The historical childhood home of President Urho Kekkonen, located on Kalliokatu 7 in Kajaani, went up for auction as part of the city's initiative to sell protected buildings with lease rights. The auction, which took place via the public sector online auction service Kiertonet, concluded with a mere 640 euros being the highest bid out of 15 offers. This low figure raises concerns about the value and interest in important cultural heritage sites in the region.

The Kajaani city council is set to decide whether to accept or reject the highest bid in an upcoming meeting, emphasizing the need for the successful buyer to outline their intended use of the property. Kekkonen's family moved into this house when he was only 11 years old, and it holds personal and historical significance as the residence of one of Finland's prominent political figures until 1926. The building itself, constructed in 1910, initially featured multiple residential units, but underwent renovations in 1980 that converted the living spaces into office premises.

The auction reflects broader trends concerning the preservation and administration of historical properties in Finland. The low bidding price might indicate either a lack of public awareness about the building's significance or the challenges in maintaining such properties. While this auction serves as a local focal point, it resonates with national conversations about heritage conservation and the responsibilities of municipalities in safeguarding their historical identities, highlighting the delicate balance between economic interests and cultural preservation.