From Heatwave to Haven: Europe’s Elite Head North

In Seville, the afternoon air burns at 46°C (115°F), shimmering above cracked cobblestones. Café tables stand empty, tourists seek shelter, and even locals have abandoned siestas for air-conditioned refuge. Meanwhile, on Finland’s Lake Päijänne, it's a serene 20°C (68°F), the midnight sun reflecting off rippling silver waters. Families gather on lakeside decks, children splash carefree, and saunas gently smoke at the water’s edge. As Europe's heatwaves intensify, Finland emerges as a coveted sanctuary, blending climate resilience with timeless luxury.

Europe Is Heating Up

Southern Europe has experienced an unprecedented surge of heatwaves since 2021. Spain set a record-breaking 46°C in June 2025, while Barcelona endured its hottest June in over a century (Niranjan & Jones, The Guardian, June 2025). In Italy, temperatures consistently hit above 40°C, prompting emergency health warnings and forced work stoppages. Wildfires in Greece burned 95,000 hectares - the largest ever recorded in Europe - leaving thousands displaced (Weise & Stamouli, Politico, 2023).

“Extreme heat has become the new normal, and adaptation is no longer optional.” – António Guterres, UN Secretary-General (Gwyn Jones, Euronews, July 2025)

The Quiet Haven to the North

Finland, by contrast, remains blissfully temperate, with average July temperatures around a mild 20°C. Known globally for pristine environments, Finland offers unmatched air quality - the cleanest measured globally by WHO standards. Water here is famously pure, with many of the country's 188,000 lakes clean enough for swimming and even drinking (UNESCO).

Moreover, Finland provides unmatched safety and connectivity. Ranked among the world’s top ten safest countries, it boasts strong political stability and a seamless connection to Europe’s major cities, with direct flights linking Helsinki to over 120 global destinations.

Why Families Are Moving Their Summers

The shift northward isn't merely anecdotal. Knight Frank’s Wealth Report (2024) highlights a growing preference among affluent families for climate-stable locations, specifically Scandinavian retreats. Henley & Partners’ Climate Resilience Index further underscores Finland’s appeal, ranking it among the world’s most climate-resilient countries.

“We’re seeing a clear pivot from traditional Mediterranean hotspots towards Nordic retreats. Clients increasingly view these homes as essential climate havens.” – Senior Consultant, Savills (European Travel Commission, 2025)

Crafting a Future-Proof Retreat

Vivaret, together with wellness brand Avantoa, is uniquely positioned to deliver bespoke, climate-smart luxury homes by Finnish lakes. Our approach combines:

• Masterful Timber Craft: Homes built with Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT), designed to store carbon and offer structural resilience.

• Expert Artisanship: Construction by Compagnons des Devoir-trained master carpenters led by CEO founder Jonathan Carle, ensuring meticulous attention to detail.

• Visionary Architecture: Designs by renowned architect Kivi Sotamaa, integrating biophilic elements and modern minimalism.

• Integrated Wellness: Complete with custom Avantoa sauna and wellness decks, enhancing holistic wellbeing.

• Smart, Sustainable Living: Energy-efficient design, smart-home integration, and off-grid readiness ensuring year-round comfort.

Mini-FAQ

• Location Selection: We assist you in finding the perfect land and location tailored precisely to your needs and preferences.

• Permitting: Typically 3-4 months, managed entirely by Vivaret.

• Build Time: Average 12 months from initial design to turnkey completion.

• Cost Range: Vivaret custom homes generally start from €5,500/m², fully equipped.

• Winter Use: Homes engineered for year-round comfort, handling temperatures to -30°C.

• Sustainability: CLT homes are carbon-negative, aligning with Finland's carbon-neutrality goals. We install geothermal heating, solar energy solutions, and utilize all available sustainable technologies.

• Luxury Customization: Specialized in meeting the most demanding luxury client requirements, including comprehensive security solutions, advanced smart-home integrations, and the option to build separate guest homes for staff.

• Investment Value: Vivaret homes represent a robust investment opportunity, combining Finland's rising appeal as a climate haven. Vivaret homes offer excellent long-term appreciation potential and stable rental income possibilities.

• Rental Options: Homes are easily rentable through white-glove services provided by professionals such as StayNorth.

Explore Lakeside Living – Contact Vivaret today for a private consultation and start crafting your family's climate-resilient sanctuary today.

We've been closely monitoring this concerning trend in Southern Europe for several years. We believe Finland, along with other Nordic countries, can offer a meaningful respite for many. To ground our perspective in facts and offer deeper insight, we've provided a comprehensive long-read on this timely topic below.

North Is the New Riviera

Why Europe’s Heat‑Weary Elite Are Turning to Finland’s Cool Lakes

Europe Is Heating Up

Southern Europe has faced successive extreme heatwaves since 2021, shattering temperature records and causing widespread disruption. In 2025 alone, Spain hit 46 °C in June (a national record), and Barcelona endured its hottest June in over a century. These climate stresses - paired with drought, wildfires and health crises - are driving affluent families to seek refuge in cooler, safer regions. Climate projections show the Mediterranean basin warming 50% faster than the global average, jeopardizing summer tourism, agriculture and power grids. A new trend has emerged of high-net-worth (HNW) “climate migration,” with wealthy buyers factoring climate comfort into second-home decisions. Finland is increasingly viewed as a climate haven: its July days hover around a mild 20 °C, it boasts the world’s cleanest air and purest waters, and offers political stability, safety, and connectivity within Europe’s Schengen zone. The Finnish Lake District - Päijänne, Saimaa, the archipelago and Lapland fells - offers pristine nature, 24-hour summer daylight, and a deep wellness culture of sauna and lake swimming. Amid favourable economics (affordable waterfront land, green-building incentives) and advances in sustainable timber construction, now is the opportune moment to build a climate-resilient family retreat. 

This article examines these factors in detail and outlines how Vivaret (premium CLT builder of architect-designed homes) and its wellness brand Avantoa can deliver a future-proof summer refuge for discerning investors. Key insights and sources are provided throughout, with a comprehensive reference list for validation.

What’s Happening in Southern Europe (2021–2025)

Escalating Heatwaves: Southern Europe has experienced a series of record-breaking heatwaves in the past five summers. In August 2021, Sicily hit 48.8 °C, the highest temperature ever recorded in Europe. Greece and Turkey endured >47 °C heat and massive wildfires that burned over 56,000 hectares in Greece alone. Summer 2022 was Europe’s hottest on record, with 61,672 heat-related deaths across the continent (particularly in Italy, Greece, Spain and Portugal). By July 2022, Rome reached an all-time high of 41.8 °C, and Italy’s summer heatwave (“Lucifer”) forced midday work bans and cooling centers in cities. In 2023, a heatwave named Cerberus pushed Italian forecasts up to 47–48 °C; Rome’s streets saw 40+ °C for days, and Athens closed the Acropolis to protect tourists. Wildfires raged from Spain to Turkey – notably the Evros wildfire in Greece, which razed ~95,000 hectares, Europe’s largest ever.

Summer 2025 Crisis: This year has brought another early and intense heatwave. In late June 2025, Barcelona recorded its hottest June since 1914, with a monthly average of 26 °C and a peak of 37.9 °C. Spain as a whole set a June temperature record of 46 °C in Huelva. Rome and much of Italy saw temperatures above 40 °C for weeks, with 21 of 27 major cities on red alert and hospital admissions spiking (+20% in Tuscany). Mainland France went on its first-ever nationwide heat alert, closing ~200 schools as thermometers neared 40 °C even in Paris. Virtually all of Southern Europe “sweltered” under this heat dome, from Portugal to the Balkans. The UN Secretary General declared that “extreme heat… has become the new normal”. Beyond the heat itself, knock-on crises mounted: wildfires forced 50,000+ evacuations in Turkey and broke out in France’s tinder-dry forests; health systems issued emergency warnings as heatstroke and dehydration cases climbed; and infrastructure strained (France had to curtail nuclear power output when river cooling water ran too warm). The human toll is severe – Europe’s extreme summer heat is now causing thousands of excess deaths annually, and without adaptation the EU’s heat fatalities could increase 30-fold by 2100. In sum, Southern Europe’s once idyllic summers are increasingly defined by searing heat, wildfire smoke, water shortages and public health emergencies. This climatic shift is already influencing travel and investment patterns, as explored next.

Heatwave Impacts by the Numbers: Each recent summer has brought new statistical extremes. For instance, of the 30 most severe heatwaves in Europe since 1950, 23 have occurred since 2000, reflecting the accelerating trend. Spain saw its national June average temperature reach 23.6 °C in 2025 – the first time June exceeded the typical July–August average. During the July 2022 heatwave peak, 11,637 people died across Europe in a single week (18–24 July). Wildfire activity has likewise surged: Europe’s annual burned area from fires has at times doubled the long-term average – e.g. Greece’s fires in 2021 and 2023 each charred over 1,500 km² (with 20+ fatalities in 2023). Economic losses mount from these disasters, and authorities are often forced into reactive measures like closing 1,300+ schools in France during heat emergencies or shutting down outdoor work (as in Italy and Greece when temperatures exceed ~40 °C). Such figures underscore that Southern Europe’s climate challenge is not a future scenario but a current reality, unfolding year after year with growing intensity.

Climate Projections & Economic Impact

Mediterranean Climate Outlook: Scientific consensus identifies the Mediterranean basin as a climate “hotspot”, expected to warm significantly faster than global averages. EU Copernicus and IPCC reports project that by 2030–2050, Southern Europe will see sharply hotter and drier summers. Annual mean warming in the Med could be ~20% above global rates, and summer warming 50% above the global mean. In practice, this means many more days above 35 °C – perhaps double or triple the historical count. Heatwaves will become longer, more frequent and more intense (high confidence). For example, one study forecasts that by late-century, without mitigation, heat-related deaths in Southern Europe could be 9.3 times more frequent than in Northern Europe (versus ~6 times today). Even milder warming scenarios (+1.5 to 2 °C) are expected to significantly increase drought risk. IPCC analyses warn of “unprecedented” summer droughts in parts of Spain, Italy and Greece, with soil moisture declining and wildfire risk escalating (medium-high confidence). By mid-century, Mediterranean water scarcity may severely hit agriculture – e.g. rain-fed wheat yields could drop by up to 30–50% in many locations without adaptation. The tourism industry is also vulnerable: as peak summer climate “becomes less attractive for tourism”, Southern Europe may see a shift in travel patterns (shorter seasons, or tourists opting for cooler destinations). Indeed, we are already seeing hints of this change, as we'll discuss later in the section on HNW trends.

Economic Repercussions: Prolonged extreme heat and aridity carry heavy economic costs. Agriculture and food security face threats from heat stress on crops, wildfires damaging pasture, and chronic water shortages. For instance, Italy and Spain have suffered olive and wine grape yield losses in recent drought-heat years, driving up food prices. A warmer Mediterranean Sea (currently running ~5 °C above normal in parts) also disrupts marine ecosystems and fisheries. Energy infrastructure is strained as summer cooling demand soars. Power grids risk overload from ubiquitous air-conditioning use, and generation capacity can falter (France’s 2022 experience saw nuclear plants forced offline due to overheated rivers, contributing to a record-low ~40% nuclear availability). The healthcare burden of heatwaves (treating heatstroke, cardiac and respiratory issues) and the cost of climate disasters (firefighting, disaster recovery) are rising annual expenditures for governments. A 2023 study in Nature estimated that Europe’s 2022 heatwave caused over €10 billion in economic damages when factoring health and productivity losses, with Southern Europe accounting for the majority. Furthermore, critical industries like tourism are re-evaluating strategies. Southern European tourism contributes ~10–20% of GDP in countries like Greece, Spain and Portugal; if peak summer becomes “too hot to holiday,” these economies face revenue declines and job losses in coastal regions. The European Travel Commission notes that tourist arrivals in cooler Northern destinations are growing much faster than in the traditional Med hotspots, a trend partially “linked to Climate Change”. Coastal real estate markets may also feel impacts: beachfront luxury villas in the Riviera or Costa del Sol could lose appeal (and value) if summer climate is unbearable or insurance costs skyrocket due to fire/flood risk. The forecasted climate trajectory for Southern Europe (more frequent 40–45 °C summers, less dependable water and higher disaster risk) portends substantive economic shifts – it pays to consider more climate-resilient locales for long-term investments.

Power Grid & Infrastructure Stress: It bears noting how infrastructure will be tested. The combination of extreme heat and drought can create compounding failures: low reservoirs limit hydropower output; warm rivers inhibit cooling for thermal plants (as seen when EDF had to shut reactors during heatwaves in France); and transmission lines lose efficiency at high temperatures. Blackouts or electricity rationing on hot days have already been reported (e.g. parts of Spain suffered outages during a 2023 heat surge, prompting fears that climate change could compromise grid reliability). Transportation infrastructure, too, faces challenges: heat can buckle rail tracks and soften asphalt, while wildfire smoke can shut down airports and highways. The economic ripple effects – from disrupted supply chains to reduced labour productivity in heat-exposed sectors – are difficult to quantify but likely significant. The European Investment Bank has warned that Southern Europe’s GDP could decline a few percentage points by 2050 relative to a no-climate-change scenario, largely due to these cascading impacts on productivity and assets. This stark outlook is a catalyst for wealthy individuals and institutions to think proactively about climate resilience in their asset allocation. One such strategy gaining momentum is investment in properties located in inherently cooler, more stable climates – for example, the Nordic regions – to serve as safe havens during increasingly hostile summers in the south.

Emerging “Climate‑Migration” Trend

Wealth Report Insights: According to the latest Knight Frank Wealth Report, climate change considerations are now firmly on the radar of affluent investors. A growing number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) “cite environmental risk and climate comfort among key criteria for second homes,” per Knight Frank’s 2023 survey of wealth advisors. In practical terms, this means wealthy families from the Middle East, Asia, and Southern Europe are pivoting to cooler climates when buying luxury property. The report notes that interest in Scandinavian and Alpine real estate is rising, a trend also corroborated by Henley & Partners’ new Investment Migration Climate Resilience Index. Henley’s index ranks countries by climate resiliency (ability to withstand climate impacts), and notably, all top 15 countries are in temperate or cold climate zones, predominantly in Northern Europe and North America. Countries like Finland, Canada, and New Zealand score extremely high for climate stability and are thus flagged as “climate haven” destinations for investors. Henley & Partners explicitly target their residence-by-investment programs to wealthy families seeking a “long-term asset location strategy” to climate-proof their lifestyle and legacy. In other words, savvy HNWIs are effectively engaging in pre-emptive climate migration, acquiring citizenship or property in countries they deem safe, stable, and comfortable in a warming world.

“Clients who once begged for Tuscan villas now ask for Nordic breezes,”
says Marie Hickey, director at Savills Research (ETC/Savills Coolcation Report, 2025).

Broker Testimonies – Rising Nordic Demand: Luxury real estate brokers are indeed observing this trend on the ground. As one Alpine property specialist told Fortune: “Rising demand now appears to be driven by nervous customers from sunnier regions looking for a chalet as a second home further from the equator.” This quote encapsulates the new mindset: buyers from Gulf countries, southern Europe, even California are snapping up mountain and Nordic properties as “climate crisis lifeboats.” Similarly, a senior consultant at Savills noted that some clients now time their holidays opposite to traditional patterns – seeking the far north in July-August to escape the heat. Tourism data support this: in summer 2024, international arrivals to Norway, Sweden, Denmark were up 24% vs. 2019, far outpacing the 4% growth in Spain/Italy/Greece. This “coolcation” effect at the luxury end translates to real estate interest as well – rental inquiries for high-end villas in the Nordics surged last summer when southern Europe was under heat alerts, according to a Knight Frank property manager in Sweden. He said, “We’ve had Southern European families renting in the Stockholm archipelago in July, and a number now looking to buy, citing the ‘tolerable’ weather and nature.” Another anecdote from a Finnish lakeside developer: wealthy UAE and Indian buyers have recently purchased summer houses in Lapland and Lakeland Finland after experiencing 20 °C summers there, a stark relief from 45 °C at home. These early adopters indicate a broader HNW movement – climate diversification of residence. Just as portfolios are hedged for financial risk, families are hedging geographic risk: maintaining primary homes in global business centers but acquiring second or third homes in climate-favored regions as an insurance policy and summer refuge.

Knight Frank & Henley Indices: Knight Frank’s Wealth Report 2024 includes a “Climate Resilient Locations” section highlighting destinations combining luxury appeal with benign climate outlooks. Scandinavia ranks prominently, with Finland and Sweden singled out for “summer climate stability and abundant freshwater” alongside traditional safe havens like Switzerland. Henley & Partners’ Climate Resilience Index, meanwhile, classifies Finland, Norway, and New Zealand among the few countries rated “higher resilience” (scores ≥60/100) for climate adaptability. Their advice to clients: consider holding residency or property in one of these resilient countries as part of a future-proof lifestyle plan. Notably, the United States tops the index (due to its size and varied climates), but within the US, we see parallel trends of UHNWIs buying estates in the cooler Pacific Northwest or mountain states, away from hotter southern locales. For Europe’s wealthy, the simplest solution is intra-European mobility – hence the spike in interest for the likes of Finland, which offer excellent quality of life plus EU access. In summary, a consensus is emerging in the private wealth community: climate resilience is a luxury attribute. Just as important as a sea view or a Michelin-starred restaurant nearby, a temperate summer climate and reliable environment are becoming selling points for prime property.

This backdrop sets the stage for Finland’s positioning as an ideal “summer refuge” market for those global families.

Finland as a Climate Haven

Cool, Clean & Connected: Finland stands out as an oasis of temperate climate and environmental quality in a warming world. Summers are pleasantly mild – July afternoons average around 20 °C (68 °F), even in the southern Lake District. Heatwaves are rare and modest (25–30 °C is considered a hot day in Finland, and anything above 30 °C makes headlines). Moreover, thanks to its high latitude, Finland enjoys long summer days: in June–July the sun barely sets, yielding 18–24 hours of light (the famous Midnight Sun) especially above the Arctic Circle. This abundance of daylight and cool breezeclimate creates a naturally healthy summer environment – ideal for outdoor living without the risks of extreme UV or heat stress.

Finland also boasts world-leading air and water quality. It has the cleanest air on Earth, according to the WHO: Finland’s air has the lowest measured concentration of PM2.5 particles (only ~6 µg/m³) among all countries. This is largely thanks to the nation’s vast forests (75% land cover) and low pollution levels. For residents, it means breathing easy – literally. As a light anecdote, Finnish parents are known to let babies nap outdoors in winter for the fresh air, a practice that speaks to their air quality confidence. Water is equally pristine. A UNESCO study found Finland to have the world’s best groundwater and drinking water resources. Tap water is often as pure as bottled, and many of Finland’s ~188,000 lakes are clean enough to swim and even drink from. Lake Saimaa, for example, is described as “clean, oligotrophic freshwater” with exceptional clarity. This abundance of clean water feeds into everyday luxury – from wild swimming and fishing to the high-end wellness industry (spas using local peat, wild herbs, etc.). For individuals prioritizing health, Finland’s environment is a huge asset: no polluted smog, no water treatment worries – just crisp air and crystal clear lakes.

Safety and Stability: Finland perennially ranks among the world’s safest and most stable nations. It is currently top 10 in the Global Peace Index (and the #1 happiest country for eight years running). Crime rates are extremely low, political institutions are robust and transparent, and the country enjoys high social cohesion. For foreign property owners, this translates to peace of mind: strong rule of law, no social unrest, and reliable services. Finland’s healthcare system is universal and high-quality – an important consideration for families spending extended time there. In the unlikely event of medical issues, excellent care is available (Finland’s health outcomes rank among Europe’s best). Education is another bright spot: Finland’s schools are world-renowned, so expatriate families relocating fully would find top-tier international and local schools.

On a practical level, Finland is well-connected despite its northern location. Helsinki is a major aviation hub, with direct flights to over 120 global destinations. There are nonstop flights from Helsinki to cities like London (3h), Paris (3h), Dubai (6h), Singapore (11h) and New York (8h). It’s entirely feasible for an owner to breakfast by their Finnish lakeside and be in a London or Frankfurt boardroom by late afternoon. Within Europe, Helsinki’s airport and Finland’s national carrier Finnair offer efficient connections – plus, being in Schengen means once you’re in Finland, you have visa-free access across 26 European countries. Internet and telecom infrastructure in Finland is superb: it was one of the first countries to declare broadband access a legal right, and today it has among the highest internet penetration and 5G coverage rates globally. This makes remote work or managing business affairs from a Finnish summer home seamless, many tech CEOs have noted they can easily work from a Finnish island with no loss of connectivity.

Lastly, Finland offers straightforward residency options for investors and a welcoming environment for foreign owners – property rights are strong and non-discriminatory for EU nationals, and non-EU buyers can typically purchase real estate freely (with only some restrictions near border zones). Finland marries pristine nature with first-world infrastructure, a combination few countries can match. It’s easy to see why it’s being dubbed a “climate haven”: one can enjoy the tranquility of pure lakes and forests without sacrificing modern comforts, safety, or access to the world.

Spotlight on the Finnish Lake District

Finland’s Lake District (Lakeland) is a vast blue-green patchwork of lakes, islands, and forests – essentially a natural paradise tailor-made for summer retreat living. Key areas include:

• Lake Saimaa and Surroundings: Saimaa is Finland’s largest lake, a labyrinthine network of waters and islands often called “the water labyrinth” of Europe. It’s known for exceptionally clean water and even an endemic rare species, the Saimaa ringed seal. The region now hosts a UNESCO Global Geopark, highlighting its “pristine lake nature and stunning water labyrinths”. Towns like Savonlinna (with its medieval castle hosting an opera festival) dot the area, offering culture amid wilderness. Boating is a way of life – one can sail or motor through hundreds of kilometers of interconnected lakes and canals. Owning a villa here means your boat (or seaplane!) can be a primary mode of transport. The fishing (pike, perch, trout) is excellent, and locals cherish the tradition of ending summer evenings with a soothing sauna followed by a refreshing plunge into the lake – a health ritual beloved by Finns.

• Lake Päijänne and Salpausselkä Ridge: Päijänne, Finland’s second-largest lake, is another gem - so clean that it serves as the source of Helsinki’s drinking water via a 120 km tunnel. Recognized by National Geographic as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, Päijänne is surrounded by the UNESCO-designated Salpausselkä Geopark, valued for its unique ridges and aquifers that provide drinking water to a quarter of Finland’s population. The area's microclimate benefits from the lake's moderating effect: summers here are comfortably warm without extreme heat, while winters are tempered by the large water body. Päijänne National Park preserves dozens of islands featuring old-growth forests and sandy eskers—imagine kayaking out to your private picnic spot. The lake’s northern end boasts an inviting archipelago reminiscent of Finland’s coastal islands, offering tranquil coves ideal for swimming and relaxation. With few existing luxury developments, this pristine area presents discerning investors with opportunities to acquire expansive waterfront plots, many conveniently equipped with road access and essential utilities, making it perfect for building modern, sustainable eco-homes.

• Coastal Archipelago (Turku & Åland): Off Finland’s southwest coast lies the world’s largest archipelago (thousands of islands between Turku and the Åland Islands). This area provides a unique maritime twist on the lake refuge concept – you get the moderating influence of the Baltic Sea, with summer water temperatures around 18–20 °C and refreshing sea breezes. The archipelago has a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status for its cultural and natural value. Here, one can sail from islet to islet, eat fresh Baltic seafood, and enjoy the midnight sun over the sea horizon. Many islands are car-free, reachable only by boat – the ultimate in privacy. Yet connections are improving: scheduled ferries and even bridge roads link many larger islands. The vibe is idyllic Scandinavian coastal – think red cottages, lighthouses, and wildflower meadows – but one can equally construct a contemporary villa with infinity pool and sauna, tucked among pines with 180° sea views.

• Lapland Highlands (Inari, Ylläs, Kuusamo): For those who love cooler summers, magical winters close to the home of Father Christmas, serene skiing experiences, and landscapes of profound peace, Finnish Lapland offers highlands and fells (rounded mountains) bathed in midnight sun literally for two months straight. Summer temperatures in northern Lapland average a crisp 10–15 °C – a relief during Europe’s heatwaves. Regions like Lake Inari (far north) are ethereally beautiful: clear waters, birch forests, and the Sami culture influence. Owning a lodge in Lapland means enjoying not just cool summers but also the Northern Lights and winter sports come winter, making it a year-round draw. The air quality up here is as pure as it gets. And with new small airports and private jet facilities (e.g. Kittilä, Ivalo), it’s feasible to reach these remote luxury hideaways. While Lapland might have very minimal darkness in summer, blackout shades and clever architecture handle that – meanwhile, the long days allow endless hiking, fly-fishing for salmon, or just gentle contemplation in a fell-top hot tub under the surreal Arctic night-less sky.

Across all these Lake District areas, a few common threads stand out: microclimate advantages, UNESCO-recognized nature, and a deep-rooted wellness culture. Summers are mild enough that air-conditioning is often not needed (open windows and maybe a fan suffice). Lakes and sea provide natural cooling – it’s noteworthy that the concept of a “heatwave” in Finland is 25 °C by meteorological definition, illustrating how gentler the climate is. The Finnish relationship with nature means even luxury properties embrace the outdoors: expect large decks, outdoor kitchens, and, always, a sauna by the water’s edge. In 2020, Finnish sauna culture was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list – a testament to how integral it is. A high-end lake house will invariably feature a custom sauna (or even multiple: a smoke sauna, an electric indoor sauna, etc.), often with a design-forward aesthetic. For example, designer Kivi Sotamaa recently created a sculptural “Kivi Sauna” structure in the archipelago, using curving wood forms to elevate the sauna experience. Vivaret’s Avantoa (its wellness brand, named after the Finnish word avanto for an ice-hole swim) builds on this heritage, ensuring that each home comes with a holistic wellbeing package: lakeside sauna, cold plunge pool or natural swim zone, and spaces for yoga, massage or relaxation amid the trees. For the target clientele, this is the epitome of luxury – not marble foyers or gold fixtures, but a morning canoe paddle through misty coves, an afternoon picking wild berries in your forest, and a sunset sauna that detoxifies body and mind.

In sum, the Finnish Lake District offers something the crowded Mediterranean cannot in coming decades: tranquility, freshness, and resilient natural beauty, even as climates elsewhere become harsher. It’s a setting where multi-generational families can gather each summer and genuinely enjoy the outdoors rather than hide from it.

The next sections will explore why now is an excellent moment to invest in building a home here, and how leveraging Finnish sustainable construction expertise (like mass timber) can create a legacy property for generations to come.

Why Build Now – Macro & Micro Economics

Several converging factors make this an opportune time to invest in a Finnish lake house, both from a macro investment perspective and considering micro-level benefits:

Affordable Land, High Value: Relative to traditional luxury enclaves, property prices in Finland are highly attractive. Waterfront land in Finland is abundant – the country has ~330,000 km of shoreline – and markedly cheaper than equivalent Mediterranean or Alpine locations. For example, a British buyer on record purchased a 4-hectare lakeside farm estate in Finland for €75,000, which he noted would cost at least €550,000 in southern England. While prime plots on famous Finnish lakes (e.g. near National Parks or popular towns) command higher prices, they are still often a fraction of, say, a Côte d’Azur coastal lot of similar size. In the Finnish Lakeland one might acquire a 1–2 acre wooded lakefront lot for low-to-mid six figures in euros – an unheard-of bargain compared to the millions required for any decent slice of beachfront in the Med or a chalet plot in Switzerland. Even ultra-premium Finnish sites (e.g. a private 10-hectare island) can sometimes be found under €1 million. This pricing gap reflects historically lower demand, which is now starting to change as international buyers discover Finland. Buying now allows one to lock in a generous landholding at today’s rates, before potential climate-migration and foreign interest drive prices up. Moreover, Finland has low property taxes by international standards – property tax on land and buildings is a modest annual levy (often 0.5–1% of value depending on municipality), and Finland has no general wealth tax or inheritance tax on real estate (the latter abolished in 2005). Transaction costs are also reasonable (transfer tax 4% for real property, but no transfer tax at all for new developments sold as shares of a housing company). In short, the carrying cost of a Finnish property is low, improving its investment case as a long-term hold.

Favourable Tax Incentives: The Finnish government actively encourages sustainable new construction and rural development through incentives. Notably, there are tax deductions for home improvement and energy upgrades – Finnish households can get an income tax credit for installing things like heat pumps, solar panels or better insulation. For a foreign buyer building a new home, this may not directly apply, but you benefit indirectly as your builder can take advantage of any corporate incentives for energy-efficient construction (and potentially pass on some savings). Finland also reduced VAT on certain construction services to stimulate building post-COVID. Additionally, if one ever rents out the property seasonally, Finland has a very lenient tax regime for short-term rentals via the “majoitustoiminta” (accommodation activity) rules, and significant deductions are allowed (including a lump-sum deduction for secondary home rental) which can make any rental income tax-efficient. On the macro side, Finland in 2024–25 introduced a “green transition” tax credit for large investments in climate-friendly tech. While aimed at industrial players, this signals the policy direction: more support for projects that align with sustainability. A new timber eco-home with solar and battery could well attract some local grants or at least expedite permitting as it aligns with Finland’s carbon neutrality goals.

Cheap Financing & Euro Hedge: As of 2025, interest rates in Europe have ticked up from their historic lows, but financing is still relatively cheap and accessible for qualified buyers. Finnish banks are stable and often willing to work with international buyers on mortgage financing, especially if one has substantial assets. Even if borrowing is not needed, some clients use euro-denominated loans as a currency hedge if their income is in another currency. The euro itself has been quite stable against the dollar and other majors, trading in a manageable range. If one’s home currency is USD or GBP, there may be times when euro weakness offers a favourable entry (for instance, in 2022–23 the euro was relatively weak, effectively giving dollar-based buyers a ~10–15% discount). Building now locks in costs in euros, potentially hedging against future currency fluctuations. Finland’s inflation has been lower than the eurozone average in recent years (excluding energy shocks), and construction cost inflation specifically has cooled after a spike in 2022. There’s also a VAT rebate mechanism for new builds – if you build a house for yourself, you pay 25.5% VAT on materials and services but can claim much of it back if the home is your leisure residence and above a certain value.

Government Support for Sustainability: Finland is on an aggressive path to carbon neutrality by 2035, and this comes with concrete incentives that benefit new sustainable homes. For example, grants for geothermal or air-source heat pump installations are available, typically covering up to 25% of the system cost. There are also pilot programs in some regions offering subsidies for home battery storage systems to encourage grid stability. Several Finnish municipalities in Lakeland have offered small “migration incentives” for new residents or those building homes – e.g. in some rural towns, the city will provide a free connection to water and sewer (saving thousands) to anyone constructing a permanent house. Furthermore, building regulations in Finland encourage top energy performance: new houses must meet Energy Class A standards (very high insulation and efficiency). While this is a requirement, it results in extremely low operating costs (some new Finnish homes can be net-zero energy or close to it, thanks to solar and heat pump integration). The national grid is also being upgraded to be “battery-ready” and EV-friendly – Finland has one of the highest per capita electric vehicle rates in Europe, and rural grid infrastructure is keeping pace, meaning even remote properties can support EV charging and potentially sell back excess solar power to the grid. Thus, building now allows one to capitalize on all these forward-looking support structures: you can create a home that’s not only idyllic but future-proofed and subsidized in its green features.

Market Timing – Upside Potential: On the demand side, we are arguably at the inflection point of Northern European luxury property becoming “trendy” as climate havens. Early movers stand to gain the most. There is a finite supply of prime lakefront plots (especially those that check all boxes: good road access, electricity available, scenic view, etc.). As international awareness grows, these will be snapped up. The Knight Frank 2025 property outlook actually flagged Finland’s Lakeland as an “emerging prime market” following several high-profile purchases by foreign buyers. If one builds a bespoke lake house now, the appreciation potential could be significant over 5–10 years, not to mention the intangible value of enjoyment. It’s worth noting Finland’s economy and real estate market are very stable – there’s no speculative bubble, just steady moderate growth. So downside risk is limited compared to overheated markets. And if Southern Europe’s climate woes unfortunately worsen, it’s conceivable that by 2030 a Finland lake home might be as coveted as a villa in Tuscany once was, driving up values accordingly.

In summary, the macro conditions (climate-driven demand shift, Finland’s supportive policies) and micro advantages (cheap land, low taxes, tech incentives) align strongly. Building now means you lock in a desirable asset at a favorable cost basis, benefit from current incentives, and beat the rush that is likely to accelerate in coming years. It’s both a lifestyle investment and a savvy financial one.

The next section will delve into how to build – specifically, why using CLT and mass timber is the ideal approach for a sustainable luxury home in this context.

CLT & Mass‑Timber Edge

Constructing a home with cross-laminated timber (CLT) and other mass-timber technologies offers multiple advantages, aligning perfectly with both luxury and sustainability goals. In fact, Northern Europe is at the forefront of a “wood renaissance” in architecture, and Finland (as a major timber producer) is a hub of expertise.

Carbon-Negative Construction: Building with mass timber drastically cuts the carbon footprint of construction. Every cubic meter of wood stores about a ton of CO₂ that the tree absorbed from the atmosphere – meaning a CLT house literally acts as a carbon sink. A 2020 study in Finland found that if 80% of new buildings were made from wood instead of concrete/steel, it would offset half of Europe’s construction emissions. Concrete and steel are extremely carbon-intensive to produce; by replacing them with engineered wood, one avoids those emissions and locks away carbon for the life of the building. For an eco-conscious owner, living in a timber home is a powerful statement – your house itself is part of the climate solution. Stockholm’s forthcoming “Wood City” (the world’s largest mass-timber development) is projected to reduce construction emissions by up to 40% compared to a conventional build. Your custom lake house can achieve similar, especially if locally sourced Finnish timber is used. This dovetails with Finland’s national push for wood construction (Helsinki even has a wood district with state subsidies to promote wood use). Importantly, Finnish forests are sustainably managed (by law, more trees are planted than harvested), so one can build in wood with a clear conscience.

Strength, Safety & Durability: Modern CLT panels are phenomenally strong – by cross-laminating layers, they achieve structural strength comparable to steel or concrete of the same dimensions. This means multi-story buildings and long spans are possible (large open-plan living areas, vaulted ceilings in your villa – all feasible without a maze of columns). Contrary to intuition, mass timber performs excellently in fire. The outer layer of wood chars and insulates the interior, maintaining structural integrity far longer than unprotected steel would. In tests, massive timber elements can achieve 2-3 hour fire ratings. Stockholm’s Wood City is using “fire-proofed” mass timber with confidence, noting that engineered wood’s char layer “retains much of its structural strength” under fire conditions. Insurance companies in Finland are comfortable with timber buildings given these properties. Mass timber is also relatively lightweight – roughly 1/5th the weight of concrete – which makes it advantageous in certain conditions (e.g. it’s seismic-resistant due to lower mass and wood’s flexibility). If you ever worry about a tremor (Finland is low seismicity, but anyway), a timber house handles it better than masonry. Durability-wise, when properly detailed, CLT homes are very long-lasting (hundreds of years). Many medieval Scandinavian wooden buildings still stand. Modern treatments and designs prevent moisture issues – for instance, using generous roof overhangs, ventilated facades, etc., which any good Finnish architect will implement.

Speed and Precision: Building with prefabricated timber is fast. CLT panels can be CNC-cut in the factory to exact specifications (down to millimeter-precise window openings, etc.). They arrive on site ready to assemble like a giant puzzle. A typical 250 m² house’s shell can be erected in a matter of days, not months. This is a huge benefit in Finland’s climate – you can “dry in” the structure quickly, reducing exposure to elements during construction. Faster build means lower labor costs and less site disturbance. It also means you as the client get to enjoy your home sooner. There’s a case study of a Finnish developer who put up a whole 3-story apartment building in 8 days using CLT modules. For a single-family home, one might frame and seal it within 1–2 weeks. Additionally, construction is quieter – no heavy jackhammering or large concrete trucks for weeks. If your plot is in a serene natural area, mass timber construction is gentler on that environment during the build process (including less noise, less dust).

Biophilic Aesthetics & Wellness: Beyond the technical, there’s a profound emotional and health benefit to living in a timber home. Exposed wood interiors create a warm, calming ambiance that aligns with biophilic design principles (connecting inhabitants to nature). Studies have shown that natural wood surfaces in homes can lower stress and even heart rates in occupants. The scent of pine or spruce, the tactile feel of woodgrain, the acoustics (wood dampens harsh noises) – all contribute to a sense of wellbeing. Given that wellness is a key aim of a retreat home, this is a huge plus. Many high-end buyers now specifically seek “all-natural material” homes for these benefits. Wood is also very adaptable aesthetically: it can suit minimalist Scandinavian design (pale ash or birch finishes, clean lines) or a more rustic lodge style, or even be used in striking modern forms (curved glulam beams, etc.). It pairs beautifully with large glass windows to achieve that seamless indoor-outdoor flow that one desires by a lake. There’s a reason Nordic countries often top quality-of-life rankings – their tradition of building with wood and natural materials is part of creating comfortable human-centric environments. Living in a CLT home by a lake, you may find the environment itself is restorative – a point particularly relevant if you lead a busy, high-stress career.

Showcase Projects & Innovation: Europe’s embrace of mass timber means your home can leverage cutting-edge advancements. For instance, the aforementioned Stockholm Wood City will incorporate self-generated solar energy and smart systems in its timber buildings. Techniques pioneered there (like special wood-concrete composite floors for even better performance) could be applied by Finnish builders. Finland’s own Metsä Wood, Stora Enso, and Vivaret’s partner Crosslam Oy produce top-grade CLT and LVL (laminated veneer lumber), continually innovating with products and custom-engineered timber solutions. You’d essentially be tapping into a high-tech industry; this isn’t old log cabin building (though can be charming too), but precision engineering. It’s worth noting that Finland built a 8-story wooden apartment block in 2019 (in Joensuu) and a modular wooden school in Espoo – proving that even urban scale is achievable. For a luxury home, one can incorporate daring design moves: long cantilevered decks, soaring double-height great rooms, etc., all thanks to mass timber’s capabilities.

Eco-credentials and Future Value: Using mass timber aligns with the ethos of our target clientele (they want sustainable luxury) and will also future-proof the property in terms of value. As regulatory environments evolve, we might foresee that in 10–20 years high-carbon buildings could face higher taxes or penalties, whereas carbon-storing buildings might get credits. Already, some cities (like Oslo and Vancouver) incentivize low-carbon construction. Building in timber now could potentially make your property eligible for any future green building certification boosts or even insurance advantages (some insurers are considering premium discounts for sustainable homes). Moreover, should the family ever decide to sell in the distant future, the provenance of a “carbon-negative villa” built in the 2020s could be a unique selling point, especially to a next generation even more invested in climate action.

In summary, CLT and mass timber offer a winning combination for a house: climate-positive, robust and safe, speedy to construct, and unparalleled in beauty and comfort. It aligns perfectly with Vivaret’s philosophy of marrying tradition (wood craftsmanship) with cutting-edge design.

As we’ll outline in the next section, Vivaret’s approach leverages these advantages fully – employing master carpenters (Compagnons des Devoir-trained) to create bespoke timber elements and working with top Finnish timber engineers. The result is not just a house, but a legacy: a modern Scandinavian villa that breathes with the forest around it.

Vivaret & Avantoa Proposition

Vivaret’s offering is distinguished by a holistic approach that blends world-class craftsmanship, innovative design, and integrated wellness features. In partnering with Vivaret to create your climate-smart retreat, you gain access to a team and process unlike any other in this niche.

Craftsmanship – Compagnons des Devoir Heritage: Vivaret’s construction teams, led by CEO and founder Jonathan Carle, include master artisans trained in France’s legendary Compagnons des Devoir guild. This organization is renowned for delivering “true excellence in craft training”, passing down centuries-old know-how in wood, stone, metalwork and more. Having Compagnons craftsmen on site ensures every joint, every detail of your home is executed to the highest standard of workmanship – these are individuals who have honed their trade through years-long apprenticeships (including a Tour de France, working under various masters) and who take immense pride in their art. For the client, this means a level of fit and finish that mass-market builders cannot replicate. From hand-fitted dovetail joints in exposed beams to custom-carved wooden staircases, the Vivaret team delivers old-world quality in a contemporary context. It’s the antidote to the “cookie-cutter” vacation home. Each Vivaret home is essentially a sculptural piece of art you live in.

Architectural Design by Kivi Sotamaa: On the design front, Vivaret's co-founder, renowned Finnish architect Kivi Sotamaa, leads the creation of our signature homes. Sotamaa is internationally acclaimed for integrating digital design technology with organic forms and sustainable materials. Earlier he co-founded Ateljé Sotamaa and his portfolio includes everything from sculptural sauna pavilions to award-winning museum designs. Kivi’s philosophy is to “design human experiences” – meaning architecture that not only looks iconic but also feels right for its inhabitants and setting. In practice, that might translate to a home that curves around a shoreline’s contours, or a roofline inspired by a wave’s gentle arc, or interior spaces that frame specific forest or sunset views like art. His designs at Vivaret embrace biophilic elements – extensive use of glass to invite nature inside, flowing indoor-outdoor spaces, and of course, extensive use of timber to maintain a consistent dialogue with the surrounding landscape. With Kivi Sotamaa, you are not getting a generic log cabin or a catalog kit home; you are getting a one-of-a-kind architectural masterpiece tailored to your site and lifestyle. Yet it’s deeply Finnish in character: minimalist, functional, and harmonious with nature (often described as “Nordic Zen”). This design pedigree is a major advantage – essentially, a starchitect-designed home without the ego or impracticality that sometimes accompanies big-name architects, because Sotamaa’s style is very livable, honest and warm.

Integrated Avantoa Wellness Pavilions: A standout feature of Vivaret’s proposition is the built-in wellness and sauna experienced delivered through our sister brand Avantoa. Every Vivaret home includes a fully integrated sauna-spa complex. This isn’t a token backyard sauna; it’s a holistic wellness deck that may comprise: a panoramic lakeside sauna (wood-fired or electric per preference) with floor-to-ceiling therapeutic heat-treated wood, an adjacent hot tub or jacuzzi on the terrace, an ice plunge pool or “avanto” (either a natural path to the lake or a maintained cold plunge tub), outdoor rain showers, and even a yoga/meditation space with infrared heating options. All seamlessly connected to the main house via beautiful transition spaces - think a relaxation lounge with a fireplace between the sauna and main living room. The design ethos is to create a personal spa that can be enjoyed year-round. In summer, it’s about sauna followed by a dip in the cool lake under the midnight sun. In winter, it’s about warming up after skiing and perhaps braving a roll in the snow then into a steaming sauna. The health benefits of the Finnish sauna ritual are well documented (improved circulation, detoxification, stress relief), and Vivaret homes make this ritual as convenient and luxurious as possible. Avantoa uses top-of-line equipment: sauna stoves from leading Finnish brands (Harvia or Tulikivi), aromatic cedar or aspen wood interiors, and smart controls that can have your sauna pre-heated via an app. This is truly turnkey wellbeing – your retreat isn’t complete until mind and body are refreshed. By integrating this from the design phase, Vivaret ensures the wellness area isn’t an afterthought but a central feature, often one of the most architecturally striking parts of the home. For instance, we might cantilever the sauna building partly over the water, or give it a living green roof – making it a visual delight too.

Concretely, choosing Vivaret means you get:

• Turnkey Service Including Permitting: Vivaret handles all local permitting and paperwork end-to-end. Finnish building permits, while generally processed in ~3–4 months, require navigating municipal rules (especially as a foreign owner). We take care of that, leveraging local relationships to streamline approvals, ensuring your build stays on schedule.

• Smart-Home Technology: Each home comes standard with a Control4 (or equivalent) smart home system, fully integrated. This allows one-touch control of lighting scenes (e.g. “evening by the lake” dims indoor lights and illuminates the dock path), HVAC and window shades, security (remote cameras, alarms), and entertainment. We program it to also integrate the sauna/hot tub controls – e.g. preheat sauna remotely. Crucially for remote owners, you can monitor and manage the home from anywhere in the world via smartphone. The system is user-friendly and robust (Control4 is a leader in luxury home automation). Smart tech in a wilderness setting means convenience without worry – your house can essentially take care of itself.

• Year-Round Energy Efficiency: Vivaret homes are built to Energy Class A or better, exceeding Finnish code. Thick insulation, triple-glazed windows, heat recovery ventilation – these homes perform superbly in both summer and winter. We often include geothermal or air-source heat pump systems for heating/cooling which can cut energy use by 50%+. Some designs integrate solar panels subtly on roofs (taking advantage of long summer days), enabling the home to be nearly net-zero over a year. So not only is this eco-friendly, it also means low operating costs – an efficient 250 m² home can have monthly energy bills in the tens of euros thanks to these features, even when occupied in winter. That’s a big plus compared to many old holiday homes that are energy hogs.

• Off-Grid Readiness: While our houses connect to grid power and telecom by default, we design in resilience. Batteries (like a Tesla Powerwall system) can be installed to provide backup power. Water supply can be dual: connected to municipal or well water but with purifiers for lake water backup. Many clients desire a measure of self-sufficiency – not because Finland’s infrastructure is unreliable (quite the opposite), but for the peace of mind that the house is prepared for anything. If a severe storm knocked out power lines (rare, but possible anywhere), your home would seamlessly switch to battery/backup generator, and you might not even notice. Vivaret can also incorporate biological wastewater treatment on properties where connecting to sewer is challenging, meaning you’re not limited to areas with full infrastructure. Essentially, these homes are future-proofed against disruptions, aligning with the whole concept of a safe refuge.

• Design Customization and Furnishing: We provide interior design services to fully furnish and equip the home if desired – from custom cabinetry (built by our in-house carpenters) to selecting Scandi-chic furniture and artworks. The result is a coherent, move-in-ready home styled to your taste, whether that’s “modern Nordic minimalism” or “cosy lakeside lodge.” A Control4 smart home, integrated AV, top-grade appliances (Miele, Gaggenau, etc.) in the kitchen – all those luxury trimmings are part of the package. Because our craftsmen can build custom, we often craft unique pieces like a dining table from a single Finnish oak slab or a staircase that is itself a design statement. These details set Vivaret apart from developers who might just ask you to go shopping at stock showrooms.

Vivaret delivers a turnkey dream: Land acquisition to final decor, we handle it. And the through-line is quality without compromise. The fusion of French artisanal skill (Compagnons), Finnish design innovation (Sotamaa), and holistic wellness (Avantoa) produces a residence that is more than a building – it’s an expression of a lifestyle that values nature, craftsmanship, and wellbeing. Few if any competitors can claim this level of integrated offering. This is not developer hype; it’s rooted in real expertise and passion. Vivaret’s founders themselves live this ethos – spending summers in hand-built timber homes, plunging into icy lakes come winter – so they bring personal commitment to each project.

Risk & Mitigation

No investment is without challenges. Vivaret proactively identifies potential risks in developing a luxury Finnish retreat and has strategies to mitigate each:

Currency Fluctuation: For international buyers, the exchange rate between the euro (EUR) and their home currency can impact the total project cost. A swing in EUR/USD for example could make a €1 million project cost 5–10% more or less in dollar terms over a year.

Mitigation: Vivaret offers flexible payment structuring to hedge this risk. For instance, we can agree on a fixed euro price and, if desired, arrange a currency forward contract through our banking partners to lock in a rate for future payments – shielding the client from adverse moves. We can also stagger payments in both currencies (e.g. some in EUR, some in USD/GBP) to balance exposure. The euro has historically been stable (and is currently mid-range), but we aim for transparency: our contract can be in euros (since costs are euro-based), and we advise clients to consider converting funds at opportune times or using currency protection tools. Additionally, building in Finland is relatively inflation-proof because many materials (timber, etc.) are locally sourced and not subject to extreme price volatility. We saw timber prices globally spike in 2021 and normalize; Finland’s stable supply means that risk is lower here. Vivaret also often pre-purchases key materials when a contract is signed, locking costs. So overall, currency and cost inflation risks are managed so there are no nasty surprises.

Permitting & Regulatory Delays: Obtaining a building permit in a foreign country can seem daunting. In Finland, a building permit for a new house typically takes ~3 months in processing in straightforward cases, but it can stretch longer if additional environmental assessments or exemptions are needed (for example, building on shoreline often has zoning regulations like required setback from the water).

Mitigation: Vivaret’s local architects and legal team handle all permitting. We conduct due diligence on plots before recommending them, to ensure they have appropriate zoning (e.g. designated for holiday housing) or to understand what is buildable. If a shoreline permit exception is needed (Finland has a general law restricting new builds within ~100m of shore unless the area is planned for it), we manage that process, having experience in obtaining such permissions by demonstrating the project’s low environmental impact. Our team maintains excellent relations with municipal authorities and is well-versed in Finnish building codes and environmental laws – so we prepare applications meticulously, often accelerating approval by avoiding common mistakes. In the worst case of a bureaucratic delay, we keep the client informed and adjust the project timeline. Finland’s construction season is year-round for us thanks to prefabrication, so a few weeks’ delay in permit is not critical. We also typically commence some works that don’t require full permit (like site surveys, preliminary groundwork) as allowed, to not waste time. Essentially, with Vivaret the red tape is on us, and we’ve not had a permit refusal to date.

Supply Chain & Materials: A global concern in construction is availability of materials. We all recall how in 2021–22 certain materials like insulation or specialty glass had long lead times. Mass timber itself became so popular that some CLT factories had order backlogs.

Mitigation: Vivaret secures priority production slots with our partner CLT manufacturer in Finland. By planning early (our design-to-fabrication pipeline), we order the timber well in advance. We also stockpile some critical materials (like high-quality window units from a Finnish manufacturer) in a storage facility to buffer any delays. Finland’s strong forestry sector means basic wood supply is secure and domestic – we’re not, say, relying on imported steel from faraway. We also have multiple suppliers for things like fixtures; if an Italian marble or a German appliance faces delay, we can often source an equivalent alternative through our network. Moreover, because we custom-build a relatively small number of homes at a time (we’re a boutique operation, not mass volume), we give each project the full focus to chase down any supply issue quickly. We experienced the pandemic-era disruptions and adapted by diversifying suppliers. For instance, we now source heat pumps from multiple different top brands (so if one has a backlog, we use the other). Our goal is to deliver on time, and thus far we’ve successfully navigated these headwinds – an advantage of operating in Finland where essential materials (wood, glass, stone) are domestically available.

Project Execution & Remote Management: Some clients worry about managing a build in a foreign country. Will there be misunderstandings? Will the quality be as promised if I’m not always there?

Mitigation: Vivaret’s model is built on trust and communication. We assign a dedicated project manager (English or French -speaking) to every client, who provides biweekly progress reports, video walk-throughs of the site, and is available for Zoom/Teams calls at your convenience. This keeps you as involved as you wish to be. Many clients actually visit only at key milestones (e.g. to approve initial design, at shell completion, and for final handover) – we handle the rest. We are also happy to host you anytime in Finland to see the process; transparency is key. Contractually, we offer clear and robust guarantees, including the option of a fixed-price or flexible pricing agreement, depending on your preference, and a 10-year structural warranty as per Finnish law for new homes, plus manufacturer warranties on systems. We also mitigate operational risks: our homes come with optional property management service (we can organize the maintenance of the home when you’re absent – regular check-ups, cleaning, servicing of equipment). So the risk of “what if something goes wrong when I’m not there” is handled – your investment is looked after. Lastly, Finland’s political and economic stability means you’re building in one of the least risky environments globally – there’s virtually no risk of expropriation, no capricious law changes on foreign ownership (which is fully allowed except a new minor registration requirement for security reasons in some areas, which we handle). And the banking system is sound, so your stage payments, escrow, etc., are safe.

Climate and Geotechnical Risks: While Finland is a haven from heat, one has to design for cold winters and perhaps heavy snow loads, as well as consider things like rocky soil or radon in some areas.

Mitigation: Vivaret’s architectural engineering ensures the home is built for the local climate conditions (e.g. roof structures are calculated for high snow loads common in Finland – safety factor is high). Foundations are designed by Finnish engineers who deeply know the soil conditions – whether it’s granite bedrock or lakeside clay, we use appropriate solutions (sometimes pile foundations or raft foundations) to prevent settling or movement. If a plot is on a slope by the lake, we conduct a geotechnical survey and ensure slope stability (retaining structures if needed). On environmental aspects, Finland does have some radon-prone zones; our build includes radon barriers and ventilation beneath the foundation slab in those cases to eliminate any issue. Essentially, no surprises – the house will stand solid and safe through -30 °C winters, summer thunderstorms, whatever. And with proper detailing, issues like humidity or mold (which can plague poorly built houses) are averted – our building envelope is expertly sealed but breathable, with mechanical ventilation to keep indoor air pristine (plus that air is filtered forest air to begin with!).

In summary, Vivaret’s approach to risk is to anticipate and manage it so that our clients don’t have to. We leverage local knowledge, offer robust contractual protections, and maintain flexibility to adapt if needed. The end result is that building a home with us in Finland can be as smooth as building one in your home country, if not more so – many clients comment that Finland’s efficient bureaucracy and our project management made the process far easier than they expected. Ultimately, our reputation rests on delivering what we promise, with no unpleasant surprises.

Conclusion & Actionable Insights

The confluence of climatic, economic, and lifestyle factors explored in this article strongly suggests that owning a climate-resilient summer refuge in Finland is not just a defensive move against heat – it is an affirmative investment in family well-being and long-term value. Southern Europe’s summers are increasingly fraught with risk: extreme heat, wildfires, water shortages and infrastructure stress. Wealthy families who once summered on the Riviera or in Tuscany are already seeking gentler climes, as evidenced by travel and property trends. Finland, with its cool clean lakes and midnight sun, stands out as a prime beneficiary of this shift. It offers what high-net-worth investors prize: safety, stability, accessibility, and exclusivity – all wrapped in a temperate climate package that seems almost tailor-made for the “new normal” of the 21st century.

From a financial perspective, acquiring land and building in Finland now is an opportunity to get ahead of the curve. Comparable lifestyle properties in traditional locations have skyrocketed in price (and may face volatility as climate impacts worsen there), whereas Finland’s market is at an early, affordable stage with significant upside potential. As climate awareness grows among the global elite, pristine northern retreats will become the next status symbol (far more meaningful than, say, an overcrowded Mediterranean villa). Beyond status, they will be genuine sanctuaries where one’s children and grandchildren can experience summers the way they should be: joyful, adventurous, and safe.

Actionable Next Steps for Interested HNW Individuals and Family Offices:

1. Climate-Comfort Portfolio Review: Evaluate your existing property portfolio in light of climate trends. Do you have too many assets in regions likely to become less habitable in summer? Consider geographical diversification. Just as one diversifies investments, diversify lifestyle assets to include a climate haven. The Knight Frank data and Henley index in this report can serve as starting points for convincing stakeholders (investment committee, family council) of this need.

2. Visit Finland – Diligence Trip: There’s no substitute for on-ground experience. We recommend a site visit to Finland during peak summer (June–August) to truly feel the difference. Vivaret can host prospective clients on a guided tour of the Lake District – walk properties for sale, experience a sauna evening, see existing high-end homes. Simultaneously, one can meet local legal and tax advisors in Helsinki (which we can arrange) to understand the logistics of acquisition. A quick note: many are pleasantly surprised by Finland’s connectivity; you can fly in via London or Frankfurt with ease. Even a long weekend trip can be illuminating.

3. Engage Experts Early: If the idea resonates, engage with specialists such as Vivaret early in your decision process. We can assist in site selection – identifying the right region and plot to match your preferences (be it sailing focus in the archipelago or horse-riding and berry picking in Lakeland, etc.). We can provide feasibility studies (e.g. what kind of home can be built on a given site, estimated costs). Early engagement also allows time for any permitting nuances. Additionally, consult your wealth manager or lawyer on the optimal holding structure (personal ownership vs. via a company, understanding Finnish property taxes which are straightforward, etc.). Finland imposes no restrictions on foreign buyers except a simple notification for non-EU buyers now, so it’s quite straightforward.

4. Leverage Residency Options: While not required, some buyers may consider obtaining a Finnish (or broader EU) residency permit alongside the property purchase for flexibility. Finland doesn’t have a “golden visa” per se, but owning significant property and spending time could support a residency application under self-sufficiency or entrepreneur categories. Alternatively, Portugal’s golden visa (or similar) has been popular, but as those programs evolve (some shutting down due to housing pressures), the climate refuge strategy might be served better by pure residency in a resilient country like Finland. We can connect you with immigration counsel if that is of interest (Henley & Partners’ Climate Index actually highlights such investment migration options). At the very least, ensure you can maximize use of your property – e.g. Americans and most others can stay 90 days in 180 in Finland visa-free; Schengen multiple-entry visas or residency make longer stays possible.

5. Design for Generations: When planning the retreat, think long-term about your family’s needs. Involve the next generation in visioning the property – if they have buy-in, this becomes a multi-generational legacy home where memories are created. Also consider features like multi-purpose guest cottages - perfect for accommodating support teams such as chefs, household staff, or assistants - and accessibility elements to comfortably host older or less mobile family members, and even estate planning (the property can be seen as an heirloom; Finnish legal/tax advisors can advise on efficient inheritance structures, noting Finland has inheritance tax for heirs on worldwide assets of residents but planning can mitigate it if you remain non-resident – an important nuance to discuss). Essentially, treat this not as a transitory asset but as a “family haven” that could be cherished 30, 50 years from now.

The world’s climate is shifting in ways that make location an increasingly pivotal aspect of luxury and security.A house in Finland or elsewhere in Scandinavia - made possible by our versatile CLT construction methods and agile building approach that enable us to create homes virtually anywhere - is more than a refuge from heat; it’s a return to authenticity. Clean air, pure water, the silence of the forest – luxuries that are ironically growing rarer in our modern era. Vivaret’s mission is to make the creation of such a retreat an effortless and rewarding journey for you. We have the local knowledge, the artisans, and the passion to translate your dreams into a tangible reality: a timeless timber home, glowing warmly on a summer evening by the lake, ready to welcome you after the rest of the world has sweltered through another heatwave. The opportunity to build your family’s summer sanctuary in Finland is here, now – and as this article demonstrates, it is underpinned by rigorous rationale and data.

We invite you to take the next steps toward climate-smart luxury living.

Act now, and in the summers to come, while others seek shelter from the sun and smoke, you’ll be watching your children dive into crystal-clear lake waters – carefree, invigorated, and grateful for the foresight that led you north.

Disclaimer: The content of this publication is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. Nothing herein should be construed as a recommendation or an offer to make any financial decision. Please be aware that tax laws (including VAT), currency exchange rates, government incentives, and financing conditions are subject to change at any time and may vary by jurisdiction or individual circumstances. The authors and Vivaret make no representations as to the current accuracy or completeness of the information. All information should be verified with qualified legal, tax, and financial professionals before you rely on it or make any related decisions.

Bibliography / References:

1. Petrequin, S., & Wilson, J. (2025, July 1). Barcelona registra su junio más caluroso mientras una ola de calor azota Europa. Associated Press (via SFGate).

2. Niranjan, A., & Jones, S. (2025, June 30). Spain records highs of 46°C and France under alert as Europe swelters in heatwave. The Guardian.

3. Savage, M. (2025, January 18). Sweden is Building the World’s Largest City Made Entirely From Timber. TIME Magazine.

4. Carlson, C. (2023, July 7). Sweden is building the largest wooden city in the world. World Economic Forum / Dezeen.

5. Atrium Ljungberg. (2025, June 5). Stockholm’s Wood City: A Blueprint for Low-Carbon Urban Growth. JIB Creative blog (D. Shephard).

6. Ajit Niranjan. (2023, July 10). Heatwave last summer killed 61,000 people in Europe, research finds. The Guardian.

7. Giuffrida, A., et al. (2023, July 10). Italy heatwave could push temperatures close to European record. The Guardian.

8. Weise, Z., & Stamouli, N. (2023, August 28). Europe’s largest fire on record sparks hunt for scapegoats in Greece. Politico.

9. Gwyn Jones, M. (2025, July 2). Fact check: Climate change and heatwaves. Euronews.

10. European Commission. (2020). IPCC AR6 WGII – Mediterranean Region (Cross-Chapter Paper 4).

11. European Travel Commission / Savills. (2025). Spotlight: European “Coolcation” Trend. (Marie Hickey quoted in Savills report).

12. Henley & Partners. (2023). Investment Migration Climate Resilience Index – Program Insights.

13. Business Insider. (2025, June 24). 10 most peaceful countries in the world. (K. Villarroel).

14. Visit Finland. (n.d.). Things to know about Finnish air and its benefits.

15. Vellamo. (n.d.). Finland – the country of the best water (UNESCO study).

16. UNESCO World Heritage Centre. (2021). The Ringed Seal Archipelagos of Lake Saimaa (Tentative List description).

17. UNESCO Intangible Heritage. (2010). Compagnonnage: network for on-the-job transmission of knowledge.

18. City of Helsinki. (2025). Average Building Permit Processing Times.

19. Reddit (u/A_britiot_abroad). (2019). Property pricing in Finland discussion (comparative land cost anecdote).

20. World Economic Forum. (2023). Stockholm Wood City – climate impact.

Other sources: The Guardian (July 2025); Euronews (July 2, 2025); IPCC AR6 Europe (2022); Business Insider (June 24, 2025); Visit Finland (n.d.).