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 is one of the most transparent property markets in Europe, which makes it a popular destination for foreign buyers looking for a straightforward purchase process.
The main cost you will pay as a buyer in Finland is the transfer tax, and the rest of the fees are relatively small compared to many other countries.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest tax rates, fees, and regulations that apply to property purchases 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.
Overall, how much extra should I budget on top of the purchase price in Finland in 2026?
How much are total buyer closing costs in Finland in 2026?
As of early 2026, total buyer closing costs in Finland typically range from 1.5% to 4% of the purchase price (approximately €3,000 to €12,000, or $3,200 to $13,000, or €3,000 to €12,000 on a €200,000 property), depending on whether you buy an apartment or a house with land.
The minimum extra budget in Finland is around 1.5% of the price (roughly €3,000 or $3,200 on a €200,000 property) if you buy housing company shares and handle everything yourself without professional help.
The maximum realistic budget in Finland reaches 5% to 7% of the price (around €10,000 to €14,000, or $10,800 to $15,100) if you buy real estate with land, hire a lawyer, pay for inspections, and need translation services as a foreigner.
Whether your costs fall at the low or high end depends on the property type (apartment shares versus land), whether you are from outside the EU/EEA, and how much professional support you choose to hire.
What's the usual total % of fees and taxes over the purchase price in Finland?
The usual total percentage of fees and taxes in Finland is around 1.5% for apartments (housing company shares) and around 3% for houses with land (real estate), with professional services potentially adding another 1% to 3%.
The realistic range for most standard property transactions in Finland falls between 1.5% and 5%, covering the majority of residential purchases whether you buy in Helsinki, Tampere, or smaller Finnish towns.
Government taxes (transfer tax) make up the bulk of this total, typically accounting for 70% to 90% of your closing costs, while professional fees like inspections and legal help make up the remaining portion.
By the way, you will find much more detailed data in our property pack covering the real estate market in Finland.
What costs are always mandatory when buying in Finland in 2026?
As of early 2026, the mandatory costs when buying property in Finland include transfer tax (1.5% for housing company shares or 3% for real estate), title registration fees if you buy land, and the Ministry of Defence permit fee (€210 to €280, or $230 to $300) if you are a non-EU/EEA buyer purchasing real estate.
Optional but highly recommended costs in Finland include a condition inspection (typically €850 to €2,000, or $920 to $2,160), a written property valuation (around €105 to €160, or $115 to $175), and independent legal review if you want English-language contract support.
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What taxes do I pay when buying a property in Finland in 2026?
What is the property transfer tax rate in Finland in 2026?
As of early 2026, the property transfer tax rate in Finland is 1.5% for housing company shares (which is how most Finnish apartments are owned) and 3% for real estate (houses with land, holiday homes, or plots).
There are no extra transfer taxes specifically targeting foreigners in Finland, so you pay the same rates as Finnish residents regardless of your nationality.
Buyers generally do not pay a separate VAT line item on residential property purchases in Finland, as the transfer tax is the main transaction tax that applies to home purchases.
Finland does not use a separate "stamp duty" system like some other countries, so the transfer tax is effectively the single transaction tax you file and pay as the buyer.
Are there tax exemptions or reduced rates for first-time buyers in Finland?
As of early 2026, first-time homebuyers in Finland are no longer exempt from transfer tax because the exemption only applies to purchase agreements signed before January 1, 2024.
If you buy property through a company in Finland, transfer tax still applies, but the structure changes how financing, deductions, and reporting obligations work, so many buyers consult a tax advisor in these cases.
There is no significant tax difference between buying a new-build property versus a resale property in Finland, although the timing and paperwork for new builds can differ if ownership transfers at a later date.
Since the first-time buyer exemption no longer applies, there are no current documentation requirements for this benefit, but you should keep records of your purchase for any future tax filings.
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.
Which professional fees will I pay as a buyer in Finland in 2026?
How much does a notary or conveyancing lawyer cost in Finland in 2026?
As of early 2026, Finland does not require a notary for every residential sale like some countries do, but if you hire a lawyer for contract review and conveyancing support, you can expect to pay anywhere from €500 to €3,000 ($540 to $3,240), depending on complexity and language needs.
Lawyer fees in Finland are typically charged as a flat rate or hourly rate rather than as a percentage of the property price, which keeps costs more predictable for buyers.
Translation or interpreter services for foreign buyers in Finland typically cost between €200 and €1,000 ($215 to $1,080), depending on the language, urgency, and whether you need certified translations for banking or authorities.
Most personal homebuyers in Finland do not need a tax advisor, but if you plan to rent out the property, buy through a company, or have multi-country tax residency, budgeting €300 to €1,500 ($325 to $1,620) for targeted advice is reasonable.
We have a whole part dedicated to these topics in our our real estate pack about Finland.
What's the typical real estate agent fee in Finland in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical real estate agent fee in Finland ranges from 2% to 4% of the sale price plus VAT (24%), which means a €200,000 property could involve agent fees of €4,000 to €8,000 ($4,320 to $8,640) before tax.
In Finland, the seller usually pays the real estate agent's commission, so as a buyer you typically do not write this check directly unless you specifically hire a buyer's agent for a property search.
The realistic range for agent fees in Finland spans from around 2% plus VAT on the low end to 4% plus VAT or a fixed fee on the high end, depending on the region, property type, and negotiated terms.
How much do legal checks cost (title, liens, permits) in Finland?
Legal checks in Finland, including title search and liens verification, are relatively low-cost at the registry level (often under €100, or $110), but professional time to review these documents can add €200 to €500 ($215 to $540) if you outsource the work.
A property valuation (called "arviokirja" in Finnish) typically costs around €105 to €160 ($115 to $175) for apartments and slightly more for real estate, according to published consumer price lists.
The most critical check you should never skip in Finland is the condition inspection for houses and older buildings, as hidden moisture damage or structural issues are among the most expensive problems to discover after purchase.
Buying a property with hidden issues is something we mention in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying real estate in Finland.
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What hidden or surprise costs should I watch for in Finland right now?
What are the most common unexpected fees buyers discover in Finland?
The most common unexpected fees in Finland include transfer tax calculation surprises (when buyers misunderstand what the tax is calculated on), deadline penalties for late filing or registration, follow-up inspection costs after initial findings, and the foreign-buyer permit fee for non-EU/EEA buyers of real estate.
Yes, there can be unpaid property taxes linked to real estate ownership, so during the transaction you should confirm what has already been paid and what will fall due after completion.
Like anywhere, buyers in Finland can encounter scams with fake listings or fraudulent payment instructions, so the best protection is to use established channels like regulated brokers and banks, and to verify all payment details through known contacts.
Fees that are usually not disclosed upfront in Finland include technical follow-ups after an initial inspection, translation or interpretation complexity, and extra document or legal work required for foreigners and remote closings.
In our property pack covering the property buying process in Finland, we go into details so you can avoid these pitfalls.
Are there extra fees if the property has a tenant in Finland?
If the property has a tenant in Finland, extra costs typically include legal review fees (€200 to €800, or $215 to $865) to understand the lease terms, notice rules, and any obligations you inherit as the new landlord.
When you buy a tenanted property in Finland, you inherit the existing lease and must honor its terms, including any fixed-term periods and the tenant's right to remain until proper notice is given.
Terminating an existing lease immediately after purchase is generally not possible in Finland because tenant protection laws require valid grounds and proper notice periods, especially for permanent residences.
A sitting tenant in Finland can affect the property's market value and your negotiating position, sometimes resulting in a lower price, but this depends on the lease terms and whether buyers want the rental income or vacant possession.
If you want to optimize your rental strategy, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Finland.
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.
Which fees are negotiable, and who really pays what in Finland?
Which closing costs are negotiable in Finland right now?
Negotiable closing costs in Finland include professional service fees such as lawyer fees, translation rates, inspection scope, and to some extent agent commissions if you hire a buyer's agent.
Transfer tax is fixed by Finnish law and cannot be negotiated, and some registry-related fees are also set by authorities like the National Land Survey of Finland.
Typical discounts on negotiable fees in Finland range from 10% to 20% for professional services if you bundle work or commit to a clear scope, though this varies by provider and market conditions.
Can I ask the seller to cover some closing costs in Finland?
In Finland, it is possible but not common to ask the seller to cover specific closing costs, as Finnish buyers typically negotiate the overall purchase price rather than itemizing seller credits for fees.
Sellers in Finland are most commonly willing to cover costs that directly benefit them, such as repairs needed to close the deal, but they rarely agree to pay the buyer's transfer tax or professional service fees.
Sellers are more likely to accept covering some closing costs in Finland during a buyer's market, when the property has been listed for a long time, or when the seller is under time pressure to complete the sale.
Is price bargaining common in Finland in 2026?
As of early 2026, price bargaining is common in Finland, though it tends to be more data-driven and based on recent comparable sales, inspection findings, or time on market rather than pure haggling.
Buyers in Finland typically negotiate around 2% to 6% below the asking price in normal transactions, with larger discounts possible when the property needs major repairs, has been listed for a long time, or the seller is time-constrained.
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What monthly, quarterly or annual costs will I pay as an owner in Finland?
What's the realistic monthly owner budget in Finland right now?
The realistic monthly owner budget in Finland ranges from around €200 to €600 ($215 to $650) for an apartment and €300 to €1,000+ ($325 to $1,080+) for a detached house, depending on size, age, and location.
The main recurring expense categories in Finland include housing company charges (for apartments), real estate tax (for land owners), utilities like electricity and water, home insurance, and a repair reserve.
The low-to-high range for monthly owner costs in Finland depends heavily on property type, with a small Helsinki apartment potentially costing €250 to €400 ($270 to $430) per month, while a large detached house in the countryside could reach €500 to €1,200 ($540 to $1,300) per month.
Utilities, especially heating costs, tend to vary the most in Finland because older buildings and larger homes in colder regions can have significantly higher energy consumption.
You can see how this budget affect your gross and rental yields in Finland here.
What is the annual property tax amount in Finland in 2026?
As of early 2026, the annual property tax in Finland depends on the property's taxable value and the municipality's rate, with permanent home building rates legally set between 0.41% and 1.00% of the taxable value.
The realistic range for annual property taxes in Finland varies from around €100 to €500 ($110 to $540) for a typical apartment to €300 to €1,500+ ($325 to $1,620+) for larger homes with land, depending on location and value.
Property tax in Finland is calculated based on the taxable value of the property (not the market price) multiplied by the municipal tax rate, which each municipality sets annually within national legal limits.
For apartment owners in Finland, the real estate tax is typically handled at the housing company level and reflected indirectly in monthly charges, while detached house and land owners receive the tax bill directly.
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.
If I rent it out, what extra taxes and fees apply in Finland in 2026?
What tax rate applies to rental income in Finland in 2026?
As of early 2026, rental income in Finland is taxed as capital income at a rate of 30% on the first €30,000 and 34% on any amount above that threshold.
Yes, landlords in Finland can deduct expenses from rental income, including maintenance costs, repairs, loan interest, insurance, and property management fees, so you are taxed on the net rental profit.
The realistic effective tax rate after deductions for typical landlords in Finland often falls between 15% and 25% of gross rental income, depending on how many expenses qualify for deduction.
Foreign property owners in Finland generally pay the same capital income tax rates on rental income as Finnish residents, though cross-border tax treaties may affect your overall tax situation.
Do I pay tax on short-term rentals in Finland in 2026?
As of early 2026, short-term rental income in Finland is taxable and must be reported, with the same capital income tax rates (30% up to €30,000, 34% above) applying, though you can deduct eligible expenses.
Short-term rental income is taxed similarly to long-term rental income in Finland, but if you operate like a business with extensive services, there may be additional VAT and reporting considerations.
If you want to optimize your rental strategy, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Finland.
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If I sell later, what taxes and fees will I pay in Finland in 2026?
What's the total cost of selling as a % of price in Finland in 2026?
As of early 2026, the total cost of selling a property in Finland typically ranges from 3% to 6% of the sale price, depending on the agent commission you negotiate and any capital gains tax that applies.
The realistic range for total selling costs in Finland spans from around 2.5% (if you sell privately with no agent and owe no capital gains tax) to 7% or more (if you pay full agent commission plus capital gains tax on a profit).
The main cost categories when selling in Finland include the real estate agent commission (typically 2% to 4% plus VAT), potential capital gains tax, and minor administrative costs like document preparation.
The agent commission is usually the largest single selling expense in Finland, often accounting for 50% to 80% of total selling costs when capital gains are exempt.
What capital gains tax applies when selling in Finland in 2026?
As of early 2026, capital gains from selling property in Finland are taxed at 30% on profits up to €30,000 and 34% on profits above that amount, unless you qualify for an exemption.
The main exemption in Finland applies to your permanent home if you owned it for at least 2 years and you (or a family member) lived there permanently for at least 2 years during your ownership period.
Foreigners selling property in Finland do not pay a special surcharge, as the same capital gains tax rates apply based on Finnish tax law, though your cross-border tax residency may affect how the gain is treated overall.
Capital gain in Finland is calculated as the sale price minus the original purchase price, with adjustments allowed for documented improvement costs and certain acquisition expenses.
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.
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 Tax Administration (Vero) - Transfer Tax Calculator | Finland's official tax authority with legally binding rates. | We used it to confirm current transfer tax rates of 1.5% and 3%. We treated it as the backbone for all percentage estimates. |
| Vero - First-time Homebuyer Guidance | Official rule page explaining who qualifies for exemptions. | We used it to confirm the first-time buyer exemption ended for deals signed after January 1, 2024. We reflected this in all 2026 guidance. |
| Ministry of Defence - Non-EU/EEA Buyer Permit | Official authority for foreign buyer permit requirements. | We used it to explain when a permit is required and to price the fee at €210 to €280. We flagged this as a key foreigner-specific cost. |
| Vero - Rental Income | Official guide to how rental income is taxed in Finland. | We used it to confirm rental income is taxed as capital income with deductible expenses. We applied these rates to landlord cost calculations. |
| Vero - Selling Your Home | Official rulebook for capital gains and primary home exemption. | We used it to explain the 2-year ownership and occupancy exemption. We applied capital income tax rates to selling cost estimates. |
| Ministry of Finance - Real Estate Taxation | Defines legal framework and national rate bands for property tax. | We used it to provide legal 2026 rate ranges for property tax. We triangulated it with Vero's practical guidance. |
| National Land Survey of Finland | Official registry authority for Finnish real estate registrations. | We used it to budget mandatory registry fees for real estate purchases. We combined these with transfer tax for closing cost estimates. |
| Sustera - Inspection Pricing | Established Finnish property services company with published prices. | We used it to estimate condition inspection budget ranges. We treated it as market pricing support alongside other providers. |
| Nordea - Asset Transfer Tax Explainer | Major regulated Finnish bank with consumer guidance aligned to official rules. | We used it as a cross-check that 2024 transfer tax changes are in force. We verified the end of first-time buyer exemption. |
| Info Norden - Åland Domicile Rules | Official Nordic public information service for Åland special rules. | We used it to flag that Åland has extra permission requirements. We included it as a warning for buyers targeting that region. |
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