Study: 9% of residents in Finland’s major cities plan to buy a home within a year

According to YIT’s Sustainable Urban Environments Barometer, conducted in October 2025, nine percent of residents in Finland’s largest cities plan to purchase a home within the next year. Interest is notably higher among families with children, with nearly one-fifth (17%) considering buying a home or switching to owner-occupied housing. 

“Even though sluggish economic growth and weak consumer confidence have slowed the housing market’s recovery, homeownership continues to be viewed as a financially sound choice,” says Pekka Helin, Senior Vice President for Housing Customer Relations and Services at YIT. 

Shifts in consumer expectations are also visible. Demand for studio apartments has declined, while interest in larger homes is growing. “Respondents clearly expressed a desire for more space,” Helin notes. 

The most common reasons for buying a new home are changes in life circumstances or family size (30%) and the need for additional space (29%). One in six (16%) are motivated by the desire for a higher-quality home, while another 16% are seeking a more affordable option. 

Concerns about housing costs and renovations on the rise 

Uncertainty around housing-related costs is growing again. While concern over energy prices has eased compared to last year (41%, down from 48%), more people are worried about upcoming repair needs (35%, up from 27%) and the rising cost of major renovations (17%, up from 12%). Despite falling interest rates, concern over mortgage rates has also increased (20%, up from 15%). 

One in five (21%) residents of major cities said they had considered buying a home in the past year but ultimately postponed the decision. This was particularly common among families with children (35%). Of those who delayed their purchase, 38% cited financial reasons, 27% could not find a suitable home, and 18% said the global situation felt too uncertain. 

Home ownership remains financially appealing 

Owner-occupied housing continues to be perceived as a more attractive financial choice than renting. Looking ahead two to five years, 39% of respondents want to live in an owner-occupied home, while 26% prefer renting. 

Among renters, nearly half (48%) chose their housing type for its ease and flexibility. Those who preferred ownership most often cited stability (52%), the opportunity to invest in their home (41%), and the potential to build wealth (36%). One-third (34%) said they value owner-occupation because it allows them to make decisions about interior design choices and materials. 

“A new home provides everyday security. There’s no need to worry about renovations, and running costs are predictable. Owning is owning — and that means having decision-making power,” Helin emphasizes. 

About the study 

YIT’s Sustainable Urban Environments Barometer examines how Finland’s cities should develop in the future. This is the eighth edition of the survey. Respondents evaluated options related to housing, mobility, work environments, and urban spaces. The study targeted residents of Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa, Tampere, Turku, Oulu, Jyväskylä, and Kuopio. The online panel of 1,000 consumers was conducted in October 2025. 

Further information: 
YIT Group Communications, tel. +358 44 743 7536, press@yit.fi 
 
We build and develop sustainable living environments: functional and comfortable homes; public and commercial buildings for future needs; infrastructure to promote the green transition; and industrial, production and energy facilities to support our customers' processes. YIT’s vision is to be the most competent partner in the development of sustainable homes, facilities and cities – for a good life. The company employs around 4,100 professionals, and in 2024 our turnover was EUR 1.8 billion. YIT’s shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki. 

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