Auction concludes for historic properties in Rovaniemi

The auction for two historic properties in Rovaniemi concluded on Monday at 6 PM. The prices saw a significant increase toward the end of the bidding, a trend often observed in online auctions. The partially burned Red Cottage experienced a notable surge in its price as the auction neared its conclusion, with competition continuing even after the official end time between two bidders. Its price jumped by €100,000 in the final hour, closing at €121,000 at 6:10 PM.

Meanwhile, bidding for the Railway Workers’ House heated up passionately even after the official auction closure, as two bidders competed hard for the property. At 6:13 PM, the final bid reached €211,000, a figure that remained valid. This price increased by €56,000 after the 6 PM cut-off.

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

Only a few pre-war buildings remain in Rovaniemi, due to the city’s destruction by German forces in 1944, making both properties protected. The Red Cottage is situated by the Kemijoki River, next to the old railway bridge, with estimates suggesting it was built in the 1930s, though it could be older. The cottage partially burned in a fire last spring and had stood vacant for over a decade prior. The site also includes a protected outbuilding.

The Railway Workers’ House is located at the northern end of the city center, nestled between Rovakatu and Poromiehentie. Built in 1909, it has previously housed a puppet theater and, most recently, a café. According to a condition assessment report completed last year, the building is in satisfactory condition.