A home seeker at a property viewing in Turku in October 2024. LEHTIKUVA
- Next Article Finland invests €543m in research in record-breaking funding year
Interest in buying homes in Finland has increased by 20% compared to last year, according to data from real estate platform Oikotie. The trend follows a steady rise in completed transactions throughout 2023, despite broader economic uncertainty.
Detached houses are now the most sought-after property type nationwide.
In Helsinki, buyers are more interested in vacation homes than apartments, while in Tampere and Turku, apartments remain the top choice.
According to Oikotie’s real estate director Anna Leinonen, the market is shaped by two contrasting forces: lower prices and growing demand.
“Housing prices remain attractive, and buyers see this as an opportunity. However, the overall economic situation is still limiting transaction volumes,” Leinonen said.
Oikotie, Finland’s most-used real estate search platform, reaches over a million users weekly.
The most searched property type across Finland is detached houses, followed by standalone houses and vacation homes. Apartments rank fourth, reflecting a shift in buyer preferences.
“Homes with more space are in demand. About half of Finns already live in detached houses, and interest in these properties remains strong,” Leinonen said.
Property searches vary by region. In the Helsinki area, detached houses are the most searched, while in Tampere and Turku, apartments lead. In a surprising trend, Helsinki residents are now searching for vacation homes more than apartments.
Top searched property types
Finland:
- Detached house
- Standalone house
- Vacation home
- Apartment
- Walk-up apartment
Helsinki region:
- Detached house
- Standalone house
- Vacation home
- Apartment
- Walk-up apartment
Tampere:
- Apartment
- Walk-up apartment
- Detached house
- Standalone house
- Vacation home
Turku:
- Apartment
- Walk-up apartment
- Detached house
- Standalone house
- Vacation home
Despite increased interest, housing affordability remains a challenge for many. Rising interest rates and inflation in 2022 and 2023 have now stabilised, but economic uncertainty and employment concerns may create a divide between those able to buy and those priced out.
“The market is likely to become more polarised. Those in a position to buy will take advantage of the opportunities, while the group unable to buy is growing,” Leinonen said.
HT
- Next Article Finland invests €543m in research in record-breaking funding year
Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
