SATO CORPORATION

A new survey by Vuokraovi.com shows that demand for rental homes in Finland has hit a record high, with search activity on the site up 45% between January and July 2026, and 28% of rental seekers now coming from owner-occupied homes, up from 23% in 2024. The survey, conducted among 1,441 respondents, reveals that rental housing is increasingly seen as flexible and easy amid economic uncertainty. Search criteria vary by city: in Helsinki, terms like "sea view" and "bathtub" are popular, while Tampere residents prioritize "renovated" apartments, and Turku searches focus on specific neighborhoods. Age also influences preferences, with under-30s caring about kitchen and bathroom quality, and those over 60 requiring balconies and lifts. Digital services are widely used, but 27% still prefer signing leases in person, and personal service remains important, especially for older tenants. SATO, one of Finland's largest rental housing providers, saw an 8% increase in apartment showings during the same period.

SATO Corporation reported net sales of EUR 162.0 million for the first half of 2026, up from EUR 154.7 million a year earlier. The economic occupancy rate improved to 95.3 percent from 95.0 percent, while net rental income rose to EUR 107.0 million from EUR 104.3 million. Profit before taxes was EUR 44.9 million, slightly below the EUR 45.2 million recorded in the same period of 2025. Housing investments surged to EUR 116.8 million from EUR 11.9 million, driven by the acquisition of 602 rental homes completed at the end of March. The company's portfolio now comprises nearly 27,500 rental apartments, with an average rent of EUR 18.52 per square metre per month, unchanged from the prior year.