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
This guide breaks down the rental yields you can realistically expect when investing in residential property across Finland in 2026, whether you're looking at apartments in Helsinki, townhouses in Tampere, or detached homes in smaller cities.
We cover gross and net yields, neighborhood variations, vacancy rates, and all the costs that eat into your returns.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest market data and trends.
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
- Finland's average gross rental yield sits around 5.5% in early 2026, but Helsinki Metro Area investors often see lower returns of 4% to 5% because property prices have outpaced rent growth.
- The gap between gross and net yields in Finland is typically 1.5 to 2.5 percentage points, mainly due to the country's high housing company charges called hoitovastike.
- Vacancy rates in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area have climbed to 8% to 10%, while regional cities like Tampere and Turku maintain tighter occupancy at around 4% to 6%.
- Small studios and one-bedroom apartments in Finland deliver the highest rent per square meter, but oversupply in some Helsinki submarkets has eroded this advantage recently.
- Finland's premium neighborhoods like Ullanlinna and Töölö in Helsinki often yield below 4% gross because property prices carry a prestige premium that rents cannot match.
- The Kruunusillat tram project connecting Laajasalo to central Helsinki, expected to open in early 2027, is likely to strengthen rents and reduce vacancy in eastern Helsinki neighborhoods.
- Property management fees in Finland typically run between 6% and 10% of monthly rent, with an additional leasing fee of 50% to 100% of one month's rent for tenant placement.
- Finnish landlords should budget roughly 8% of annual rental income as a vacancy buffer, or up to 12% if investing in softer Helsinki Metro Area submarkets.
What are the rental yields in Finland as of 2026?
What's the average gross rental yield in Finland as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average gross rental yield across all residential property types in Finland is estimated at around 5.5% per year.
That said, most investors will land somewhere between 4% and 7% depending on the city, neighborhood, unit size, and building costs they're dealing with.
This puts Finland roughly in line with other Nordic countries, where stable economies and high living standards tend to compress yields compared to Southern or Eastern Europe.
The single biggest factor influencing gross yields in Finland right now is the softening of property prices in many areas during 2024 and 2025, which has improved the rent-to-price ratio for new buyers even as rents have stayed relatively flat.
What's the average net rental yield in Finland as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average net rental yield in Finland across all property types is estimated at around 3.8% per year.
This means Finnish landlords typically see recurring costs and vacancy eat up about 1.5 to 2.5 percentage points of their gross yield.
The biggest cost that drags down net yields in Finland is the hoitovastike, which is the monthly maintenance charge paid to housing companies and covers building operations, repairs, and shared utilities.
Most standard investment properties in Finland deliver net yields between 2.5% and 5.5%, with the lower end common in premium Helsinki locations and the higher end achievable in regional cities or value-oriented neighborhoods with solid demand.
By the way, you will find much more detailed rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Finland.
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 yield is considered "good" in Finland in 2026?
In Finland, local buy-to-let investors generally consider a gross rental yield of 5% or above to be "good" in 2026, as this level allows for decent net returns after the country's typically high operating costs.
Properties that deliver 6% gross or higher are considered high-performing, though these usually come with trade-offs like higher tenant turnover, less desirable locations, or older buildings that need more management attention.
How much do yields vary by neighborhood in Finland as of 2026?
As of early 2026, gross rental yields in Finland can vary by 2 to 3 percentage points between neighborhoods within the same city, with Helsinki showing a range from roughly 3.8% to 5.3% depending on the district.
The highest yields tend to appear in more affordable, transit-connected neighborhoods with strong renter demand, such as Kallio and Vuosaari in Helsinki, Hervanta in Tampere, and Varissuo in Turku.
The lowest yields are found in prestigious central areas where property prices carry a premium that rents cannot match, including Ullanlinna, Punavuori, Kamppi, and Töölö in Helsinki, as well as Tapiola in Espoo.
The main reason yields vary so much across Finnish neighborhoods is that property prices in premium locations are driven by factors beyond rental income, such as lifestyle appeal, liquidity, and long-term value expectations, while rents stay relatively constrained by what tenants can actually pay.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Finland.
How much do yields vary by property type in Finland as of 2026?
As of early 2026, gross rental yields across different property types in Finland range from around 4% for detached houses to 6% or more for well-located studios, with apartments and townhouses falling in between.
Small apartments, especially studios and one-bedroom units, currently deliver the highest average gross rental yields in Finland because they rent easily and command strong rent per square meter.
Detached houses and villas typically deliver the lowest gross yields because they carry higher purchase prices relative to achievable rents, plus landlords bear more direct responsibility for maintenance and repairs.
The key reason yields differ between property types in Finland is the cost structure: apartments shift most operating expenses into predictable housing company charges, while houses put more cost uncertainty and repair risk directly on the owner.
By the way, you might want to read the following:
What's the typical vacancy rate in Finland as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average residential vacancy rate across Finland is estimated at around 6% to 7%, meaning roughly 93% to 94% of rental units are occupied.
Vacancy rates vary significantly by location, with the Helsinki Metropolitan Area experiencing higher vacancy of 8% to 10%, while other major cities like Tampere, Turku, and Oulu maintain tighter markets at around 4% to 6%.
The main factor driving vacancy rates in Finland right now is the oversupply of new small apartments in certain Helsinki Metro Area submarkets, which has created competition for tenants in those specific pockets.
Compared to the national average, Helsinki's vacancy rate is notably higher, which reflects the concentration of new construction in the capital region during recent years.
Finally please note that you will have all the indicators you need in our property pack covering the real estate market in Finland.
What's the rent-to-price ratio in Finland as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average rent-to-price ratio in Finland is around 0.46% monthly, which translates to roughly 5.5% annually and means buyers pay about 18 times the annual rent to purchase a property.
A rent-to-price ratio above 0.5% monthly, or 6% annually, is generally considered favorable for buy-to-let investors in Finland, and this ratio is essentially the same thing as the gross rental yield before any costs are deducted.
Finland's rent-to-price ratio is fairly typical for Nordic countries, sitting between the lower yields common in Sweden and the slightly higher returns sometimes found in parts of Denmark, reflecting Finland's stable but moderately priced housing market.
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 neighborhoods and micro-areas in Finland give the best yields as of 2026?
Where are the highest-yield areas in Finland as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three highest-yield areas for residential property in Finland are Kallio and Vuosaari in Helsinki, Hervanta in Tampere, and Varissuo in Turku.
These high-yield neighborhoods typically deliver gross rental yields in the range of 5.5% to 7%, with Hervanta and Varissuo sometimes reaching the upper end due to lower entry prices.
What these areas share is a combination of affordable purchase prices, solid public transit connections, and consistent rental demand from students, young professionals, or budget-conscious families.
You'll find a much more detailed analysis of the areas with high profitability potential in our property pack covering the real estate market in Finland.
Where are the lowest-yield areas in Finland as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the lowest-yield areas in Finland are Ullanlinna, Punavuori, and Töölö in Helsinki, along with Tapiola in Espoo, where prestige pricing keeps returns compressed.
These premium neighborhoods typically deliver gross rental yields in the range of 3.5% to 4.5%, which is noticeably below the national average.
The main reason yields are compressed in these areas is that property prices reflect lifestyle value, historical charm, and high liquidity rather than pure rental income potential, creating a gap between what buyers pay and what tenants can afford.
Buying a property in a low-yield area is one of the mistakes we cover in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying property in Finland.
Which areas have the lowest vacancy in Finland as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the neighborhoods with the lowest residential vacancy rates in Finland include Pasila and Kalasatama in Helsinki, Kaleva in Tampere, and Kupittaa in Turku.
These low-vacancy areas typically maintain occupancy rates above 95%, meaning vacancy sits below 5% even during tenant turnover periods.
The main demand driver keeping vacancy low in these areas is the combination of strong job access, university proximity, and excellent public transit connections that attract a steady stream of renters.
The trade-off investors face when targeting these low-vacancy areas is that property prices tend to be higher, which compresses gross yields even though rental income is more reliable and consistent.
Which areas have the most renter demand in Finland right now?
The three neighborhoods currently experiencing the strongest renter demand in Finland are Kallio in Helsinki, Hervanta in Tampere, and Kupittaa in Turku, all of which benefit from walkability, transit access, and proximity to universities or jobs.
The dominant renter profile driving demand in these areas is young professionals and students aged 20 to 35 who prioritize convenience, public transport, and urban amenities over space.
In these high-demand Finnish neighborhoods, well-priced rental listings typically get filled within one to three weeks, compared to four to eight weeks in softer submarkets.
If you want to optimize your cashflow, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Finland.
Which upcoming projects could boost rents and rental yields in Finland as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three upcoming projects expected to boost rents in Finland are the Kruunusillat tram line in Helsinki, the ongoing Kalasatama urban development, and the maturing effects of the Tampere tram network expansion.
The neighborhoods most likely to benefit from these projects are Laajasalo and Kruunuvuorenranta in eastern Helsinki, the areas around Kalasatama and Sörnäinen, and tram-served nodes like Hervanta and western Tampere.
Once these projects are completed and mature, investors might realistically expect rent increases of 3% to 8% in directly affected neighborhoods, as improved connectivity typically translates into stronger tenant demand and lower vacancy.
You'll find our latest property market analysis about Finland here.
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What property type should I buy for renting in Finland as of 2026?
Between studios and larger units in Finland, which performs best in 2026?
As of early 2026, studios and one-bedroom apartments generally outperform larger units in Finland in terms of gross rental yield, though their occupancy advantage has narrowed in some Helsinki submarkets due to recent oversupply.
Studios in well-located Finnish neighborhoods typically achieve gross yields of 5.5% to 7%, which translates to roughly €550 to €700 (about $570 to $730 USD) per year for every €10,000 invested, while larger two to three-bedroom units tend to land between 4.5% and 5.5%.
The main reason studios outperform is that they command higher rent per square meter and attract the deep pool of single renters and students who dominate Finnish urban housing demand.
That said, larger units can be the better choice when targeting families in suburban areas with good schools, where tenant turnover is lower and renters often stay for years, reducing vacancy and management hassle.
What property types are in most demand in Finland as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the most in-demand property type for rentals in Finland is the one to two-bedroom apartment located near rail or tram stops in major urban centers.
The top three property types ranked by current tenant demand in Finland are compact apartments near transit hubs, two-bedroom family apartments in practical neighborhoods with schools, and terraced houses in commuter-friendly suburbs.
The primary demographic trend driving this demand pattern is Finland's concentration of young urban professionals and students in Helsinki, Tampere, and Turku, combined with rising housing costs that push renters toward affordable, well-connected locations.
One property type currently underperforming in demand is the large detached house in rural or semi-rural areas, as Finland's population continues shifting toward cities and these properties struggle to attract tenants willing to pay rents that justify the investment.
What unit size has the best yield per m² in Finland as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the unit size range that delivers the best gross rental yield per square meter in Finland is between 25 and 45 square meters, which covers most studios and compact one-bedroom apartments.
Units in this optimal size range typically achieve gross rental yields per square meter of around €14 to €20 monthly, which translates to roughly $15 to $21 USD or €14 to €20 EUR, depending on location and building quality.
Smaller micro-units below 20 square meters can struggle with regulatory constraints and tenant appeal, while larger units above 60 square meters see rent per square meter decline because tenants are not willing to pay proportionally more for extra space.
By the way, we also have a blog article detailing whether owning an Airbnb rental is profitable 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 costs cut my net yield in Finland as of 2026?
What are typical property taxes and recurring local fees in Finland as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the annual property tax for a typical rental apartment in Finland ranges from about €200 to €600 (roughly $210 to $630 USD), depending on the property's taxable value and the municipality's tax rate, which sits between 0.41% and 1.00% for residential buildings.
Beyond property tax, Finnish landlords must also budget for housing company charges, which include the hoitovastike maintenance fee that typically runs €3 to €5 per square meter monthly, plus occasional capital charges for building renovations.
These taxes and recurring fees typically represent about 15% to 25% of gross rental income for apartment investors in Finland, making them one of the most significant drags on net yields.
By the way, we cover all the hidden fees and taxes in our property pack covering the real estate market in Finland.
What insurance, maintenance, and annual repair costs should landlords budget in Finland right now?
The estimated annual landlord insurance cost for a typical rental apartment in Finland ranges from €150 to €400 (roughly $155 to $420 USD), representing about 0.1% to 0.3% of property value.
Finnish landlords should budget around 0.3% to 0.8% of property value annually for maintenance and repairs, which works out to roughly €300 to €800 ($315 to $840 USD) for a €100,000 apartment.
The repair expense that most commonly catches Finnish landlords off guard is special assessments from the housing company for major building renovations like pipe replacements or facade repairs, which can suddenly add thousands of euros in costs.
Combined, landlords should realistically budget €500 to €1,200 annually (roughly $525 to $1,260 USD) for insurance, maintenance, and routine repairs, though this excludes the unpredictable major housing company renovations.
Which utilities do landlords typically pay, and what do they cost in Finland right now?
In Finland, apartment landlords typically do not pay utilities directly because most costs flow through the housing company's hoitovastike charge, though some buildings bill water separately, and tenants usually pay their own electricity.
For landlords who do pay water directly or include utilities in rent, the monthly cost in the Helsinki region runs about €25 to €50 (roughly $26 to $52 USD) per unit, based on current HSY rates of €2.15 per cubic meter for water and €2.52 per cubic meter for wastewater.
What does full-service property management cost, including leasing, in Finland as of 2026?
As of early 2026, full-service property management in Finland typically costs between 6% and 10% of monthly rent, which for a €900 per month apartment works out to roughly €54 to €90 monthly (about $57 to $95 USD).
On top of ongoing management fees, Finnish property managers typically charge a leasing or tenant-placement fee of 50% to 100% of one month's rent, meaning €450 to €900 ($475 to $950 USD) each time a new tenant is placed.
What's a realistic vacancy buffer in Finland as of 2026?
As of early 2026, Finnish landlords should set aside roughly 8% of annual rental income as a vacancy buffer, which equals about one month of lost rent per year.
In practice, landlords in high-demand Finnish neighborhoods experience around two to four vacant weeks per year, while those in softer Helsinki Metro Area submarkets may face six to eight weeks of vacancy annually.
Buying real estate in Finland can be risky
An increasing number of foreign investors are showing interest. However, 90% of them will make mistakes. Avoid the pitfalls with our comprehensive guide.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Statistics Finland - Rents of dwellings (ASVU) | Finland's national statistics office using large administrative and register datasets for rent tracking. | We used it to anchor what people actually pay in rent levels and rent changes. We then mapped those rents to typical unit sizes and areas to estimate national and city rent per square meter. |
| Statistics Finland - Prices of dwellings (ASHI) | Official price statistics based on Tax Administration transaction data covering housing company shares. | We used it to anchor sale price per square meter for apartments, which dominate Finnish urban markets. We then paired price data with rent data to estimate rent-to-price ratios and yields. |
| Statistics Finland - Housing and construction hub | Central gateway to Finland's official housing datasets and definitions. | We used it to cross-check which indicators exist and ensure our terminology and latest available quarters are consistent for early 2026. |
| Finnish Tax Administration (Vero) | Primary official source for municipal real estate tax rules and rate ranges in Finland. | We used it to quantify property tax ranges that affect net yield for detached and terraced homes. We then translated the legal ranges into realistic annual budget ranges. |
| Kiinteistöliitto - Hoitovastikekysely 2025 | Large member survey widely used in Finnish housing company cost benchmarking. | We used it to anchor typical hoitovastike maintenance charge per square meter for apartments and terraced houses. We then treated hoitovastike as the biggest recurring cost line for apartment investors. |
| Kiinteistöliitto - Indeksitalo 2025 | Well-known cost benchmark for municipal fees, energy, and water in major Finnish cities. | We used it to cross-check city-level operating cost pressure that flows into housing company charges. We used it to sanity-check our net yield cost deductions by city. |
| HSY - Water services price list 2026 | Official utility tariff for the Helsinki region covering a major share of Finland's rental market. | We used it to quantify metered water and wastewater rates and typical basic charges for small residential buildings. We then converted that into annual water budget estimates for net yield calculations. |
| HSY - 2026 fee increase announcement | Official announcement explaining 2026 tariff changes and their drivers in the Helsinki region. | We used it to timestamp that our costs are truly as of early 2026. We used it as supporting context for why operating costs are not flat in 2026. |
| Global Property Guide - Finland rental yields | Established cross-country yield dataset with transparent listing-based methodology updated quarterly. | We used it as an external market reality check for gross yields by city and district. We then triangulated it against Statistics Finland anchors to land on confident estimates for January 2026. |
| CBRE Finland - Residential Figures Q3 2025 | Major global research consultancy providing prime yield snapshots that reflect institutional market pricing. | We used it to cross-check what core and prime residential yields look like in Helsinki versus Turku and Tampere. We used it to calibrate what good means by risk level. |
| KTI Finland - Market reports hub | Finland's recognized property research house widely cited by institutional investors. | We used it as the reference point for occupancy and vacancy discussions in professional datasets. We used it to triangulate vacancy levels and avoid relying on portal anecdotes alone. |
| Retta Management - Q1 2025 market commentary | Industry operator summarizing KTI's tracked market indicators with specific numbers. | We used it specifically because it cites KTI occupancy figures for the Helsinki Metro Area. We used those occupancy rates to convert into realistic vacancy rate ranges for early 2026. |
| Statistics Finland - Energy prices | Official energy price statistics framework and quarterly series for Finland. | We used it to ground the utilities are volatile point in official measurement. We used it to justify using ranges rather than single-point guesses for landlord-paid utility lines. |
| HSL - Transport Service Plan 2026-2027 | Official public transport authority planning document for Greater Helsinki. | We used it to identify near-term network changes and timing that can shift renter demand by micro-area. We used it to support specific neighborhood examples tied to new connections. |
| Kruunusillat - Project schedule | Official project site for a major Helsinki tram and light rail link under construction. | We used it to name a concrete, location-specific catalyst for eastern Helsinki neighborhoods. We used it to explain why certain areas may see tighter vacancy and rent resilience into 2027. |
| City of Helsinki - Kalasatama development | Official city planning and development information for one of Helsinki's major growth nodes. | We used it to anchor that Kalasatama remains an active growth node with ongoing projects. We used it to justify why nearby micro-areas can have strong renter demand even if yields are not the highest. |
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