First home (ensiasunto)

A first-home buyer now pays the transfer tax (varainsiirtovero). The earlier first-home exemption ended on 1.1.2024, so the tax applies the same way as for any other buyer: 1,5 % of the debt-free price on a housing-company share and 3 % of the purchase price on a property. So set aside this amount for the purchase, even when you are buying your first home.

A first-home buyer still has their own benefits. Under the base rules the loan cap is 95 % for a first home and 90 % for any other home. During Finanssivalvonta’s temporary relief, in force since 1 July 2026, every buyer can borrow up to 95 %, so that gap is closed for now. The ASP system, the home savings bonus account, is aimed precisely at buying a first home, and it brings extra interest on your savings as well as the option of a state guarantee.

Today’s first-home rules have no upper age limit. You can start ASP saving from 18 (from 15 with your own income) if you have not acquired a home before. The 18–39 age limit only applied to the transfer-tax exemption, which ended on 1.1.2024. Check your own situation with the bank before you count on the benefits.

When you make a budget, include the debt-free price, the transfer tax, and your own deposit. This way you see realistically how much of your own money the purchase needs and how large a loan you need.