Housing in Finland

Finding Housing as a Newcomer (Asuminen uudelle tulijalle)

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Finding housing is one of the biggest challenges when moving to Finland. Whether you’re arriving for work, study, or family reasons, understanding how the housing market works can save you time, stress, and money.

This guide covers the best ways to find temporary accommodation, how to secure long-term housing, and trusted tips to make the process smoother for newcomers (uudelle tulijalle).

1. Temporary Housing Options for New Arrivals

Temporary accommodation is ideal for your first weeks in Finland while you search for a long-term rental.

✔ 1. Short-Term Rentals (Furnished)

Platforms to check:

  • Airbnb
  • Booking.com
  • Forenom (furnished rooms/apartments for workers & newcomers)
  • Omena Hotels (budget stay)

These options are great if:

  • Your long-term housing is not ready yet
  • You’re waiting for a DVV registration appointment
  • You want flexibility before choosing a neighborhood

✔ 2. Hostels & Budget Stays

Cities like Helsinki, Tampere, and Turku offer:

  • Affordable hostels
  • Shared rooms
  • Student-friendly prices

✔ 3. University Student Housing

If you are a student:

  • HOAS (Helsinki)
  • TOAS (Tampere)
  • TYS (Turku)
  • VOAS (Vaasa)
  • OYY / PSOAS (Oulu)

These often require early application but are usually cheaper than private rentals.

✔ 4. Employer-Provided Accommodation

Some employers offer:

  • Temporary housing for new hires
  • Relocation support
  • Subsidized rent

Always ask during the hiring or relocation process.

2. Long-Term Housing in Finland

Once you settle in, you can start searching for long-term rentals. Finland’s rental market includes both private landlords and municipal housing companies (ARA or “non-profit” housing).

Where to Search for Rentals

1. Oikotie.fi

One of the most popular rental websites.

2. Vuokraovi.com

A large database of apartments, rooms, and shared flats.

3. Facebook Groups

Useful for shared housing and room rentals:

  • “Helsinki apartments”
  • “Turku housing”
  • “Finnish housing rentals”

(Always beware of scams.)

4. City Housing Companies (ARA / Municipal Housing)

These offer Affordable / Non-profit rentals, often cheaper than private markets:

  • Heka (Helsinki)
  • VTS (Tampere)
  • TVT (Turku)
  • KOyVuokraTalot (regional housing companies)

These apartments can have waiting lists, but they are long-term and stable.

3. Documents Needed When Applying for Housing

When applying for an apartment, landlords often ask for:

  • Passport / ID
  • Employment contract or income proof
  • Residence permit (if applicable)
  • Credit history (Finnish or international)
  • Personal introduction letter (common for private landlords)

Tip: Since newcomers may not have a Finnish credit score, showing reliable income or employer documentation helps a lot.

4. Choosing the Right Location

Consider:

  • Distance to work or university
  • Public transport connections
  • Grocery stores & daily services
  • Safety and neighborhood vibe
  • Availability of bike lanes
  • Rent level (varies greatly by region)

Cities with high competition:

  • Helsinki
  • Espoo
  • Tampere
  • Turku

Cities with easier availability:

  • Oulu
  • Jyväskylä
  • Kuopio
  • Lahti

5. Typical Rental Costs in Finland

Average monthly rents:

  • Helsinki city center: €900–€1,500 for studios/1BR
  • Espoo/Vantaa: €700–€1,200
  • Tampere/Turku: €600–€900
  • Smaller cities: €450–€700

Most apartments require:

  • 1–3 months’ deposit
  • First month’s rent upfront

Utilities may include:

  • Water (€15–30 per month)
  • Electricity (depends on usage)
  • Internet (€5–20 per month)

6. Avoiding Scams (Important for Newcomers!)

Watch out for:

  • Landlords asking for deposit before viewing
  • Listings with extremely low rent
  • Communication only through email
  • No official rental contract

Always:

  • Visit the apartment (physically or via video call)
  • Ask for official identification or company details
  • Sign a proper rental agreement (vuokrasopimus)

Finland is safe, but rental scams targeting newcomers do exist.

7. Tips to Secure Long-Term Housing Faster

✔ Apply early (even before arrival)

Housing competition increases in August and January.

✔ Have your documents ready

Landlords prefer well-prepared applicants.

✔ Write a short personal introduction

Finnish landlords appreciate politeness and clarity.

✔ Be flexible with location

You can move closer later.

✔ Check listings daily

Good apartments get rented in hours in major cities.

FAQs: Finding Housing in Finland

1. How soon should I start looking for an apartment?

Ideally 1–2 months before arrival. Student housing should be applied for even earlier.

2. Do I need a Finnish ID code to rent an apartment?

Not always, but many landlords prefer it. Having DVV registration helps.

3. Is furnished housing common in Finland?

Not in long-term rentals. Most rentals are unfurnished except for kitchen appliances.

4. How long are rental contracts?

Most are 1-year fixed or indefinite contracts. Notice period is usually 1–3 months.

5. What is included in the rent?

Usually heating. Water and electricity may be separate.

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