Apartment Center: The year started through a penalty ring
The Finnish housing market is projected to grow this year, but January's activity suggests otherwise, indicating a continued slowdown.
The Finnish housing market has been anticipated to show signs of growth this year; however, the figures for January indicate otherwise, as the total number of used apartment transactions dropped by 7.4% compared to the previous year. According to Huoneistokeskus, January is typically a quiet month in terms of transaction volume, but the significant decline in sales has prompted concerns. A total of 3,399 apartment sales were completed in January, showcasing a stark contrast to expectations and previous years' performances.
The fourth quarter of 2023 and the start of 2024 revealed that January 2024 has been one of the weakest months in Finland's history of apartment sales, with transactions amounting to fewer than 2,900 units. This substantial downturn emphasizes challenges within the market, which may stem from various factors such as economic conditions, consumer confidence, and broader trends influencing the real estate sector. Huoneistokeskus, characterized as having not thrown in the towel, metaphorically described the initial stage of this year's growth as beginning through a