Andrey Neznaev (Kotka, Finland) - realtor of Koti-Finanssi Oy LKV, consultant, project manager of DomSuomi tells portal ee24.com readers, how much the most popular properties cost in Finland, what the ordinary Finns think about the Russians and why in the country of thousand lakes they are concerned about depreciation of the ruble.
- Your customers, and other buyers of Finnish real estate in Russia – are they mostly from St. Petersburg?
- Our real estate agency is located in the center of Kotka and is focused also on Russian clients. First and foremost, our Russian customers are from St. Petersburg, but there are also Muscovites. For residents of St. Petersburg, Finland has traditionally been convenient for its territorial accessibility, and virtually there are no alternatives. It is an ideal place for residents of St. Petersburg to buy cottages that replace them Russian dachas.
- Has the demand become more active due to the recent events in Russia and Ukraine?
- Yes, I can say that there is demand, now there is a wave of emigration, and people often addressed to us for corresponding consulting services.
- What budget should you have to buy real estate in Finland? Perhaps the minimum necessary amount?
- You can find something inexpensive for at least €30,000. In South Karelia (Kotka, Hamina, Imatra), and in other areas in the south of Finland there is quite affordable housing.
-------------------
"In Finland the Russians are looking for land with small houses for €200-250K"
-------------------
If you take more or less average demand, the Russians usually want to buy a plot of land inFinland of 0.5-1 ha (50-100 ares), with its own coastline of 60-100 meters, and a small house with two or three bedrooms with all amenities, with a fireplace. You can find good options for € 200,000 - 250,000.
- You communicate with the local population, have they changed their attitude to the Russians?
- The Finns in this regard are quite careful about sharp comments. This is due to the high degree of integration in the political and corporate level. On the contrary, the Finns are now concerned that after the ruble crisis tourist flow from Russia may fall. Only in remote areas they think more unilinearly, urban residents make a sober estimate of the situation and realize that our countries must work together and be friends with each other. The Finns are absolutely delighted that the Russians buy housing in Finland and become their neighbors.
- And what about the government? Last year they were seriously discussing a ban on the purchase of land by the Russians.
- Do not be really afraid of it. One of the MPs put forward a related bill, which he actively lobbied, but it has not received appropriate support. This deputy was concerned that the Russians increase the demand for real estate in his native region, and as a result they stimulate prices. Although I think that prices are rising under the influence of objective factors having a positive impact on the market.
Russians buy real estate in Finland, make purchases in stores and service enterprises, having a positive impact on the Finnish economy. The Finns want to cooperate with Russia, and they not only attract investment, but also invest in business in Russia themselves.
- Who are the foreigners, besides the Russians who buy real estate in Finland more often? Maybe the neighboring Swedes?
- When in 2000 restrictions on the purchase for foreigners were removed, the Finns were very afraid that there will be an intervention from the Germans. And it happened that the Russians seized the opportunity. The Germans are on the third place by the number of transactions, after the Finns themselves and the Russians.
The second official language in Finland is Swedish, and it has much in common with German. A lot of Swedish population - the so-called Swedish-Finns, lives on the west coast of Finland, in Helsinki, Turku, Loviisa, Porvoo.
- How can you get a residence permit in Finland?
- You will not get a residence permit when buying real estate in Finland, so the best option for obtaining it is business immigration or family reunion, that is marriage with a citizen of Finland.
In case of business immigration there are requirements for minimum wage. If it is charged and you have a good business plan, which is also included in the documents submitted the residence permit application, you will get a residence permit in Finland for one year. After that, a residence permit is extended for several years and you can apply for permanent residence.
Interview: Pavel Kuznetsov, Alexander Fetyukov, ee24.com