Finland is known for its saunas, and for its claim on Santa Claus, but there is much more to it.

The country also has a rich architecture and design legacy, which makes Helsinki an interesting market for second home buyers, especially families.

“The quality of life is high and it’s a safe city with lots to offer,” says Soile Goodall, an agent at Snellman Sotheby's International Realty. “The quality of education is excellent and there are numerous international schools.”

Tom Venho, a realtor at by Habita LTD, says Finland is in a buyer’s market now. The country, he says, is the size of Montana or New Mexico with about six million people, and there is more supply than demand.

“This is largely due to huge growth in new development after the recession,” he says. “There is a tendency to move to the few larger cities like the greater Helsinki, Turku, Tampere, Jyväskylä and Oulu. So, the rest of the country keeps turning into a vacation land.”

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Finland is ideal for those seeking nature, safety and tranquility, he says. People who like snow and winter sports also do well there, he says. Many European Union employees end up in Finland, and Helsinki also has a big university vibe.

“There are towns, cities that are unpopulated yet have all the basic services and you can actually live in the heart of the city and on a lakefront with private beach at the same time,” he says. “Also pricing as a second home is modest compared to many other places.”

Goodall says those who have bought into the market will still see prices appreciate.

“A purchase in a sought-after area is always a good investment,” she says. “Helsinki is a compact city and thus an ideal destination for city breaks.”