Finnish state confiscates over 40 properties owned by Russian government in Turku and Helsinki

The Finnish state has confiscated over 40 properties owned by the Russian government, according to a report from Yle. These properties are located in various addresses and residential associations in the cities of Turku and Helsinki, with additional properties seized in Siuntio, Kirkkonummi, and Åland Islands.

From the perspective of the homeowner associations, even though these properties are confiscated, the ownership technically does not change. Jenni Valkama, a leading legal expert at the Association of Property Managers, emphasized that the homes can still be used, but the state cannot sell or transfer the ownership, nor does it have voting rights in the homeowners’ meetings. Homeowners are still expected to pay maintenance fees, though sanctions against Russia might complicate the payment process.

Confiscation does not prevent homeowners’ associations from initiating eviction procedures if maintenance fees are unpaid. The process can begin despite the confiscation, starting with a warning before the association takes control of the apartment through a homeowners’ meeting decision, thereby safeguarding the financial position of the association.

Valkama noted that legally, the situation remains the same regardless of whether the property owner is the Russian state or another entity. However, practical challenges may arise, such as how to ensure communication regarding potential eviction reaches the appropriate parties.

In Turku, the exact purpose of some confiscated properties was unclear. Mika Akkanen, the city’s head of international affairs, mentioned that only the property on Sairashuoneenkatu was acknowledged as the former residence of the Russian consul. The Russian consulate operated in Turku for several decades but had its license revoked by Finland in July 2023. Other confiscated properties are located within a few kilometers of the former consulate.