Finland has long been a dream destination for nature lovers, but now it’s gaining attention among families, remote workers, and retirees looking for more than just a holiday. With clean air, low crime, excellent education, and a stable economy, it’s no surprise that many are searching for the perfect property to buy in Finland.
The Finnish countryside offers a unique blend of modern comforts and wild, untouched beauty. From the rolling hills of Karelia to the pristine lakes of Häme, there’s something magical about rural Finland. Yet among all these scenic regions, one area stands out for its balance of nature, infrastructure, and affordability—Kymenlaakso.
Why Kymenlaakso is the Hidden Gem of Rural Finland
Nestled in southeastern Finland, Kymenlaakso is a region that perfectly represents the Finnish countryside dream. It offers a rare combination of lush forests, vibrant rivers, and friendly local communities—without the isolation often associated with rural living.
Key Features of Kymenlaakso:
Affordable housing: You can find spacious family homes or farmhouses for a fraction of the price you'd pay in Helsinki.
Natural beauty: Endless hiking trails, lakes, and protected areas make it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts..
Good infrastructure: With access to schools, healthcare, and even fiber-optic internet, rural doesn’t mean disconnected..
Proximity to cities: You're only about 90 minutes from Helsinki, which makes occasional city visits or remote work commuting feasible.
These features make Kymenlaakso a prime area to find a property to buy in Finland, especially for those who want tranquility without total remoteness.
What Makes a Great Property in the Finnish Countryside?
When choosing a property to buy in Finland, particularly in the countryside, there are several factors you should consider:
1. Location & Accessibility
You want to be surrounded by nature, but still within reasonable distance to essential services. Look for homes within 15–30 minutes of a town like Kouvola or Kotka.
2. Year-Round Livability
Winters can be long in Finland. Make sure your prospective property is well-insulated, has a reliable heating system (such as a wood stove, heat pump, or geothermal), and year-round road access.
3. Land Ownership
One of the perks of buying a property to buy in Finland is the chance to own a substantial piece of land—perfect for gardening, forestry, or even starting a small eco-business.
4. Building Condition
Some rural homes may be traditional log houses built decades ago. These offer charm but may need renovation. Others are modern countryside homes built within the last 20 years, requiring less upkeep.
Types of Properties to Consider
When searching for a property to buy in Finland, you'll find a surprising range of options:
🏡 Traditional Log Houses
Often found on large plots with surrounding forest. Ideal for renovation lovers who want a truly Finnish aesthetic.
🌾 Small Farms
Comes with land for farming, barns, and sometimes livestock facilities. Perfect for hobby farmers or those pursuing sustainable living.
🚿 Modern Countryside Homes
Built to modern standards, these are turnkey properties with updated plumbing, heating, and energy-efficient design.
🛶 Lakeside Cabins
Finland has over 180,000 lakes, and many countryside properties come with private waterfronts. These make excellent summer homes or Airbnb investments.
No matter your style or goal, there’s a property to buy in Finland that fits.
What You Need to Know About Buying Property in Finland
Here’s what makes Finland particularly attractive for international buyers:
✅ Foreigners Can Buy Property Freely
Non-Finnish citizens can freely purchase real estate, including rural homes and land. You’ll just need to apply for permission through the Finnish Ministry of Defence if the property is in a sensitive area.
💶 Reasonable Prices
While urban prices are rising, countryside properties remain very affordable. In Kymenlaakso, you can buy a 3-bedroom house on several acres of land for less than €100,000.
🏦 Financing Options
Finnish banks are open to providing mortgages to foreign buyers, especially those with income from within the EU. It helps if you have a Finnish bank account and a personal identity number (henkilötunnus).
📝 Professional Help
Use a real estate agent familiar with countryside properties. They can guide you through title deeds, land registry, and legal procedures.
Life in Rural Finland: What to Expect
When you secure your property to buy in Finland, you’ll gain more than just real estate—you'll gain a new way of life.
🎣 Fishing, Foraging, and Forest Living
In Kymenlaakso, you can walk out your back door and gather blueberries, mushrooms, or wild herbs. Local lakes offer excellent pike and perch fishing.
👨👩👧👦 A Safe Environment for Families
Low crime rates and community-centric living make rural Finland ideal for raising children. Schools are well-funded and often smaller, meaning more individual attention for students.
🧘♀️ Health and Wellbeing
Nature is proven to reduce stress, and Finnish countryside living embodies that. Long walks, saunas, and seasonal living rhythms support a healthy lifestyle.
💻 Remote Work Ready
With fast broadband even in rural areas, many professionals are relocating to places like Kymenlaakso and working fully remote—while enjoying the lifestyle of their dreams.
Sustainability and Self-Sufficiency
Owning a property to buy in Finland also offers a real chance to go off-grid or live more sustainably.
- Install solar panels or a geothermal heating system.
- Use your land for permaculture, gardens, or raising animals.
- Tap into Finland’s extensive recycling and composting systems.
- Build a root cellar or preserve foods for the long winters.
Living in the Finnish countryside often means reducing your environmental footprint without sacrificing comfort or modern amenities.
Real Stories: Why Families Are Moving to Kymenlaakso
Meet the Anderssons, a Swedish-Finnish family who left crowded Stockholm to buy a property in Finland’s Kymenlaakso region. “We were looking for space, nature, and freedom,” says Lena Andersson. “We found a renovated farmhouse on 5 hectares for less than the price of our old apartment.”
They now run a small Airbnb from their guesthouse, homeschool their two children, and grow their own vegetables. “It’s the life we didn’t even know we wanted,” Lena adds.
Their story is becoming increasingly common, as families from Germany, the UK, and even the US search for a property to buy in Finland that offers a better quality of life.
How to Start Your Property Search
Ready to explore the countryside? Here’s how to start your search for the best property to buy in Finland:
- Decide on the Region: Prioritize Kymenlaakso for its value, natural beauty, and infrastructure.
- Set a Budget: Include renovations, legal fees, and travel costs.
- Use a Local Agent: Especially one who speaks English and understands rural property.
- Visit in All Seasons: Experience winter and summer to know what you're getting.
- Be Patient: Rural properties move slower than city apartments. Take your time.
The Future of Rural Living in Finland
The countryside is no longer just a place for vacations or retirees. It’s quickly becoming a lifestyle movement. As remote work rises and environmental consciousness grows, the demand for spacious, sustainable, and affordable homes will only increase.
Now is the time to invest in a property to buy in Finland before prices rise and availability tightens. Whether you’re looking to raise a family, launch a nature retreat, or simply escape the stress of city life, the Finnish countryside—especially in Kymenlaakso—might just be your dream come true.
But there's one specific property that has caught the eye of many...
A secluded yet connected, fully-renovated family home in the heart of Kymenlaakso. With lakes nearby, high-speed internet, and a sauna under the stars, this could be the final stop in your search for the perfect property to buy in Finland.
So... Why Just Dream About It?
Why keep wondering what life could be like in the peaceful forests and rolling fields of Finland? The lifestyle you've imagined might be more attainable than you think.