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🇫🇮 Guide: How to Buy Property in Finland

Buying property in Finland is generally straightforward, transparent, and safe thanks to strong legal protections and digital systems. Foreigners can buy property, though certain restrictions apply in specific areas. This guide covers each step of the process.

1. Check if You Need a Permit

Most foreigners can buy property in Finland freely. However, since 2020, buyers from non-EU and non-EEA countries need a permit from the Ministry of Defence if buying property outside city-plan areas (for example, rural properties or near sensitive regions).

  • Permit not needed: Apartments, city-center properties, most city-planned residential areas
  • Permit needed: Rural houses, plots outside city plan, properties near military areas
The permit is applied for after signing the purchase agreement; the sale can be made conditional on receiving it.

2. Arrange Financing (If Needed)

If you need a mortgage, Finnish banks may require:

  • Finnish ID or bank account
  • Proof of stable income
  • Higher down payment (often 30–40% for non-residents)

Additional Costs

  • Transfer tax:
    • Apartments: 1.5%
    • Real estate / house / land: 3%
  • Mortgage deed registration fee: ~€32 per deed
  • Registration of ownership: €158

3. Search for Property

Popular Finnish property marketplaces:

  • Etuovi.com
  • Oikotie.fi
  • Habita.com (international)
  • Local real estate agents (kiinteistönvälittäjä)

Finland uses standardized documents and disclosures such as the housing company certificate, energy certificate, and financial reports.

4. View the Property and Check Documents

For an Apartment

  • Housing company financial statement
  • Renovation history (pipes, roof, windows)
  • Upcoming renovations and charges
  • Monthly maintenance fee (hoitovastike)
  • Condition inspection report

For a House or Land

  • Building permits
  • Zoning and boundaries (kaava)
  • Condition survey (kuntotarkastus)
  • Heating system type and age
  • Well / septic information (rural areas)

5. Make a Formal Offer (Tarjous)

  • Offers are binding if accepted
  • Usually valid for 24–72 hours

You may include conditions such as:

  • Financing approval
  • Satisfactory inspection
  • Foreign buyer’s permit approval

6. Sign the Purchase Agreement

Apartments: Signed electronically or in person, often with a real estate agent.

Houses / land: A public notary (julkinen kaupanvahvistaja) must confirm the transaction.

Deposit is typically 4–10%.

7. Pay Transfer Tax

  • Apartments: 1.5%
  • Houses / real estate: 3%

First-time buyers aged 18–39 may be exempt if moving to Finland permanently.

8. Register Ownership

  • Real estate: Register with National Land Survey within 6 months
  • Apartments: Registered digitally via DVV

If using a mortgage, banks handle digital mortgage deeds.

9. Move In and Set Up Utilities

  • Electricity contract
  • Water billing registration
  • Heating setup
  • Internet subscription
  • Home insurance

Typical Timeline

Step Duration
Property search Flexible
Mortgage approval 1–4 weeks
Offer + signing 1–7 days
Permit (if needed) 1–2 months
Tax + registration 1–4 weeks

Summary

Buying property in Finland is secure and transparent. The key steps are:

  1. Check permit requirements
  2. Secure financing
  3. Find a property
  4. Inspect and review documents
  5. Make a binding offer
  6. Sign the agreement
  7. Pay transfer tax
  8. Register ownership
  9. Move in
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