Vihti Municipality Corrects Misinformation in Real Estate Index Study

Strategic Insights -

Vihti Municipality, Finland, has pushed back against the recently published Index House survey, which allegedly highlighted the municipality's housing costs. The Finnish Real Estate Association's study, based on data collected by KTI Kiinteistotieto Oy, claimed that Vihti's housing costs were higher than expected. However, the municipality asserts that the study's findings are incorrect due to outdated information on district heating costs.

The study's methodology, which considers district heating as the primary heating source for 60.57% of Vihti's municipal comparison costs, is flawed. According to the municipality, Nummelan Aluelampo reduced district heating prices since June 2025, resulting in an almost 30% price increase compared to the current price list. This outdated information significantly distorts the study's results, making Vihti appear more expensive than it actually is.

Key Takeaways:

  • Vihti Municipality disputes the Index House survey's findings, citing outdated information on district heating costs.
  • The study's methodology, which weighs district heating heavily, is flawed due to the price reduction in June 2025.
  • The district heating network in Vihti only covers part of the municipality, with most residential properties using other forms of heating.
  • The actual housing costs in Vihti are significantly cheaper, with lower property taxes and affordable plots of land.
  • The municipality is developing a new strategy to improve living and working conditions in Vihti, which will be in effect until 2033.
  • The Western Railway expansion will further improve Vihti's accessibility and liveability.

Statistics:

  • 60.57% of Vihti's municipal comparison costs are based on the price of district heating, according to the study.
  • The district heating price used in the study corresponds to an almost 30% increase compared to the current price list.
  • Vihti's surrounding Helsinki Metropolitan Area enables affordable living close to nature with good transport connections.

Sources:

  • "Index House 2025" by the Finnish Real Estate Association (exact quote: "The Index House 2025 data set has been collected by KTI Kiinteistotieto Oy, commissioned and coordinated by the Finnish Real Estate Association.")
  • Yle
  • Ilta-Sanomat
  • Suomen Kiinteistolehti
  • TM Rakennusmaailma
  • Asuntomarkkina & maankaytto and several regional media outlets.