Henkilöomaisuus

Henkilöomaisuus, meaning personal property in Finnish, refers to movable assets that are owned by an individual and are not considered real estate. This category encompasses a wide range of items that a person possesses, such as furniture, vehicles, clothing, electronics, and other personal belongings. In legal contexts, henkilöomaisuus is distinct from kiinteistöomaisuus, which denotes immovable property like land and buildings.

The ownership and transfer of henkilöomaisuus are governed by Finnish law, primarily through the Contract Law (Sopimuslaki) and Sale of Goods Act (Kauppalaki). These laws outline the rights and obligations of individuals concerning their personal property, including principles of purchase, sale, donation, and inheritance. For example, the transfer of ownership for most personal property occurs when possession is transferred, although specific regulations might apply to certain high-value items like vehicles.

Disputes related to personal property can arise in various situations, such as division of assets during divorce, inheritance claims, or issues concerning debt collection. In such cases, Finnish courts will examine the evidence of ownership and the circumstances surrounding the property's acquisition and possession to determine rightful ownership. The concept of henkilöomaisuus is fundamental to understanding property rights and civil law in Finland.