asuntoosuuskuntiin

Asuntoosuuskunta, often translated as housing cooperative, is a form of housing ownership common in Finland. In this model, individuals become members of a cooperative by purchasing shares, which grants them the right to occupy a specific dwelling within the cooperative's property. The cooperative itself owns the building and the land it is situated on.

Members of the asuntoosuuskunta collectively manage the property through a democratically elected board. They are responsible for maintenance, repairs, and the overall upkeep of the building. Monthly fees, known as hoitovastike, are paid by each member to cover these operational costs, as well as potential loan repayments for the building.

Unlike owning a condominium, where an individual owns their apartment outright, with an asuntoosuuskunta, ownership is indirect. The member owns shares in the cooperative, not the physical property itself. This means that when selling their "apartment," they are actually selling their shares. The price of these shares is influenced by the market value of the dwelling and the cooperative's financial situation. Asuntoosuuskunta offers a communal living experience where residents have a say in the management of their housing.