Kauppakirja (Deed of Sale)
The kauppakirja is Finland's deed of sale for real property (kiinteisto). It must be executed in a specific statutory form before a public purchase witness (julkinen kaupanvahvistaja) and is a mandatory step for all land and house purchases.
For purchases of real property in Finland — land, detached houses, and other kiinteisto — the kauppakirja (deed of sale) must be signed before a julkinen kaupanvahvistaja (public purchase witness). This is a state-authorised official — typically a lawyer, notary public, or bank official — who certifies the deed and verifies the parties' identities. Without this certification, the deed is legally void.
The kauppakirja must include specific mandatory content: identification of the property by cadastral parcel number (kiinteistotunnus), names and personal identity codes (henkilotunnus) of buyer and seller, the agreed purchase price, and conditions of sale. The public purchase witness also verifies that the seller actually owns the property before certifying the deed.
For asunto-osakeyhtio (As Oy) share purchases, no public purchase witness is required — the transfer of shares is documented by a standard kauppakirja (purchase agreement) that can be executed privately. The share transfer is then registered in the osakehuoneistorekisteri (electronic share register).
After the kauppakirja is executed for real property, the buyer must apply for kiinteistokiinnitys (mortgage registration) if using bank financing, and file for lainhuuto (title registration) with Maanmittauslaitos within six months of the deed date. Stamp duty (varainsiirtovero) must be paid before lainhuuto is granted.
Finland's digital transformation means that electronic kauppakirjat for real property can now be signed via the Maanmittauslaitos digital service (kaupankaynnin kohteen sähköinen tietojärjestelmä — KTVJ), eliminating the need for physical attendance before a witness in most cases.
Key Facts
| For real property | Requires julkinen kaupanvahvistaja signature |
|---|---|
| For As Oy shares | Private kauppakirja; no witness required |
| Mandatory content | Kiinteistotunnus, henkilotunnus, price, conditions |
| After signing | Apply for lainhuuto within 6 months |
| Digital option | Electronic signature via Maanmittauslaitos KTVJ system |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a julkinen kaupanvahvistaja?
A state-authorised public purchase witness. They certify real property deeds, verify ownership, and confirm the parties' identities. Banks, district courts, and licensed lawyers can hold this authorisation.
What is lainhuuto?
Title registration of real property at Maanmittauslaitos — the Finnish equivalent of lagfart in Sweden or tinglysning in Denmark. It must be applied for within 6 months of the deed date. Failure to apply triggers penalty fees.
Can the buyer and seller use the same lawyer for the kauppakirja?
Yes — Finnish practice commonly involves a single lawyer handling both sides. However, buyers in complex transactions benefit from independent legal review.