r/vaasa • u/gracefarfelue • Sep 11 '26

Does anyone have tips for renting non-subsidized apartments in Vaasa?

Hi everyone, my partner and I are trying to rent an apartment in Vaasa, but we are having a lot of trouble. We are trying to find something in the 55 to 75m2 size range and up to €1200 per month (or maybe more if we find a really good place.) We do not qualify for the subsidized Pikipruukki apartments, and when I filter my search by non-subsidized apartments there are basically only 5 to 10 options, most of which don’t allow pets (we have a dog), aren’t available until next year, or are already rented and haven’t been removed from the site yet. Are there private realtors who help people find private apartments? Or is it genuinely this difficult to rent an apartment here if you don‘t qualify for need-based housing? We are American and new here, so I am hoping someone has better information and maybe we are just misinformed right now. Thank you for any help!

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4

u/Simzter Sep 11 '26

Yeah, it's apparently a really difficult situation right now. What are your means of transportation? You could look at places like Sepänkylä, which is 10-15 min by car (and 20 min by bike) to the city center?

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u/gracefarfelue Sep 11 '26

We don’t have a car right now, but I suppose we could buy one. My partner works at Wärtsilä and wanted to be within walking / biking distance of his job but maybe that is just not realistic right now. 

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u/Simzter Sep 11 '26

Sundom would perhaps also be possible, or Sulva? But yeah, winter is coming so might be a bit tight. I would suggest a car anyway, not that we're as big on cars as the US but it'll let you experience more of the region

1

u/wertyce Sep 13 '26

Absolutely. Many of the best things in the region require car. I would recommend at least Strandhem, Lind's Kök, Fäboda, Tankar and Replot for next summer. There's also a lot of village festivals, market fairs and such in the Ostrobothnia and Southern Ostrobothnia. Majority of all cool things to do in the surroundings is for summer. During winter people probably stay more at home. But for summer it is great to have a car so you can enjoy the region to the fullest.

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u/Hopsus Sep 11 '26

I would contact the ones that do not specify allowing pets. Sometimes they just don't check that option even if pets are fine. Or then they want to check to see you're ok and not weirdos before allowing pets 😄

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u/gracefarfelue Sep 11 '26

I did! But no response yet. 

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u/gramirezv79 Sep 11 '26

Have you applied for an apartment directly to Pikipruukki? They surely have options that might not be listed in their website. Make your application and they will tell you what they truly have available