Forest holding sales

Forests are a renewable natural resource and, for many, a long-term investment. The Forest Act grants owners broad discretion in deciding how their forests are used. Forest ownership allows landowners to influence not only economic returns but also forest management practices, biodiversity considerations and the long-term development of forest areas.

In addition to providing timber and economic benefits, forests offer a variety of recreational opportunities. Forests absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen as they grow. The environmental and climate impacts of forest ownership depend on factors such as the characteristics of the forest, management practices and the ways in which the forest is used.

From time to time, Metsähallitus also sells holdings of joint forests. A joint forest is a forest area owned and managed by several partners together. The government has also been involved in establishing joint forests by allocating Metsähallitus’ areas for that purpose. Once the area becomes operational and established, we sell our shares.

Smooth trading

You can find the Metsähallitus forests that are on sale from the website. However, you should always visit the forest you plan to buy.

Forest holdings are sold both at a fixed price and on the basis of offers, some at an auction. In an auction, you usually need to bid within a few months after the site goes on sale. When a site is auctioned, it will have a predefined date for final bids and everyone can see what others are willing to pay, so they can raise their own offer.

Forest holdings can be sold and bought conveniently on electronic channels, which saves costs and makes the trading arrangements easier. 

Purchase of forest holdings and land areas

Metsähallitus purchases forest holdings to be used in forestry, mainly such that are located within or in the immediate vicinity of state-owned land. If you have such a site to sell, you can contact our sales consultants. You can find their contact details at the bottom of the page.

The Finnish Defence Forces operate and train on land under the control of Metsähallitus. Metsähallitus is also in charge of procuring additional land areas needed for training. Selling land or forest area to the Finnish Defence Forces is very profitable for the seller in terms of taxation, as these deals have an 80% deemed acquisition cost that guarantees the seller significant tax benefits of the capital gain. Then the seller only pays tax on a 20% share, making 80% of the sales exempt from taxes. 

Contact information