As of early 2026, Kuusamo has been identified as Finland's most desired location for purchasing holiday cottages, ranking ahead of Kittilä and Lohja. The rising interest in Kuusamo can be attributed to its winter attractions, especially the extensive services available at Rukatunturi, drawing potential cottage buyers to the area. Tiina Aalto-Fischer, director at Oikotie Asunnot, notes that the popularity of Kuusamo has significantly increased over the winter, driven by the heavy snowfall that has heightened interest in Northern Finland.

Last year, Lohja held the title of the most popular cottage area, with Kouvola and Mikkeli following as other sought-after locations for vacation homes. Aalto-Fischer also highlighted a booming market in Lohja for leisure home purchases, indicating a substantial increase in transaction volumes over recent years. This shift suggests a notable trend where different regions are gaining prominence in Finland's cottage real estate market, particularly influenced by seasonal attractions and local amenities.

While Kuopio is recognized as the wealthiest municipality in Finland regarding the number of cottages, it has not featured among the top destinations for cottage purchases. This reflects a broader trend in Finnish real estate, implying that while some areas may have a high number of vacation properties, they do not necessarily translate into demand for cottage purchases, emphasizing changing preferences in buyer behavior across the country.