7 Finnish (and Swedish) words for housing in Helsinki


Finding a place to live in Helsinki is an exciting step, whether you’re moving here for work, study, or family. To make your housing search smoother, here are 7 Finnish words that will help you start to understand listings and communicate with landlords.

Not apart
A part

a building with many windows in the Pasila district of Helsinki a room with a kitchen and dining area a grass field with flowers in front of a building


Navigating Helsinki’s housing market


Apartment hunting in Helsinki can feel a little like dating. You’ll swipe through hundreds of listings on Oikotie or Vuokraovi, hoping for the perfect match: valoisa asunto (bright apartment), parveke (balcony, yes please!), and a location near a tram stop. The housing market is competitive, but fear not—armed with these Finnish words and practical tips, you’ll be moving into your dream koti in no time.

Where to start your search

Helsinki has diverse neighbourhoods, each with its own personality. Looking for a hipster vibe with craft beer and quirky cafés? Check out Kallio. Fancy the sea breeze and green parks? Try Lauttasaari. Prefer sleek and central? Kamppi is calling your name.

Most apartments are listed on housing portals. Bookmark Oikotie and Vuokraovi—they’re your best friends during this adventure. Another tip? Join local Facebook groups like Vuokra-asunnot Helsinki for direct-from-owner opportunities and room shares.


Understanding apartment listings

At first glance, apartment ads in Finland might look like an IKEA instruction manual—compact and cryptic. But decoding them is part of the fun. Here’s what to expect:

Pro tip: Always check if vesi ja sähkö (water and electricity) are included in the rent. If not, these might add €20–50 monthly for water and €50–100 for electricity, depending on usage.

Man on a balcony in Kalasatama

Prepare for the showing: Näyttö


Showings (näyttö) are like apartment auditions, and you’re the one auditioning. Punctuality is a must—arriving five minutes late to a näyttö might mean losing the apartment to a more prepared Finn. Prepare a short introduction about (read: pitch) yourself. Finns love efficiency, so don’t overcomplicate your pitch. A smile and a “Hei, olen kiinnostunut tästä asunnosta” (Hi, I’m interested in this apartment) goes a long way.


Signing your sopimus (contract)

Congratulations—you’ve landed the apartment! Your vuokrasopimus (rental agreement) will outline everything you need to know, from rent (vuokra) to deposit (vakuus). Deposits are usually one to two months’ rent. Keep an eye out for clauses about notice periods (irtisanomisaika) and shared responsibilities in the building, such as taking care of the recycling area (kierrätyspiste).

Oh, and about that recycling: Helsinki is serious about it. Your building might have separate bins for biojäte (organic waste), muovi (plastic), and sekajäte (mixed waste). Welcome to eco-living!

Couple passing the flat-iron house in Eira district

Festivities

Seasonal

illustration of a woman recycling a plastic bottle

What to expect in your Helsinki home

Most Helsinki apartments are compact and efficient, with clever layouts that make 40 square metres feel like a palace. If you’re lucky, your new home might even come with a sauna. Yes, a sauna—because this is Finland, and sweating in style is part of the culture.

Speaking of style, most rentals come unfurnished (kalustamaton), so you’ll get to live your Nordic design dreams. Hit up IKEA for the basics, and explore second-hand treasures at local flea markets like Kaivarin Kanuuna.

Neighbourhood tips

Settling in isn’t just about the apartment; it’s about the vibe. Helsinki neighbourhoods offer something for everyone:

7 Finnish (and Swedish) words for housing you need to know

Asunto (Lägenhet)

Meaning “apartment,” asunto is the first word you’ll encounter when browsing rental platforms like Oikotie or Vuokraovi. Listings often include abbreviations such as 2h+k (two rooms and a kitchen) or yksiö (studio apartment). Make sure to carefully read the listing details to understand the layout and amenities.

Vuokra (Hyra)

This means “rent.” In Helsinki, monthly rents vary depending on the location and size of the apartment. Expect higher rents in central areas like Kamppi and Punavuori compared to suburban districts like Malmi or Vuosaari.

Sopimus (Kontrakt)

A vuokrasopimus is your rental contract. Finnish rental agreements are typically straightforward and cover the basics like vuokra (rent) and vakuus (deposit). Make sure to read the terms about notice periods, usually one month.

Huone (Rum)

In Finnish listings, huone refers to all rooms except the kitchen and bathroom. For example, a 2h+k means one bedroom and one living room. If you’re sharing a flat, check if it has separate huoneet (rooms) for privacy.

Parveke (Balkong)

A parveke (balcony) is a desirable feature, especially in Helsinki, where summers are celebrated outdoors. Apartments with parveke often cost a bit more, but it’s worth it for those long, sunny evenings.

Näyttö (Visning)

A näyttö is an apartment viewing. Helsinki landlords often host open house events for prospective tenants. Be punctual, bring proof of income, and dress neatly—it makes a good impression.

Lämmitys (Uppvärmning)

Most Helsinki apartments have district heating (kaukolämpö), included in the rent. Confirm this with the landlord, as it can significantly affect your winter heating costs.

Tip: Pets

If you’re moving with pets, look for listings that state lemmikit sallittu (pets allowed). Many buildings have restrictions on animals.


MyHelsinki Tip: Navigating Helsinki like a pro

Once you’ve got your apartment, it’s time to settle in. Register your new address with DVV (Digital and Population Data Services Agency)—this is required by law. While you’re at it, apply for kotiavain (home insurance), a small cost that protects your belongings and is often required by landlords.

Finally, learn the art of small talk with neighbours. A simple “Hyvää huomenta!” (Good morning!) can lead to lifelong friendships—or at least a smile when you meet in the lift.