Buying Property in Finland
Yes, immigrants can buy property in Finland. This guide explains who can buy, how to get a mortgage, and what your money can actually purchase.
Key Facts
Who Can Buy Property?
Same rights as Finnish citizens. No permissions needed anywhere. Buy freely.
Can buy apartments (housing company shares) and homes on leased plots without a permit. Buying real estate such as a house or land anywhere in Finland needs a Ministry of Defence permit. Since 15 July 2025, purchases by Russian and Belarusian citizens can be blocked.
Getting a Mortgage as an Immigrant
Finnish banks do lend to immigrants. Here's what you typically need:
Tips for approval
- Start banking early – 1+ year of history helps
- Save visibly in your Finnish bank account
- Keep finances clean – no payment defaults
- Shop around – different banks have different policies
What Your Money Buys
The same €100,000 buys very different things depending on location:
| Budget | Helsinki | Tampere | Kuopio | Joensuu |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| €100,000 | Small studio (25-30m²) in outskirts | 1-2BR apartment (45-55m²) decent area | 2-3BR apartment (60-75m²) central | 3BR apartment (70-85m²) or small house |
| €200,000 | Small 1-2BR (40-55m²) in okay area | 3BR apartment (75-90m²) or row house | House with yard, or large lakeside apt | Detached house with land |
Mortgage vs Rent: Monthly Costs
Outside Helsinki, the mortgage alone is often lower than rent. Once you add the monthly maintenance charge (vastike), monthly costs are similar to or slightly above rent, but part of each payment builds equity:
* Mortgage estimates based on 25-year term at ~3.5% interest with 10% down payment. Vastike (maintenance charge) is extra, about €3-7 per m² per month.
Upfront costs: transfer tax is 1.5% of the price for apartments (housing company shares) and 3% for houses and other real estate. Since 2024 there is no first-time buyer exemption.