Rental viewings show a total change in the housing market
Translated from Finnish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- The Finnish rental market has shifted, with real estate agents reporting a surplus of available apartments.
- Previously, rental viewings saw long queues, but now there are significantly fewer applicants.
- This change signifies a 'tenant's market,' allowing renters to negotiate terms and even prices.
The rental market in Finland has undergone a dramatic transformation, shifting from a landlord's advantage to a tenant's market. Real estate agents report a significant increase in available apartments and a sharp decrease in the number of prospective renters attending viewings.
Currently, it's a tenant's market, and there are plenty of apartments available.
"Currently, it's a tenant's market, and there are plenty of apartments available," said Arif Hamidulla, a real estate agent. He recalled a time when queues for apartment viewings would stretch down the stairs, with up to 30 people vying for a single unit. "There used to be people down the stairs for studio apartment viewings, but not anymore," he added.
There used to be people down the stairs for studio apartment viewings, but not anymore.
Maria-Elena Ehrnrooth, CEO of the Finnish Association of Real Estate Agents (SKVL), confirmed the shift. "The spirit of this time is that the consumer is king," she stated. "This is naturally to the advantage of the renter, as they can negotiate even on price and terms."
The spirit of this time is that the consumer is king.
This new dynamic empowers renters, giving them leverage to negotiate not only lease terms but also rental prices. The abundance of available properties suggests a cooling of the housing market, offering a welcome change for those seeking rental accommodation in Finland.
This is naturally to the advantage of the renter, as they can negotiate even on price and terms.
Originally published by Helsingin Sanomat in Finnish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.