Pauliina Jokela buys home in Åland Islands after swift decision

In just 22 hours, Naantali resident Pauliina Jokela made the decision to purchase her new home in the Åland Islands. The desire to move had been simmering for several years, but the final agreement was reached swiftly. “It was love at first sight,” Jokela states as she showcases the view from her backyard, where twisted pines meet a glimmering sea. The decision to buy a bright white semi-detached house near the center of Mariehamn was solidified by these beautiful surroundings.

Jokela admires Åland for three key reasons: the environment, friendly people, and the feeling of being abroad. She speaks excellent Swedish, though the property agent’s proficiency in Finnish was a comforting bonus. “Here, it’s easy to speak Swedish. It doesn’t matter if something goes wrong; they want to understand. But it’s important to speak Swedish if you plan to live here,” she emphasizes.

There has been a long-standing myth on the mainland that property cannot be purchased in Åland. According to real estate agent Tomas Lyyski, about 90% of Finns believe this. He clarifies that while it is possible to buy property, there are restrictions. For instance, a vacation property can be purchased, but to own real estate, one must also officially register their residence in Åland, and land parcels are limited to 4,000 square meters.

Those who have lived in Åland for over five years and speak Swedish can apply for local residency rights, allowing unrestricted property purchases. Lyyski notes, “Once you’ve lived here for five years, you can buy anything.”

The island’s tranquility and safety attract many, with buyers particularly interested in areas within a ten-kilometer radius of Mariehamn. The demand for new developments hovers around €3,000 per square meter, rising to €5,000-6,000 in the city center.

In 2023, Åland welcomed 220 new residents from the mainland, while 172 left for mainland Finland. Recent migrants have flocked from Turku, Helsinki, and Ostrobothnia, with regular inquiries pouring into Lyyski’s office.

Now, over 700 kilograms of IKEA cabinets await assembly in her new home. Jokela plans regular trips between the two cities, maintaining her current residence in Naantali while contemplating her new life in Mariehamn. On the same day she signed the purchase agreement, a local jewelry collection inspired by “Myrskyluodon Maija” was launched. The ring she bought carries the inscription: “Du ska inga va rädd får någe,” meaning “You should not be afraid of anything.” These words resonate with Jokela, reminding her to embrace change and new beginnings.