Learning a new language opens up a world of opportunities and experiences. For those planning to live, work, or invest in Finnish-speaking regions, understanding real estate and housing vocabulary is essential. Let’s explore some of the key terms you’ll need to navigate this sector in Finnish.

Asunto
The word “asunto” refers to an apartment or a flat. It is one of the most common types of housing in Finnish cities.
Etsin uutta asuntoa läheltä työpaikkaani.

Omakotitalo
This refers to a detached house, or literally a “own-home-house.” It is a standalone building typically used by a single family.
He rakennuttivat omakotitalon maalle.

Rivitalo
A “rivitalo” is a row house or a townhouse, which is a series of connected residences in a line.
Rivitalossa asuminen sopii meille, koska pidämme naapureiden lähellä olemisesta.

Kerrostalo
This term refers to a multi-floor apartment building or block of flats where each floor contains one or more separate apartments.
Kerrostalostamme on hienot näkymät järvelle.

Paritalo
Translating to a “pair house,” it indicates a semi-detached house or a duplex, which is a residential building divided into two apartments with a common wall.
Asun paritalon toisessa puoliskossa.

Kiinteistö
The term “kiinteistö” refers to a property or a real estate. It could be any type of immovable property, including land and buildings.
Kiinteistömarkkinat ovat tällä hetkellä hyvin aktiiviset.

Vuokra-asunto
A “vuokra-asunto” is a rented apartment or flat. It is a housing unit that one occupies by paying rent to the landlord.
Vuokra-asuntoni on pieni, mutta viihtyisä.

Myynnissä
When a property is “myynnissä,” it means it is for sale.
Näin unelmieni omakotitalon, ja se on myynnissä!

Velaton hinta
This means “debt-free price,” signifying the selling price of a property without any debts or mortgages.
Velaton hinta oli korkeampi, mutta meillä oli varaa siihen.

Lainan takaisinmaksu
This phrase refers to “loan repayment,” which is the process of paying back borrowed money, often associated with mortgages in real estate.
Lainan takaisinmaksuun menee suurin osa kuukausitulostamme.

Välittäjä
A “välittäjä” is a broker or an agent, often used in the context of real estate to refer to someone who facilitates the buying, selling, or renting of property.
Välittäjä auttoi meitä löytämään täydellisen kodin.

Asuntolaina
“Asuntolaina” means a mortgage. It is a loan taken out to purchase real estate, secured by the property itself.
Haimme pankista asuntolainaa uuden talon ostoa varten.

Kaupunginosa
A “kaupunginosa” is a district or a neighborhood within a city.
Asun Helsingin Kallion kaupunginosassa.

Tontti
The word “tontti” refers to a plot or a piece of land, typically one on which you can build a property.
Ostimme tontin, jolle suunnittelemme omakotitalon rakentamista.

Asuinalue
An “asuinalue” is a residential area, usually consisting of a community of houses.
Tämä hiljainen asuinalue on täydellinen lapsiperheille.

Yhtiövastike
This term stands for a “maintenance charge” or “service charge” and is often associated with condominiums or co-op apartments.
Yhtiövastike sisältää lämmityksen, veden ja kiinteistön hoidon.

Understanding these terms is vital for anyone interested in the Finnish real estate market, whether you’re buying, selling, or simply finding a place to call home. With this vocabulary in hand, you’re ready to start exploring the world of real estate and housing in Finland. Onnea matkaan – good luck on your journey!