Finland is part of Northern Europe, which is characterized by a high level of urbanization. About 85% of the population of these countries live in cities or suburbs. Such processes cannot occur without the mass construction of new housing, and Finland is no exception. Vast lands in the northern part of the country remain poorly developed, but in the south, real estate developers in Finland offer a wide variety of residential complex projects.
Features of new housing in Finland
New buildings in Finland are distinguished by high quality construction and an emphasis on energy efficiency and protection from the capricious nature of the northern latitudes. The latest in construction fashion is the use of geothermal heating and solar panels. Of course, they are not used as the main energy elements, but they allow you to generate excess heat or electricity to reduce utility bills.
Other advantages of Finnish real estate from the developer:
- Environmental friendliness. The use of natural materials and technologies that reduce the carbon footprint. The most striking example is wood, which is used in 40% of new housing in Finland.
- Integration of smart technologies. In 2024, about 60% of new buildings in Helsinki and Espoo were already equipped with automated heating, lighting and security control systems. Residents can regulate the temperature and lighting via a mobile application, but on the other hand, this increases the market value of properties by 5-7% compared to similar properties without “smart” systems.
- Unique “housing + nature” concept. New buildings are designed with integration into the natural environment in mind, residential complexes are created with green roofs, courtyard parks and direct access to lakes or forests.
- High short-term rental yield. Finnish new buildings, especially in tourist regions (Lapland, Turku), provide short-term rental yields of 4-6% per annum.
Cost of new housing in Finland
Prices for new buildings in Finland are growing in the southern parts of the country and stagnating in the north and northeast. The average price per square meter is 3,500–4,500 euros, and in the capital regions of Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa it reaches 5,000–6,000 euros per m².
Various types of real estate are available: from compact studios for students to spacious multi-room apartments for families. Townhouses and cottages in the suburbs are also popular, especially near lakes. But the main factor in the cost of properties remains the construction stage - at the foundation stage, properties are 10–15% cheaper than finished properties.
Average prices for new buildings in Finland:
| Property type | Average area, m² |
Approximate cost of the property, euros |
Average price per m², euros |
| Studio | 25–35 | 3500–4500 | 87,500–157,500 |
| 1-room | 35–50 | 3800–5000 | 133,000–250,000 |
| 2-room | 50–70 | 4000–5500 | 200,000–385,000 |
Nuances of buying new housing in Finland
Foreigners can freely purchase apartments, but to buy a house with a land plot, permission from the Finnish Ministry of Defense is required. Its registration takes on average 1–2 months.
Additional features:
- Taxes and fees. The buyer pays a transfer tax (2% for apartments, 4% for houses) and a registration fee (about 0.05%).
- Remote purchase. A transaction by proxy through a real estate agency is possible. In 2024 alone, 15% of all real estate transactions were made this way.
- Mortgage. Finnish banks issue mortgages to foreigners at 2.8-3.5% per annum, but with mandatory confirmation of the legality of income and origin of funds. Plus, a down payment of 20-30% is required.
Where is the best place to buy new real estate in Finland
The capital remains the leader in the number of new buildings. Helsinki is home to 50% of all new residential complexes in the country. Apartments in the city center are in demand among tenants. Students and expats also often choose Helsinki for living, despite the high cost of rent compared to other cities.
Other popular cities:
- Espoo. A suburb of Helsinki with developed infrastructure and more affordable prices. Suitable for families due to the presence of schools and parks.
- Tampere. A city with large universities, where studios and small apartments are in demand. The average rent is 15 euros per m² per month.
- Oulu. The northern center of the IT industry, attracting young professionals. New buildings here are 20-30% cheaper than in Helsinki.
- Porvoo. A picturesque city 50 km from Helsinki, popular among those looking for a holiday home. New cottages by the river or lake cost from 200,000 euros.
Guides on Buying New Builds in Finland
Frequently asked questions about new buildings in Finland
What is the average price per sq. meters of new housing in Finland?
Exact price per sq. meters in new buildings in Finland depends on the location of the property, the type of building materials, and the class of housing. If the property is sold at the foundation pit stage or in rough finishing, its value will be 20-30% lower than the market price.
