asumisoikeuden

Asumisoikeuden is a form of housing tenure in Finland where a resident obtains a long-term occupancy right in a dwelling owned by a housing company (asunto-osakeyhtiö). The resident does not own the apartment, but acquires a long-term use right (käyttöoikeus) to live there, often for life, with an option to transfer the right to a new occupant by sale. The housing company retains ownership of the building.

Acquiring asumisoikeuden requires payment of a one-time capital charge, the asumisoikeusmaksu, and ongoing monthly payments, the käyttövastike, to cover maintenance and operating costs. The size of the charge depends on factors such as apartment size, age, and market conditions. The right is typically lifelong but ends if the occupant moves out or dies; the rights can be sold to another eligible buyer through the asumisoikeus market, with price determined by market demand and the remaining duration of the right.

Rights and obligations: The holder has the right to live in the dwelling and to participate in the housing company's decision-making process through meetings and representation. The holder must comply with the house rules and contribute to common area upkeep; the company remains responsible for structural repairs and ownership.

Advantages and disadvantages: Compared with freehold ownership, asumisoikeus usually requires a lower upfront payment and provides stable housing costs but does not confer full ownership or capital gains; resale values and conditions can vary with the market and the building's age.

Overall, asumisoikeuden is a distinct Finnish housing option designed to combine long-term housing security with affordability, sitting between renting and owning.