Myyrmanni shopping mall and Iskostori square in Myyrmäki, Vantaa. Photo: Simo Räsänen / Wikipedia Commons
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Finland’s housing market is undergoing a notable transformation, with Myyrmäki, long seen as one of Vantaa’s main residential hubs, dropping out of the city’s top five most sought-after neighbourhoods for the first time.
According to Q2 data compiled by Oikotie, the fall marks a historic shift for Vantaa, Finland’s fourth-largest city. Myyrmäki, often regarded as one of its two urban centres alongside Tikkurila, has consistently ranked among the top three. It now sits in fifth place behind Tikkurila, Ylästö, Kivistö and Martinlaakso.
“This is a major swing in Vantaa’s housing market. Myyrmäki has never dropped out of the top three before,” said Tiina Aalto-Fischer, director at Oikotie Asunnot. “If the trend continues, Vantaa may effectively become a single-centre city, with Tikkurila at its core.”
Myyrmäki is home to about a quarter of Vantaa’s population. The decline in demand may be tied to changes in the district’s image. In recent years, new developments have focused on small-unit housing, making the area less attractive for families. The area has also faced intensified police surveillance both last winter and again this summer.
In contrast, rising interest in family-oriented areas has pushed neighbourhoods like Ylästö and Kivistö ahead. Kivistö, Vantaa’s newest large-scale development, has established itself as a firm favourite, while Tikkurila continues to grow, adding around 6,000 residents since 2020. Viertola’s increasing popularity appears to be linked to the broader expansion of Tikkurila.
Aalto-Fischer noted that this could signal a wider structural change.
“For years, the relative popularity of Vantaa’s neighbourhoods has been stable. But we’re now seeing shifts that may reshape the city, with Tikkurila rising, Myyrmäki falling, Kivistö growing, and potential tram developments also influencing demand.”
Across Finland’s six largest cities, Helsinki, Espoo, Tampere, Vantaa, Oulu and Turku, Oikotie tracks user search data to measure interest in specific districts. The figures reflect intent rather than actual transactions, capturing where buyers would prefer to live.
Oulu leads national housing activity
Oulu emerged as the country’s busiest housing market in terms of transactions and price growth. The sale of new homes has nearly doubled compared to last year. The upcoming national Housing Fair, set in Hartaanselänranta just north of the city centre, is expected to boost activity further.
“Oulu has sold the most homes among major cities so far this year, and prices have risen faster than elsewhere,” Aalto-Fischer said.
The popularity of central areas has grown sharply. For years, Oulu’s top neighbourhoods were dominated by suburban former municipalities like Haukipudas and Kiiminki. Now the city centre has returned as the number-one choice, with Etu-Lyötty, Karjasilta and Tuira following close behind.
Haukipudas, which ranked second in early 2025, no longer appears in the top ten.
Tampere’s family housing on the rise
In Tampere, Tammela overtook Kaleva to become the city’s second most sought-after district after the centre. Tammela had ranked fourth last year. Detached houses and large family flats are seeing strong demand, alongside increasing interest in cottages and holiday properties.
Tampella and Ranta-Tampella have continued to attract buyers, with Tampella staying in the top ten for six months for the first time.
Helsinki remains stable, metro upgrade may shift focus
Traditional high-demand neighbourhoods in Helsinki maintained their popularity. Töölö reclaimed the top position, followed by Lauttasaari and Punavuori.
An upcoming metro renovation, scheduled to begin in two years and pause service between central and eastern Helsinki for at least six months, could strengthen the appeal of inner-city districts, according to Aalto-Fischer.
Kupittaa slips in Turku, Varissuo gains traction
Turku saw unexpected resilience in Varissuo, which has become the city’s sixth most searched district. Planned improvements to services, including a new social and health centre, kindergarten, and possibly a swimming hall, are seen as factors behind the rise.
Meanwhile, Kupittaa, once the city’s second most attractive neighbourhood, fell to fifth place.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
