huoneiston

Huoneisto is a Finnish term used to describe a dwelling unit that is part of a housing company (asunto-osakeyhtiö). In practice, it refers to a separately defined living space within a building or complex, where the owner has exclusive right to use the specific unit. The unit is described in floor plans and yhtiöjärjestys (the housing company's articles) and is tied to ownership of a corresponding share (osake) in the housing company.

Ownership and rights are structured so that the owner holds a share in the housing company and, through that share, has exclusive use of the huoneisto. The owner also shares ownership of common areas and facilities with other shareholders. The housing company owns the common property, while individual huoneistot are used by the respective owners. When a huoneisto is sold, the transfer typically involves the sale of the corresponding osake and the accompanying right to use the unit, in accordance with the yhtiöjärjestys and contract terms.

Maintenance and costs are divided between the owner and the housing company. The owner is responsible for interior upkeep and alterations within the unit, while the housing company handles maintenance and repairs of common areas, building systems, and the exterior. Residents pay a monthly maintenance charge (vastike) to cover these shared costs.

Huoneisto is a central concept in Finland’s multi-unit housing market. It is primarily used to describe a dwelling unit within a shared ownership structure, distinct from a standalone house or other forms of property ownership. The term is commonly encountered in real estate listings, ownership documents, and property contracts.