Housing and community

There are several parties in Espoo that provide rental flats. Espoon Asunnot Oy is a rental housing company owned by the City of Espoo. It has over 16,000 rental flats across Espoo. Residents are selected for most of Espoon Asunnot Oy’s flats on the basis of their needs, wealth and income.

You can apply for one of Espoon Asunnot Oy’s rental flats by filling out a form online. The application is valid for three months. You can update it if your situation changes. You will be able to extend the application's validity after three months. Espoon Asunnot Oy has many applicants for housing and cannot offer housing to everyone.

• Learn more about Espoon Asunnot.(external link, opens in a new window)

Rental housing in Espoo is also offered by M2 Kodit, Sato and Lumo-kodit, along with private landlords. You can look for rental flats on different websites such as Oikotie.fi or Vuokraovi.com.

The Foundation for Student Housing in the Helsinki Region (Hoas) rents out affordable flats in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area. Students of universities, universities of applied sciences, vocational schools and upper secondary schools in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area can apply for these flats. You can apply for a Hoas flat, if

• you are a full-time student and
• your studies lead to a degree and
• your studies entitle you to student financial aid.
• Learn more about Hoas student housing.(external link, opens in a new window)

If your income is low, you may be entitled to a housing allowance from Kela.

If you need help in finding a flat, please contact Espoo's housing advice services or Moniheli's Katto programme.

• Read more about Moniheli's Katto programme in Finnish and English.(external link, opens in a new window)

Read more:

• Visit Kela’s website to learn more about the housing allowance.(external link, opens in a new window)
• Read the Finnish Consumers’ Association’s rental guide in several languages.(external link, opens in a new window)

Instead of renting, you can also buy your own flat. You will find advertisements posted online about flats for sale. The housing prices in Espoo are quite high.

Right-of-occupancy housing is a middle ground between rental flats and owner-occupied housing. Right-of-occupancy housing is built with State aid. You can become an occupant by

• applying for a queue number
• registering as an applicant with the owner of the right-of-occupancy housing and
• by paying a right-of-occupancy fee when the applicant has been approved as a recipient of the right-of-occupancy.

In addition to the right-of-occupancy fee, the occupant also pays a monthly management fee to the owner of the right-of-occupancy housing.

If you are interested in buying a flat or applying for right-of-occupancy housing, please contact Espoo’s housing advice service for more information.

• Please visit the InfoFinland.fi website to learn more about buying an apartment in several languages.(external link, opens in a new window)
• Please visit the Ministry of Environment's website to learn more about applying for right-of-occupancy housing in Finnish and Swedish. (external link, opens in a new window)

Are you interested in building your own house in Espoo? To do so, you will need a plot.  

The city sells and leases out self-build plots for detached houses mainly through an annual plot draw.  

• Read more about the plot draw.  

The InfoFinland.fi site has information in several languages on moving to Finland from abroad.(external link, opens in a new window)

When you are moving to another flat within Finland, there are several important things to remember. You should at least:

• submit a notice of change of address to the Digital and Population Data Services Agency and the post office.
• sign agreements for electricity and an internet connection and purchase home insurance for your new address.
• arrange your children’s placements in early childhood education and school.
• terminate your previous lease agreement.
• clean your previous flat before moving out and, if necessary, seek relocation assistance.

The InfoFinland website has some tips and a useful checklist for movers in several languages.(external link, opens in a new window)

You can find comprehensive information about living in Finland on the InfoFinland website(external link, opens in a new window).   

Espoo’s housing advice service will provide you with advice on housing-related matters. For example, the housing advice service can tell you about

• different types of housing
• applying for a rental flat
• housing costs
• buying a flat
• your rights and responsibilities as an occupant.

Housing advice services in Espoo are provided by Edistia. The service is free-of-charge and meant for all Espoo residents. You can use housing advice in Finnish, English or by using a telephone interpreter.

You can reach the housing advisors by phone or email. The phone service has a callback feature. You can also make an appointment.

If your family’s income is low, you may be entitled to a housing allowance from Kela. The housing advice service can also give you more information on the housing allowance.

-> Find contact information for housing counselling here.   (external link, opens in a new window)

Moniheli’s Katto programme offers housing-related advice in several languages.

• Learn more about general problems related to housing on the InfoFinland.fi website in several languages.(external link, opens in a new window)
• Learn more about housing allowance on the InfoFinland.fi website in several languages.(external link, opens in a new window)
• Learn more about housing allowance on the KELA website.(external link, opens in a new window)
• The contact details of the Katto programme can be found on Moniheli’s website.(external link, opens in a new window)

You are welcome to help shape your neighbourhood! The City Planning Department organises events where you can learn about ongoing development plans for different areas. Each Espoo resident has the right to have their say in city planning. 

Read more about what city planning is and how residents can get involved.

The water utility is responsible for water quality and for informing the public about disruptions in water supply. Disruptions are announced on the website of HSY (Helsinki Region Environmental Services Authority) and by text message if your phone number is publicly available. If your phone number is unlisted, you can register it in HSY’s customer portal to receive notification messages.

1. Check information on possible service disruptions on the water utility’s website: HSY:(external link, opens in a new window) Disturbances in water quality(external link, opens in a new window) or Kirkkonummen Vesi: water supply status map(external link, opens in a new window).
2. Run all taps for about ten minutes and keep an eye on any changes in water quality.
3. If running the taps does not improve the quality of the water, contact the building manager (housing companies) or the water utility (detached houses).
4. If the problem persists, contact Espoo Region Environmental Health Services by email at talousvesivalvonta@espoo.fi. If you suspect that the water causes a health hazard, Espoo Region Environmental Health Services will investigate the matter in cooperation with the water utility.

• For more information, see Espoo Region Environmental Health Services’ instructions

Espoo is part of the Helsinki Region Transport (HSL) area. This means you can travel with the same ticket to Helsinki, Vantaa and Kirkkonummi. The metro runs in southern Espoo (Tapiola, Matinkylä, Espoonlahti), and trains operate via Leppävaara and Espoon keskus. Buses complement metro and train services, providing quick access to neighbouring cities.  Espoo also has a light rail line, which connects Keilaniemi in Espoo with Itäkeskus in Helsinki. You can easily plan your journey using the HSL Journey Planner, which shows the fastest route and the modes of transport you can use to get to your destination.

-> Explore the Journey Planner on the HSL website.(external link, opens in a new window)

You need a valid HSL ticket to use public transport. You can purchase tickets:

• with the HSL app
• with an HSL travel card
• by contactless payment (for adult single tickets only)
• from ticket machines and service points. 

Espoo is located in the B and C zones. Ticket prices depend on how many zones you travel through. You can travel free of charge with a child in a stroller. Students living permanently in the HSL area are entitled to a discount on season tickets.

• Read more about tickets and payment methods on the HSL website.(external link, opens in a new window) 

Espoo has a wide network of cycle paths and routes that are constantly being developed. You can take your bike on the metro or commuter train. When cycling, always wear a helmet, and in winter, use lights and studded tyres. Espoo also offers cycling courses for adults, where you can learn safe cycling and traffic rules.

In Espoo and Helsinki, you can use the yellow city bikes from April to October. You can pick up a bike and return it to any city bike station in these cities. To use city bikes, you have to register on the HSL website and you need Finnish online banking codes.

You can also get around in Espoo by car. In Finland, it is important to know the traffic rules and take the weather conditions into account, especially in winter. Winter tyres must be used from November to March if the weather or road conditions require it.

Parking in Espoo is free in many areas, but often time-limited. You must indicate the start time of your parking using a parking disc. Paid parking spaces are available, for example, in Matinkylä, Leppävaara and Tapiola.

Near metro and train stations, there are park-and-ride spaces where you can leave your car and continue your journey using public transport. Some park-and-ride spaces are free, while others are subject to a fee. The time limits vary depending on the area.

The Urban Environment Customer Service answers questions concerning the city’s public areas. 

You can ask about:

• traffic and parking control
• parks, green spaces and forests
• land use planning, underground cables and pipes, property formation  
• construction and land use permits 

-> Find contact information for Urban Environment Customer Service here. 

The Public Works Department's Home Street Portal provides up-to-date information about your street. There you can find maintenance updates and information on street works and local services. 

You can give feedback on the condition of streets and on other urban environment services through Espoo’s feedback service or the Trimble Feedback mobile application. 

• Explore the Home Street Portal(external link, opens in a new window)
• Give feedback through Espoo’s feedback service(external link, opens in a new window)

Espoo is full of events! In Espoo, you can enjoy music, art, exhibitions and museums, and much more. We organize concerts, theatre and circus performances, dance, events, art and hobby activities, and exhibitions.

Events may be free or paid.

Espoo’s libraries organize a lot of events. The events are usually open to everyone and always free of charge. Only some groups require you to register in advance. Libraries have musical events, game evenings, book clubs, information events and much more. Please ask library staff for more information.

• Explore events in Espoo.

Espoo’s libraries are shared living rooms. Libraries host events and clubs where you can meet new people. Peer support for learning Finnish is available at language cafés, which are organised at many Espoo libraries.

It may also be possible to volunteer at your library and meet new acquaintances that way.

Libraries organise a lot of activities for people of different ages. Library clubs, courses and workshops are free of charge. All large libraries have a host of computer, console and board games for you to play. You can usually participate in library clubs without prior registration.

Library staff will be happy to tell you more about its activities and events. Don't hesitate to ask them for more!

• Check out the library language cafés.(external link, opens in a new window)
• Read more about volunteer activities in the library.

Residents’ parks are free-of-charge meeting places where children and families can spend time, get to know each other and enjoy a variety of activities. The parks have staff and offer guided activities both indoors and outdoors. There are also toys, games and outdoor play equipment available for use. You can heat up and eat your own meals and snacks in the parks and use the park’s toilets. Playing in the yard area is allowed outside opening hours too. 

Younger schoolchildren can also spend time at the residents’ parks. Residents’ parks’ activities for schoolchildren are intended especially for pupils in grades 1 and 2. The park has adult supervision, and there are guided activities for schoolchildren. Young schoolchildren can come to the park before school starts or in the afternoon after school. The park offers fun things to do and a chance to make new friends. Schoolchildren can eat their own snacks in the park. A guardian can also sign the child up for a snack service that is subject to a fee. 

A small child cannot be in the residents’ park alone. Children under school age need their own adult to accompany them. The adult can be a parent or another familiar adult who looks after the child. Schoolchildren, however, may come to the park without an adult if their guardian gives consent. 

• Read more about residents’ parks in Espoo. 

Espoo has several meeting places where you can get to know new people and participate in communal activities. In meeting places, you can also volunteer and help others. Also ask about internships!

Community House Espoo organises and coordinates activities for families and immigrant women in Espoon keskus. The Community House enables inspiring projects and offers group activities and events. The facility is coordinated by Nicehearts ry.

• Learn about the activities of the Community House(external link, opens in a new window).

Chapple is a meeting place maintained by the Olari parish at the Iso Omena shopping centre. Chapple offers different activities for families, young people, adults and older people. International events are held regularly, but you can also come and just hang out, talk and drink coffee. Everyone is welcome, regardless of religion!

• See more details about Chapple’s activities.(external link, opens in a new window)

The Matinkylä neighbourhood house is a meeting place for the residents of the area. You can spend time, coffee, read magazines and meet friends and neighbours. At the neighbourhood house, you can join recreational and peer groups, study Finnish or participate in various events. Kalliolan Settlementti ry is responsible for the operations of the Neighbourhood House Matinkylä.

• Read more about the activities of the Matinkylä neighbourhood house.(external link, opens in a new window)

The Kivenkolo Community Centre serves as the living room for local people in Kivenlahti. The Kivenkolo Community Centre hosts a wide range of club and teaching activities and events. An affordable lunch is also available on weekdays. The activities of Kivenkolo are coordinated by the Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County (LUVN).

• Find more information about the Kivenkolo Community Centre.(external link, opens in a new window)

The Hello Espoo Community Facebook group is meant for the city’s international residents. In the group, you can talk about and share your experiences of living in Espoo.

In the Espoo Talent Hub LinkedIn group, you can discuss, for example, job search and working life in Finland.

• Check out the Hello Espoo Community Facebook group.(external link, opens in a new window)
• Check out the Espoo Talent Hub LinkedIn group. (external link, opens in a new window)