The Current State of the Finnish Cottage Phenomenon: Perspectives of Experts

ABSTRACT

To date, studies that provide a comprehensive understanding of the current state of the cottage in Finland are lacking in the literature. This paper explored this phenomenon, which has great cultural and economic importance for Finland, through interviews from the perspective of experts. Key findings based on main themes including cottage buyers, characteristics of the dream cottage, diversified cottages, the regulation of cottages in municipalities, and challenges in the regulation of cottages, highlighted that (1) cottage buyers were reported to be mostly in their 50s and wealthy;(2) buyers were in high demand for easy solutions and cottages with a similar level of equipment to a primary home;(3) environmental issues were considered interesting, but buyers primarily paid attention to the cleanliness of the nature and especially the body of water surrounding their cottage;(4) distance to the cottage and closest services were deciding factors, and there was greater demand for waterfront cottages;(5) popular cottage sizes varied widely, and the diversification was among the highlights;(6) while changes in use were possible under certain circumstances, sewage and wastewater regulation, and sizing of beach construction were considered challenging. It is believed that this paper will contribute to the balanced territorial development of cottages in Finland and the vitality of cottage-rich municipalities.