Finland proposes new housing law to mandate construction monitors

The Finnish government has submitted a proposal for a new Housing Sales Act, intended to take effect next spring. A central component of the reform is the introduction of a mandatory construction monitor for new residential projects. Developers would be responsible for appointing this monitor by the time apartment sales begin.

The monitor's role is to protect the interests of apartment buyers and housing companies by ensuring the building is completed according to contract and that maturing purchase prices do not significantly exceed the seller's costs. Following the construction phase, the monitor would also assist housing companies with annual and post-inspections.

The proposal includes stricter regulations for inspections. Annual inspections would be required within 10–15 months of building approval, followed by a post-inspection meeting 6–12 months later. Sellers would be required to present a list of reported defects and a repair schedule during these meetings.

While the Finnish Real Estate Federation (Kiinteistöliitto) acknowledges that these changes could improve construction quality and strengthen the position of buyers and housing companies, the organization warns that the reforms may increase construction costs and the prices of new homes. The federation also emphasized the necessity of independence requirements for monitors, as they are currently selected by the developer.