How does the Finnish housing market work - is buying or renting more common?

The answer

Finland has a mixed market. Helsinki and major cities are expensive to buy - a small flat can cost 200,000-500,000€. Outside major cities prices drop significantly. The Finnish housing ownership model includes a unique system called housing company shares (asunto-osakeyhtiö) - you buy shares in a company that owns the building, which gives you the right to live in a specific flat. There are also ongoing maintenance fees (yhtiövastike). Renting is very common especially when first arriving.