Negative decisions on real estate transactions

On 17 October 2023, the Ministry of Defence issued three negative permit decisions concerning real estate acquisitions by buyers from outside the EU and EEA. The negative decisions concern two properties in Ruokolahti and one in Kitee. The decisions were signed by Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen.

As to the transactions of real estate in Ruokolahti, one was by private individuals and the other by a company while the transaction in Kitee was by a private individual. Both the private individuals and actual beneficiaries of the company are Russian citizens.

Negative permit decisions are based on the Act on transfers of real estate requiring special permission. The Ministry of Defence justifies the negative permit decisions by stating, among other things, that the real estate acquisitions in question can be considered to hinder the organisation of national defence or the surveillance and safeguarding of territorial integrity.

Further information by email from the Media and Communications Unit, the Ministry of Defence, email address [email protected]