Helsinki Property Market and Real Estate Guide

(Helsinki, Uusimaa, Southern Finland, Finland)

The capital city of Finland, Helsinki, is also the largest city in the country and, with a population of more than half a million people it is also the most populous. It boasts a good location some 400 km / 249 miles from Sweden's capital city of Stockholm, as well as being just 80 km / 50 miles from Tallinn in Estonia, and around 300 km / 186 miles from St. Petersburg in Russia.

Figures suggest that one in four residents in Finland live in the city and property in the country is good value for money for foreign investors. In contrast to many major European cities, Helsinki's residents are largely home-owners rather than renters, partly due to the cheap property prices and low cost of living expenses in the city.


Property that commands the highest price tags is located within the city centre and the waterfront areas, and many of the properties here are detached. The city is attractive and vibrant, boasting an arts scene that many who visit or reside here choose to explore and enjoy throughout the year.

Renting Serviced Apartments

There are a few rental options in the city, usually owned and managed by condominium or housing companies rather than individuals. Monthly rent is set at an agreed amount with central rentals commanding around twice the rate of those in the suburbs.

Residents can expect to pay additional monthly maintenance costs, along with electricity and water supply charges. Rentals in the suburbs are more likely to include garden space and car parking spaces than those more centrally located.

Buying Apartments and Houses

Transfer tax of four percent is a legality in Finland, and this must be paid when one applies to register the title and deed. If registration is unnecessary, then the four percent tax must be paid within six months after the acquisition is completed. Capital gains tax for real estate sales stands at 29 percent in Finland, but if the property has been owned for ten years or more, then 50 percent of the total will be deducted. Many of the restrictions that used to be in place for foreigners purchasing property have now been lifted.

Real Estate Agents

Using a real estate agency in Helsinki is a great way to find the ideal property. Many of the best agencies are located within the main city centre area and property portfolios can be viewed online via the companies' websites.

Check out the following Helsinki real estate agents:

Huoneistokeskus
Address: Gardener's Alley 2, Helsinki, FI-00300, Finland, FI
Tel: +358 2078 03750
Email: info@huoneistokeskus.fi
Website: www.huoneistokeskus.fi
Huoneistokeskus has offices across Finland and their large team of professionals are trained to help customers with every aspect of the real estate market. A large portfolio offers homes, apartments and commercial buildings for rent and sale.

Kiinteistomaailma Ltd.
Address: Urho Kekkosen Katu 7 B, Helsinki, FI-00100, Finland, FI
Tel: +358 1062 23000
Email: info@kiinteistomaailama.fi
Website: www.kiinteistomaailma.fi
Kiinteistomaailma has been operating in the city of Helsinki for a number of years and, according to recent online feedback, offer some of the best services around.

OPKK
Address: Arkadiankatu 23, Helsinki, FI-00100, Finland, FI
Tel: +358 1025 55908
Email: janne.soininen@op.fi
Website: www.opkk.fi
OPKK is a well established realtor with offices across the city. The portfolio consists of properties for sale and rent, as well as having a section dedicated to holiday rentals.