In February, discussions around taxation in Finland intensified as one of the most unpopular taxes, the transfer tax, was brought to the forefront by members of the governing coalition. RKP parliamentary representatives Henrik Wickström and Otto Andersson suggested that Finland's economy could benefit from targeted tax incentives, including the temporary removal or halving of the transfer tax, which is levied on property transactions. This proposal has resulted in a rapid response from various political leaders and economists, highlighting the growing support for reforming this tax system.

Currently, the transfer tax for residential properties is set at 1.5% for apartments and 3% for single-family homes. This means that, for example, a buyer of a 200,000-euro apartment would have to pay 3,000 euros in tax, while a buyer of a similarly priced single-family home would face a tax of 6,000 euros. The outcry against this tax has united voices across different political lines, including Finland's SDP party and various economists, suggesting a shift towards a more favorable taxation framework that could invigorate the housing market.

The implications of potential changes to the transfer tax are significant, as they could not only reduce the financial burden on homebuyers but also stimulate real estate activity in Finland. The ongoing debate reflects broader economic concerns and the government's responsiveness to public sentiment regarding taxation, indicating that there may be room for compromise and reform in light of these discussions.