Finland's property transfer tax — 4% for direct real estate, 2% for housing company (AsOy) shares. Payable within 2 months of purchase. First-time buyers aged 18-39 may be exempt.
The varainsiirtovero (transfer tax) is a Finnish transaction tax payable on the purchase of real estate and housing company shares. The rate differs by property type: 4% for kiinteisto (direct real estate) and 2% for asunto-osakeyhtio shares (AsOy). The tax is payable to Vero (Finnish Tax Authority) and must accompany the lainhuuto application to Maanmittauslaitos.
The tax base is the higher of the purchase price and the fair market value of the property at the time of transfer. There is no separate stamp duty or notarial fee on Finnish property transfers — the varainsiirtovero is the primary transaction tax.
First-time homebuyers between the ages of 18 and 39 are exempt from varainsiirtovero on both real estate and AsOy share purchases, provided the property is purchased as the buyer's primary residence and the purchase price does not exceed EUR 500,000 for real estate. The buyer must declare first-time buyer status when submitting the lainhuuto application.
Payment of varainsiirtovero must be made within two months of signing the kauppakirja for real estate, or within two months of signing the share transfer agreement for AsOy. Payment is made through the OmaVero portal, and proof of payment must accompany the lainhuuto application.
Companies purchasing Finnish real estate pay the same varainsiirtovero rates. Non-resident foreign buyers pay on the same basis as Finnish residents — there is no additional foreign buyer surcharge in Finland.
Within two months of signing the kauppakirja (real estate) or share transfer agreement (AsOy). Payment is made through the OmaVero portal. Delayed payment incurs interest charges.
Buyers aged 18-39 purchasing their first-ever home in Finland as their primary residence. The exemption is self-declared on the lainhuuto application. Once used, it cannot be claimed again on a subsequent purchase.
Functionally yes — it serves the same purpose as stamp duty in common-law systems. Unlike UK stamp duty, there are no tiered rates — a flat 4% or 2% applies to the full purchase price regardless of value.
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