Juha, a 36-year-old resident of Vantaa, along with his wife, has been trying to sell their apartment since spring 2023 without success. Their attempts mirror the broader struggles faced by many homeowners in Finland, particularly in urban areas, where the real estate market has stagnated due to declining prices. According to Sp-Koti, old apartment prices dropped by an average of 9 percent last year, significantly impacting sellers' prospects.

The couple lives in Kivistö, a relatively new residential area that has seen some recent development, including grocery stores, a library, and fitness centers. Despite these improvements, Juha shared his frustrations after a recent open house drew zero visitors, emphasizing the challenges they face in a market where potential buyers are scarce. Real estate entrepreneur Tomi Suvinen noted that sellers may need to significantly lower their asking prices to attract buyers, a reality that Juha and others like him are grappling with amid troubling market conditions.

As Vantaa and other urban centers in Finland experience stagnation in the housing market, this situation raises important questions about the economic landscape and the future of urban living in the country. Residents who, like Juha and his family, invested in these growing areas are now caught in a difficult bind, highlighting the broader implications of shifting demand and affordability in Finnish cities as homeowners reevaluate their options in an increasingly challenging real estate environment.