"Home is where the heart is," and as internationals, we are fortunate to have two homes – the countries where we were born and the countries we have chosen to call home by choice. Finland has been our home since 2018, and in today's blog, we are sharing a comprehensive list of housing options for those who are planning their move to Finland or have recently arrived.
Student Housing in Finland
If you're heading to Finland for studies, student housing is your most affordable option. Each city offers student housing, like HOAS (Foundation for student housing in the Helsinki region) in Helsinki and TYS (Turku Student Village Foundation) in Turku. HOAS provides modern, well-equipped apartments in various locations across Helsinki, while TYS offers student apartments in Turku, with proximity to the University campus. But remember to act fast, as student housing is in high demand, with often more applicants than available apartments.
Private and Public Housing in Finland
Now, onto private and public housing. Platforms like Oikotie and Vuokraovi are go-to choices for finding apartments in Finland's private market. However, the process may differ from what you experienced in student housing. We found the system of water and electricity costs on top of rent, along with a tenant selection process, less favourable. That's when we discovered TVT Rental Housing, a city-owned company in Turku. TVT offers a systematic application process and a range of rental properties. Their online application allows you to specify preferences such as price range, location, and property type, streamlining the process. We received our first offer within two weeks of applying and have enjoyed a smooth and hassle-free experience for over two years.
Cost of Housing in Finland
Breaking down the cost, in the capital region (Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa), one-bedroom apartments range from 900 to 1,500 EUR per month. Outside this region (Tampere, Turku, Oulu), prices are more affordable, averaging between 600 to 1,000 EUR. Keep in mind that additional costs, such as water and electricity, may apply depending on the rental agreement. Our 2-room apartment, located 4 km from the city center, costs 829 EUR per month, excluding water and electricity.
Cool Things About Finnish Houses
Here are some of the cool features in Finnish houses that makes them unique from homes elsewhere. Kitchens in Finland are equipped with a dish drying rack situated above the sink. As a result, the water from the wet dishes end up in the sink, and there is no need for a drying rack on the kitchen counter. Next up is the compartmentalized trash for recycling which emphasizes sustainability goals in Finland start from home. Another perk of Finnish homes includes the heated bathroom floors which make them extra cosy in cold winter mornings, and saunas are found in almost all homes and in most apartments.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Finland’s rental properties can be categorised as student housing, privately owned, and public housing companies. The websites mentioned above have thorough information and hopefully this blog has taken you one step closer to navigating your housing needs. Additionally, there are Facebook groups also dedicated to housing in Finland based on the area or region that are worth checking out. Good luck for the home search – we hope your future house makes you feel cosy, safe, and at home.