1. Design Capital: Helsinki was named the World Design Capital in 2012, highlighting its commitment to design and innovation. The city hosts numerous design events and showcases the work of local designers, making it a hub for creativity. 2. Sauna Culture: Finland is known for its sauna culture, and Helsinki has a unique twist with public saunas that are accessible to everyone. These saunas, like Löyly and Kotiharjun Sauna, offer a communal experience and are integral to Finnish social life, allowing residents and visitors to unwind and connect. 3. Underground City: Beneath Helsinki lies an extensive network of underground tunnels, known as the "Helsinki Underground." This system includes storage facilities, parking lots, and even shops. It's a fascinating aspect of the city that many people may not be aware of, showcasing innovative urban planning to handle cold winters and enhance city living.
The housing market in Helsinki is experiencing a period of transition and growth. As of 2023, there were approximately 2,844,883 household-dwelling units in Finland, with a significant portion located in Helsinki. In the city, about 61.3% of residents own their homes, while 35.9% rent. The rental market in Helsinki is competitive and expensive. As of early 2024, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center was around €22.20 per square meter in the free market. For state-subsidized rental housing, the average was €14.50 per square meter. The cost to buy property in Helsinki varies, but prices in central areas can range from €6,000 to €10,000 per square meter. Public and social housing play a crucial role in Helsinki's housing market. The City of Helsinki owns about 50,000 rental apartments, managed by the Helsinki City Housing Company (Heka), which represents a significant portion of the city's housing stock. Additionally, right-of-occupancy dwellings, a form of cooperative housing, account for about 1.9% of the housing market. The city is actively working to address housing demand through new developments and urban planning. By 2025, it's projected that 85% of Finnish households will live in urban areas, further increasing pressure on Helsinki's housing market.
Helsinki's city administration has adopted a proactive approach to housing, focusing on affordability, sustainability, and social mixing. The city's "Home Town Helsinki" policy, implemented in 2016, aims to create balanced neighborhoods with diverse housing options. Key targets include: - Producing 6,000 dwellings annually - 25% subsidized and regulated rental housing - 30% unsubsidized but price-controlled ownership housing Concrete activities and programs: 1. Public land ownership: Helsinki owns 70% of its land, enabling significant control over housing development. 2. Hitas system: Regulates housing prices on public land based on production costs, making middle-income housing affordable in expensive areas. 3. Company share model: Applied to both owner-occupied and subsidized flats, facilitating property transactions. 4. Direct housing production: The city produces 1,500 dwellings annually, including 750 subsidized rental units. 5. Mixed-tenure neighborhoods: Policies ensure diverse housing types in all areas to prevent segregation. 6. Rent-to-own model: A new initiative piloting an intermediate option between rental and ownership. 7. Homelessness reduction: The city aims to eradicate homelessness by 2025 through housing counseling and supported housing provision. 8. Sustainable construction: Collaboration with companies to develop eco-friendly building materials and practices. These initiatives demonstrate Helsinki's commitment to creating affordable, sustainable, and socially inclusive housing options for its residents.