Real Estate in Helsinki, Finland

"I moved in with my partner so that was fairly simple. He's lived here most of his life," said one expat who made the move to Helsinki.

"Finding a place to live in Helsinki can be relatively easy, as there is a variety of options available. You can search for both short-term and long-term rental options on online sites such as Airbnb, VRBO, and Nimellä. Additionally, websites such as Vuokraovi.fi offer listings for privately owned apartments and houses, many of which are located in neighborhoods conveniently situated for public transportation. Helsinki also has a variety of student housing options, as well as co-living spaces such as Kodit.io and Coliving Society. Helsinki has a number of dedicated real estate agents and require no commission - they are a great option for those who are unfamiliar with the city. Finally, if you’re looking for a more permanent living arrangement in Helsinki, you have the option of purchasing a property. The commonly used websites for searching for a property include Oikotie Asunnot, Uusimaa.fi, and Etuovi.fi," explained one foreigner living in Helsinki, Finland.

"Tower block in the suburbs but not nearly as grim as I imagined. It's clean, modern and there's even a washer and sauna room. Might be because it's subsidised young people's housing. All the other ex pats I know have had to take jobs as nannies/au pairs so they live with their employers," explained one expat living in Helsinki, Finland.

"Expats in Helsinki can rent a large variety of accommodation, from modern studio apartments to traditional Finnish homes. Most apartments are well-equipped, with up-to-date appliances, and many feature generous balconies with views over the city. Most will also have access to a sauna and washing facilities. Depending on the neighborhood, some apartments may also come with access to gardens and other amenities, while others may offer more of a city-dwelling experience. There are lots of public transport options, and with the city's comprehensive bike-share system, getting around is easy," said one person in Helsinki.

"The cost of housing in Helsinki varies depending on the area, size, and condition of the property. On average, a one-bedroom apartment in a good location in Helsinki can cost around €1000 to €1200 per month," explained one expat living in Helsinki, Finland.

"Lower rent but as I said it's subsidised. When we leave here it will be much the same as in the UK. They have a genius system that recycles hot water from power stations which helps stop the energy bills getting ridiculous," said one person in Helsinki.

"This mainly depends on your own personal preferences and financial situation. Buying a home in Helsinki typically requires a large down payment, and a larger monthly mortgage payment. This can make it difficult to qualify for a loan. Furthermore, it can take a longer period of time to pay off the loan, and you may be responsible for maintenance and repairs. On the other hand, renting a home can be less expensive and may require less of a commitment. Rental contracts are typically shorter and there is less maintenance to worry about. Additionally, it is often easier to relocate if needed. In the end, you will need to weigh the pros and cons of buying and renting a home before you make your decision," remarked one member in Helsinki.

"1. Research the local property market: Familiarize yourself with the Helsinki property market, including the average prices, popular neighborhoods, and types of properties available. 2. Consider your budget and financing options: Determine your budget and explore financing options, such as mortgages, from Finnish banks or other financial institutions. 3. Hire a real estate agent: Engage the services of a professional real estate agent who is familiar with the Helsinki property market and can help you find a suitable property. 4. Understand the legal requirements: Familiarize yourself with the legal requirements for buying property in Finland, including the need for a valid residence permit if you are a non-EU/EEA citizen. 5. Obtain a tax number: Apply for a Finnish personal identity code (henkilötunnus) and tax number, which are required for property transactions. 6. Make an offer and negotiate: Once you find a suitable property, make an offer and negotiate the terms of the sale with the seller, usually through your real estate agent. 7. Sign a preliminary agreement: After agreeing on the terms, sign a preliminary agreement (kauppakirja) with the seller, which outlines the details of the transaction and includes a deposit payment. 8. Arrange for a property inspection: Have a professional property inspector assess the condition of the property to identify any potential issues or necessary repairs. 9. Finalize the sale: Once all conditions have been met, sign the final deed of sale (lopullinen kauppakirja) and pay the remaining balance of the purchase price. 10. Register the property: After the sale is complete, register the property with the Finnish National Land Survey (Maanmittauslaitos) to obtain the official title deed. 11. Pay taxes and fees: Be prepared to pay various taxes and fees associated with the property purchase, such as transfer tax, registration fees, and possible capital gains tax if you sell the property later. 12. Obtain property insurance: Purchase property insurance to protect your investment against potential damages or losses. 13. Plan for ongoing costs: Be aware of ongoing costs associated with property ownership in Helsinki, such as property taxes, maintenance fees, and utility bills," said one in Helsinki.

"Yes, foreigners are allowed to own property in Helsinki. There are no specific restrictions on foreign nationals purchasing real estate in the country. Both European Union (EU) and non-EU citizens can buy property in Finland without any special permits or approvals. However, it is essential to follow the standard legal procedures and requirements, such as registering the property with the local authorities and paying the necessary taxes and fees," explained one foreigner living in Helsinki, Finland.

"In a rental property in Helsinki, you can typically expect to find essential appliances such as a refrigerator, stove, oven, and sometimes a dishwasher in the kitchen. Additionally, there might be a washing machine and a dryer for laundry, either within the apartment or in a shared laundry room within the building. Some rental properties may also include a microwave and other small appliances, but this can vary from one property to another. It is always a good idea to check with the landlord or the rental listing to confirm which appliances are included in the rental property," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Helsinki.

"Expats searching for homes in Helsinki, often begin by browsing online housing portals and websites, such as Oikotie, Vuokraovi, and Forenom. They may also join local Facebook groups and online forums dedicated to housing and expat communities in Helsinki to find potential rental listings and gather advice from fellow expats. Additionally, they can consult with local real estate agents who are familiar with the housing market and can help them find a suitable home. Expats may also seek recommendations from friends, colleagues, or acquaintances who have experience living in Helsinki. Furthermore, they can explore different neighborhoods in the city to get a feel for the area and identify potential homes that meet their preferences and budget," said one foreigner living in Helsinki, Finland.