Eleven negative decisions on real estate transactions

Eleven negative decisions on real estate transactions

On 24 October 2025, Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen denied eleven prospective buyers from outside the EU and EEA a permit to buy real estate in Finland.

"Real estate is a tool for hybrid influence activities. That is why we will prevent any real estate transaction that in our estimation could threaten our national security and security of supply and possibly complicate the organisation of homeland defence. We can do this effectively thanks to our permit system for real estate transactions and the total ban on transactions by Russians and Belarusians that entered into force in the summer," Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen said.

The negative decisions concerned properties in Mikkeli, Pargas, Puumala, Taipalsaari, Savonlinna, Simo, Kouvola, Kolari and Tornio.

The applicants had different kinds of plans for the real estate, such as business, forestry, residential and recreational use. The applicants are citizens of Russia, Israel, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.

The decisions to deny the applicants a permit were based on the Act on Permit Requirements for Certain Real Estate Acquisitions (470/2019).

The decisions are not yet final.

Any requests by media for access to documents should be sent via email to the Registry of the Ministry of Defence at kirjaamo.plm(at)gov.fi.

Further information can be inquired by email from the Media and Communications Unit of the Ministry of Defence at tiedotus.plm(at)gov.fi.

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