Finland plans to tighten oversight of real estate transactions in Åland

Published 2026-10-17

The Finnish government is preparing a new legislative amendment aimed at improving national security. The new law would grant authorities the right to intervene in real estate transactions that may pose a threat to Finland's security. Transactions taking place in the Åland Islands will be monitored with particular scrutiny.

According to the Ministry of Defence, current legislation is insufficient to protect critical infrastructure or strategically important areas. Åland's special status and its location in the Baltic Sea make the archipelago a significant area in terms of security policy. With the new law, authorities could prohibit a real estate transaction if the buyer's background or the object of the transaction raises concerns.

The legislative change is driven by concerns that foreign actors could acquire properties in locations with direct line-of-sight or access to important military or societal facilities. Although the law would be applied nationwide, the intention is to tighten oversight in Åland due to the province's unique characteristics.

The proposal is part of a broader effort to strengthen Finland's preparedness in a changed security environment. Authorities emphasize that the goal is not to prevent all transactions, but to ensure that property ownership does not jeopardize national security. The details of the legislative proposal will be discussed in Parliament over the coming months.

Sources: Verkkouutiset

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