The sale of summer cottages in Finland has notably increased over the past year, as highlighted by the recent data released by Sp-Koti, a real estate chain under the Säästöpankkiryhmä group. According to their reports, there was a 25.3% year-on-year increase in the number of transactions involving leisure properties in January, with the average price reaching its highest point in a decade. This surge in sales indicates a positive trend in the vacation home market as consumers appear more confident in their purchasing intentions.

Sp-Koti's CEO, Jukka Rantanen, mentioned that there has been a marked increase in consumers' intentions to purchase leisure properties over the next six months, suggesting a promising spring for the cottage sales sector. The most significant sales were recorded in Uusimaa, Lapland, and North Ostrobothnia, regions known for their attractive summer cottage offerings. Rantanen believes this uptick in purchasing intentions reflects that some household finances have stabilized enough to allow them to fulfill their dreams of owning a vacation home.

Financing for these purchases traditionally comes from accumulated savings and existing wealth, rather than loans. This further emphasizes the growing confidence among consumers, as they opt for more sustainable financial practices when investing in leisure properties. As the market trends indicate rising interest and activity, it remains essential to watch how these dynamics will evolve in the coming months, particularly as the season for summer outings approaches, and how they may impact the overall real estate market in Finland.