Finland — Property: Property Taxes

Why this matters

Understanding the property tax structure is crucial for budgeting and planning long-term costs in Finland.

Key facts

• Transfer tax is 3% for real estate and buildings and 1.5% for housing company shares such as apartments.
• Rates fell from 4% to 3% and from 2% to 1.5% in October 2023, and the contract signing date determines which rate applies.
• First-time buyers lost their exemption from 1 January 2024.
• The general maximum municipal property tax rate is 2% per the tax handbook, with actual rates set by municipalities.

Steps

1. Identify your property’s value — Locate your property’s assessed value from the local municipality or tax office.
2. Determine the applicable tax rate — Check the tax rate for your municipality, as it can vary significantly.
3. Calculate the tax — Multiply the property’s assessed value by the applicable tax rate.
4. Submit the tax payment — Pay the tax through the local tax office or online portal.