Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
In Finland, a country of enchanting landscapes and unique cultural riches, tourism plays an essential role in the economy while exerting a significant influence on the real estate market. With the steady increase in international visitors, demand for both residential and commercial housing has expanded remarkably, leading to notable changes in prices and accessibility.
This complex phenomenon raises crucial questions about the sustainability of the Finnish real estate sector and the balance between tourism development and the preservation of local communities.
High-Tourism Areas
Finland’s main tourist regions are Lapland, Helsinki, and the Finnish Lakeland. Each attracts a specific profile of visitors, which strongly influences local real estate demand.
| Tourist Region | Key Assets | Effects on Local Real Estate |
| Lapland | Arctic nature, Northern Lights, Santa Claus Village, ski resorts (Ruka-Kuusamo) | High seasonal demand for cabins and hotels. Significant increase in Airbnb and short-term rentals. Pressure on residential prices near major attractions. |
| Helsinki & Uusimaa | Dynamic capital, modern design, cultural heritage (Suomenlinna fortress, cathedrals) | Sustained growth of urban hotels and furnished apartments for tourists. Rapid expansion of the Airbnb park since 2022-2024 (+12%). Gradual but controlled increase in real estate prices in the city center and sought-after neighborhoods like Kallio or Punavuori. |
| Lakeland Region | Lake landscapes (Saimaa), cultural festivals (Savonlinna Opera Festival), water activities | Multiplication of seasonal accommodations: traditional cabins (“mökki”), rural lodges, and nature hotels around key sites like Savonlinna or Jyväskylä. Trend towards land value appreciation directly on lake shores; average annual increase in price per m²: +7% between 2023-2025. |
Main Observed Impacts:
- Increase in tourist accommodations
- Accelerated development of Airbnb in urban areas like Helsinki (+12% in two years).
- Regular construction of new hotels in attractive regions (e.g., Rovaniemi/Lapland sees an average annual increase of +9% in hotel beds).
- Steady growth of the seasonal rental market for cabins in Lapland (+15% in volume booked each winter since 2023).
- Evolution of residential real estate prices
- In central Helsinki, the average price now exceeds €6,500/m² (+5% between January 2024 and January 2025).
- In Lapland around Rovaniemi or Levi: high volatility with winter peaks; rental value tripled during December-March.
- Saimaa/Finnish Lakeland region: continuous increase due to land scarcity on popular shores.
- Investments in infrastructure & new projects
- Frequent modernization of regional roads to tourist centers.
- Active construction of eco-lodges near national parks.
- Public/private “Smart Accommodation” program launched in Uusimaa in mid-2024, aiming to integrate green technologies into new hotel complexes.
Summary List – Recent Changes Observed:
- Opening of more than ten new hotel establishments between Helsinki/Lapland since the beginning of 2024.
- Marked increase (+8%) in the total number of active Airbnb listings across Finland in early 2025.
- Nearly 30,000 nights booked via digital platforms around Lake Saimaa during summer 2024.
The combined effect of tourism and real estate therefore translates into sustained dynamics across the entire chain: accelerated new construction, targeted land value appreciation around tourist hotspots, and increased diversification of accommodation types offered to international visitors.
Good to Know:
In Finland, high-tourism areas like Lapland, Helsinki, and the Lakeland region significantly contribute to the dynamics of the real estate market. In Lapland, the increase in visitors seeking the Northern Lights has stimulated cabin construction and sharpened the appetite for short-term rental investments. Helsinki, as a cultural capital, experiences increased demand for Airbnbs and hotels, impacting residential prices which jumped by 5% in 2022. The Lakeland region, prized for its picturesque landscapes, sees a rise in the construction of second homes, thus fueling the development of local infrastructure, such as the opening of new transport routes. These tourism pressures generate a general increase in real estate prices and push for the adoption of innovative policies to regulate property purchases by foreign investors.
Price Increases and Opportunities
Tourism in Finland has strongly contributed to the rise in real estate prices, particularly in tourist areas such as Helsinki, Rovaniemi, and the coastal regions.
| Area | Average Price per m² (2025) | Recent Evolution |
| Helsinki | €4,775/m² | Stabilization, +1.5% |
| Espoo | €3,789/m² | +2.7% expected |
| Vantaa | €2,856/m² | -3.8%, rebound expected |
| Rovaniemi (Lapland) | ~€2,289/m² | Strong growth |
| National Average | €1,767/m² | Moderate recovery |
In the north and rural regions, such as Lapland and Northern Ostrobothnia, prices are more affordable but are experiencing positive dynamics thanks to the tourism boom around winter and nature activities.
Main Reasons for Price Increases:
- Increased demand for short-term rentals, fueled by Airbnb and other platforms that boost investor interest in buying to rent to tourists.
- Growing foreign investments, attracted by Finland’s economic stability, its international reputation (World Happiness Report), and superior rental yields in certain popular neighborhoods.
- The gradual decline in interest rates since early 2024 favors real estate purchases.
Specific Factors in Tourist Areas:
In Helsinki, a cosmopolitan capital with strong professional and cultural appeal, pressure on the rental market is very high, especially in the city center.
In Rovaniemi and Lapland, demand explodes during the winter season, boosted by Santa Claus tourism and polar activities.
Opportunities for Local/International Investors:
- Purchase of apartments or houses intended for seasonal or tourist rental. Yields can exceed those of the traditional residential market thanks to constant tourist flows.
- Investment in commercial developments related to the tourism sector: boutique hotels, themed restaurants, or recreational infrastructure adapted to international visitors.
- Take advantage of the post-real estate crisis rebound observed since mid-2024 to buy before the recovery drives prices up further.
Increased Rental Yield Potential
- High income during peak seasons
- Possible geographical diversification
- Expected capital gain on resale if the upward trend continues
Societal & Environmental Aspects Related to This Dynamic:
- Risk of local residential exclusion due to gradual gentrification
- Pressure on local infrastructure (saturated public transport in high season)
- Potential increase in the cost of living for permanent residents
List of Environmental Impacts:
- Overcrowding that can weaken certain Nordic natural ecosystems
- Increased need for sustainable management to limit the ecological footprint related to tourism
Recommendations for Sustainable Real Estate Investment in Finland:
- Prioritize projects integrating ecological criteria (sustainable materials, energy efficiency)
- Encourage mixed models combining tourist accommodations AND primary residences to avoid off-season desertification
- Foster partnerships with local actors allowing equitable redistribution of economic benefits to indigenous communities or historical residents
To maximize your investment while preserving local balance: favor a responsible approach integrating social/environmental respect AND economic valorization linked to tourism development
Good to Know:
Real estate price increases in Finland, particularly in Helsinki, Rovaniemi, and coastal regions, are largely due to a growing tourist influx that stimulates demand for short-term rentals and attracts foreign investment. For example, Helsinki has seen its real estate prices increase by more than 5% in recent years, while Rovaniemi, due to its appeal to Nordic visitors, experiences similar pressure on its market. This trend offers interesting opportunities for local and international investors, notably through attractive yields on rental properties and thriving commercial developments. However, it also raises societal and environmental challenges, such as the rising cost of living for local residents and the growing ecological footprint. For sustainable real estate investments, it is recommended to prioritize responsible practices that benefit local communities, such as participating in urban revitalization programs and investing in green infrastructure that strengthens the tourism economy while minimizing environmental impact.
Rental Investment in Full Expansion
The growing influence of tourism on the dynamism of the Finnish rental market
Tourism exerts a decisive influence on the rental market in Finland. Tourist flows, particularly in Helsinki, Rovaniemi (capital of Lapland), and the lake regions, stimulate demand for short-term rentals, fostering the rise of specialized platforms and the diversification of supply. In 2024, Finland welcomed over 22,000 international students, contributing to rental pressure in university cities and increasing the demand for suitable housing. This tourism dynamism, combined with the rise of teleworking and the extension of the tourist season, attracts a variety of investor profiles.
Geographic Areas Most Sought After by Investors
| Geographic Area | Reason for Attractiveness | Recent Data and Examples |
| Helsinki | Capital, high tourist influx, major events, housing shortage | 8,000 students waiting for housing in 2024 |
| Rovaniemi (Lapland) | Winter tourism, Christmas, Northern Lights | Sharp increase in Airbnb bookings in December |
| Tampere, Turku, Oulu | University cities, festivals, economic dynamism | Demand exceeds supply, waiting lists for student housing |
| Lakeland Region (Savonlinna, Kuopio) | Nature tourism, summer festivals | Increase in seasonal rentals |
Seasonal Trends and Cultural Events
- Seasonality is marked: high demand from December to March (winter sports, Northern Lights), and from June to August (nature, festivals, white nights).
- Cultural festivals, sporting events, and international gatherings generate booking peaks, allowing investors to optimize rental yields.
- Last-minute bookings have become the norm, with 80% of travelers booking late, imposing great pricing and operational flexibility.
- The growing importance of amenities (pool, pet acceptance, fast internet connection) enhances the attractiveness of properties offered for seasonal rental.
Impact of Finnish Government Policies
- Finland facilitates obtaining residence permits for international students (+45% increase in 2022-2024), which supports rental demand in university cities.
- Local authorities impose regulations on short-term rentals (notably in Helsinki) to regulate the market, protect permanent residents, and preserve urban balance.
- Policies supporting real estate investment include tax incentives for renovating old housing, promoting the rental of modernized properties.
Recent Statistical Data and Concrete Examples
- +39% increase in the supply of short-term rentals in 2024.
- Average occupancy rate for seasonal rentals: 42.7% in 2024.
- In Helsinki, the student housing shortage creates a waiting list of 8,000 people, a direct opportunity for investors targeting this segment.
- In Rovaniemi, the occupancy rate in December peaks at 80%, driven by international clientele coming for Christmas and the Northern Lights.
Example of a Successful Investment
An investor acquired a 2-room apartment in Rovaniemi in 2023 for €175,000. Thanks to short-term rentals, mainly during the winter period (December-March), the annual gross yield exceeded 7%, with near-full occupancy for four months and additional rental income from summer stays.
Key Takeaways
The Finnish rental market is experiencing rapid expansion, driven by tourism dynamism, the influx of international students, marked seasonality, and support from public policies. Savvy investors primarily target Helsinki, Lapland, and university cities to maximize yield and rental security.
Good to Know:
The rise of tourism in Finland is stimulating the rental real estate market, with a 15% increase in rental demand in tourist areas like Helsinki, Rovaniemi, and the Lakeland region. The growing interest of travelers in cultural events such as the Night of the Arts in Helsinki or the Rovaniemi Light Festival encourages investors to favor these locations. Favorable tax policies, including tax reductions for renovations of housing intended for rental, also encourage investments. For example, an apartment owner in Rovaniemi saw his profits increase by 20% in one year thanks to the rise in winter tourism. Data from 2022 indicates a 5% increase in real estate prices in these regions, highlighting the lucrative opportunity that rental investment represents in response to these booming tourism trends.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
