural properties, with Helsinki showing the most pronounced premium.
Helsinki's urban core commands €3,500 to €10,000 per square meter, while rural locations often price below €2,000 per square meter. Secondary cities like Tampere and Turku fall between these extremes, offering urban amenities at moderate pricing.
Rural properties benefit from lower land costs, reduced development restrictions, and less competition among buyers. However, they may require additional investment in infrastructure, transportation, and utilities that urban properties include in their pricing.
The urban-rural price gap reflects employment concentration, infrastructure quality, and lifestyle preferences. Urban properties offer convenience, job opportunities, and cultural amenities, while rural properties provide space, privacy, and connection to Finland's natural environment.
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 much do waterfront properties or holiday homes usually cost compared to regular housing?
Waterfront properties and holiday homes in Finland command substantial premiums, often costing €4,000 to €8,000 per square meter for lakefront properties near Helsinki or in the archipelago.
Prime lakefront locations within reasonable commuting distance of Helsinki can exceed €8,000 per square meter, while similar properties in less accessible areas may cost €4,000 to €6,000 per square meter. These premiums reflect Finland's strong cultural connection to summer cottage life and limited waterfront availability.
Holiday homes in popular regions like Lapland or the Finnish Lakeland show significant seasonal demand, particularly from both domestic and international buyers seeking authentic Finnish experiences. Remote waterfront properties may offer more moderate pricing but require consideration of access, utilities, and maintenance challenges.
It's something we develop in our Finland property pack.
What role do foreign buyers play in driving property prices in Finland?
Foreign buyers comprise less than 5% of property sales in Finland during most years, limiting their overall impact on national price trends.
International demand concentrates in specific segments: central Helsinki luxury properties, Lapland holiday homes, and some university cities with international student populations. These niche markets may experience foreign buyer premiums, but they don't significantly influence broader market pricing.
Unlike neighboring countries experiencing substantial foreign investment pressure, Finland's property market remains primarily driven by domestic demand and local economic conditions. Regulatory requirements and language barriers may limit foreign buyer participation compared to more accessible European markets.
While foreign buyers support prices in select luxury and holiday segments, there's limited evidence they drive general market values or create affordability issues for domestic buyers in most Finnish locations.
How does the cost of property in Finland compare with neighboring countries like Sweden or Estonia?
| Country | Capital Average Price (€/m²) | Major Secondary City | Rural Average Price (€/m²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finland | Helsinki: €5,000+ | Turku: €2,850 | €1,500-2,800 |
| Sweden | Stockholm: €8,000-11,000 | Malmö: €2,860 | €2,000-4,000 |
| Estonia | Tallinn: €3,500-4,000 | Tartu: €2,300-2,600 | €1,000-1,800 |
What predictions do experts make about the future of Finland's housing market?
Finnish real estate experts predict moderate growth of 1.5% to 2.5% annually through 2026, representing a return to stable market conditions after recent price adjustments.
Declining interest rates expected through 2026 should improve buyer affordability and support steady price appreciation. Demographic trends favoring urban centers, particularly Helsinki and Tampere, will likely maintain demand in these markets while rural areas may see continued price stability or modest declines.
Constrained supply in urban centers, combined with Finland's steady economic fundamentals, supports the moderate growth outlook. New construction costs and strict building regulations will likely maintain the premium for new properties while supporting overall market stability.
The market recovery appears sustainable rather than speculative, with experts emphasizing Finland's avoidance of the dramatic boom-bust cycles seen in neighboring countries. This stability makes Finland an attractive option for long-term property investment and relocation planning.
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.
Finland's property market offers stability and moderate price growth potential, making it attractive for both investment and relocation purposes.
Regional price variations provide opportunities across different budget ranges, from Helsinki's premium market to affordable rural properties.