Due diligence in Finland
Condition inspection, moisture risks in certain build years, the housing company's documents and how hidden defects are handled.
Applies to: Finland. Reviewed 2026-09-25.
Key takeaways
- For detached houses a condition inspection is normal and often commissioned by the seller; read it carefully.
- The buyer has a duty to inspect: what you should have noticed cannot be complained about later.
- Hidden defects in real estate must be raised within a reasonable time, and the seller's liability is time-limited.
Documents
- Manager's certificate: the company's finances, loans, charges and completed repairs.
- Maintenance needs report for the next five years.
- Articles of association, accounts and general meeting minutes.
- Energy certificate.
Defects after purchase
For housing shares, the Housing Transactions Act governs defects and complaints. For real estate, the Code of Real Estate governs the seller's liability, and claims for hidden defects must be brought within a set time from the transfer.
Questions to ask
- Are there moisture measurements or recommendations for further investigation?
Red flags
- Recommendations for further investigation of risk structures that have not been followed.
Sources
- The Housing Transactions Act (Finlex)
- The Code of Real Estate (Finlex)
- The Limited Liability Housing Companies Act (Finlex)