Bidding model for renting premises to extend to all of Helsinki

The City of Helsinki has decided to continue its 2025 pilot that was aimed at renting out long-vacant premises through a bidding process. The campaigns carried out in 2025 focused on the suburban regeneration areas of Kannelmäki, Malmi, Malminkartano, Mellunkylä and Meri-Rastila. In future, premises located anywhere in the city can be listed on both oikotie.fi and huutokaupat.com, provided that they have been vacant for at least six months.

“There are premises available all over Helsinki. Most of them are located on the ground floors of Heka and Haso buildings. The idea is to offer low-threshold premises for companies, cultural operators and associations, for example. Increasing vitality and services like this is also in line with the City Strategy,” says Rental Negotiator Teppo Luukkonen from the Urban Environment Division.

Premises also available for VAT-free activities in February

Currently, the City has around 140 vacant commercial premises, which will be made available for bidding in stages. In February, there are 14 affordable premises available, which range in size from 38 to 144 square metres and are also suitable for VAT-free activities. 

The focus of the campaign will change every month. 

The new rental model is also aimed at maintaining a moderate rent level. The starting price of the premises is €7.53 per square metre, including VAT. The starting price is based on the cost of maintaining the premises. 

Rental agreement for at least three months

The premises are rented out based on a ‘three threes’ principle: the shortest rental period is three months, there is a three-month rent deposit and the notice period is also three months.

Bids for the premises available in February can be submitted until 28 February on huutokaupat.com. More information on the available premises is also available on the City of Helsinki’s website and on oikotie.fi. The City’s rental negotiators can be contacted through Oikotie.