Bidding frenzy at historic property auction in Rovaniemi culminates in record prices

The auction for two historic properties in Rovaniemi concluded on Monday at 6 PM, with prices seeing significant increases during the final moments of the bidding, as is often the case in online auctions. The partially burned Red House experienced a remarkable surge in its price as the auction neared its close, ultimately selling for €121,000 at 6:10 PM. This final bid came after intense competition between two bidders, who continued to battle for the property even past the official closing time.

Similarly, the Railway Workers’ House attracted fervent bidding after the auction had officially ended. One bidder raised the price to €211,000 shortly after the auction closed at 6:13 PM. The final bid for this property also climbed €56,000 higher post-6 PM.

All auctions are conditional, meaning the city retains the right to refuse the sale of the buildings to the highest bidders if it so chooses.

The Red House, located by the Kemijoki River near the old railway bridge, was significantly damaged in a fire last spring and had stood vacant for over a decade prior to that. Its main building, constructed in the 1930s, is one of the few remaining structures from the pre-war era, as a majority of Rovaniemi was destroyed by fire in 1944.

The Railway Workers’ House, built in 1909, is situated at the northern end of the city center between Rovaniemenkatu and Poromiehentie. Previously, it housed a puppet theater and most recently a café. A condition assessment last year rated the building as being in satisfactory condition.