Business Arena Finland 2026

The economic conditions look significantly brighter than a year ago, with inflation under control and an interest rate on the way down. Challenges, of course, remain in a still strained geopolitical environment. The question is what this means for the Finnish real estate market, which has always attracted a high proportion of foreign investors. Here, a panel of foreign experts sharing their perspectives on the Finnish real estate market in the short and medium term.

We are living through a period in which it is difficult to predict with any certainty where the global economy is heading. In the US, tensions persist between the President and the central bank. China continues to perform well in several key sectors, though its growth is no longer what it once was. In Europe, major economies are facing significant challenges. Factors such as climate change, artificial intelligence, and ongoing military conflicts further add to the uncertainty. In this context, an internationally recognized economist shares his perspective on the global economy and geopolitics.

It is about connecting the port with the central parts of the city and developing new urban qualities in the port area. The Old City Harbour development is based on the Masterplan by Zaha Hadid Architects with a total gross volume of 400,000 m² commercial and residential premises. What are the main ideas behind the project? How will Tallinn as a city be affected by the transformation?

During 2024 and 2025, investments in hotel properties in the Nordics have clearly recovered. The market also shows greater diversity when it comes to different types of investors – both domestic and international institutional investors have shown increased interest. In this conversation, we analyze the underlying factors and take a closer look at the Finnish market.

We are living in a time when globalization is no longer taken for granted, and businesses must navigate a more complex environment. Issues such as technological development, access to capital, and access to the right skills are more important than ever. How do some of the most innovative companies themselves view the conditions for growth? What are the key medium-term trends? What can policymakers do to foster entrepreneurship?

The Tuusula Focus business area being developed next to Helsinki-Vantaa Airport is set to become one of the most important employment hubs in Uusimaa in the future. In total, the areas offer around 1.5 million square meters of floor space for successful business operations for various companies. What does the timeline look like? What type of property development will the project involve?

Welcome to an exclusive investment lunch in conjunction with Business Arena Finland. This intimate gathering brings together leading international investors, developers, and real estate companies for a high-level networking opportunity in a relaxed and inspiring setting.

Global and national investors see opportunities within the residential segment in many countries. How do they generally reason about residential properties as an investment segment, and how do investors reason specifically regarding the Finnish market?

In general terms, office properties have shifted from being seen solely as stable, cash-flow-generating assets to being associated with higher risk. A tougher economic environment and the rise of remote work have introduced greater uncertainty. The value gap between modern, energy-efficient buildings and older properties in less attractive locations has widened. Overall, the segment now places higher demands on owners and investors. In this discussion, we explore how best to navigate an increasingly complex market.

Community properties are attractive to long-term investors for many reasons. How do experts and actors in the transaction market reason about today's market situation?

After the Finnish reform of the earnings-related pension system coming into effect in 2027, Finnish pension funds will be allowed to significantly increase the share of equity investments in their portfolios. This might happen at the expense of real estate investments. On the other hand, the reform expands the pension funds’ opportunities to use leverage in real estate investments. What do the leaders of Finnish pension funds think about the reform as well as its impact on the allocation of investment portfolios in the future?

Office properties constitute a significant portion of assets in the commercial real estate market. How do prominent experts in the industry view the market and investment opportunities?

While interest in several other segments of the real estate market has fluctuated in recent years, interest in warehouse, industrial, and logistics properties has been more stable. Here, actors and experts in the Finnish market explain why.

Vast needs and prospects for stable returns are drawing many investors toward European infrastructure. The deteriorating security situation has put pressure on transport systems, while electrification is creating new demands on energy distribution. In this discussion, we take a European perspective to better understand the challenges and investment opportunities ahead.

An industry panel summarizes the day’s discussions and shares their reflections on the most important insights. The panel also looks ahead and discusses future trends and opportunities within the sector.