Rental Investing in Oulu, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa

2026 Market Data & Investment Analysis

Gross Yield

4.7%

Annual rent / price

Median Home Price

€180,000

As of 2026-Q1

Median Monthly Rent

€700

Per month

Population

210,000

+3.8% / yr (5y avg)

Calculate Your Return in Oulu

Pre-filled with Oulu's median values. Adjust to match your specific property.

Property Details

Total acquisition cost before taxes

HOA, insurance, property management

%

% of time the property is empty

%

% of purchase price (e.g. 2% = 2)

% of price

Rule of thumb: 1% of purchase price/yr

Results

Gross Rental Yield

4.67%

Net Rental Yield

2.10%

Cap Rate

2.10%

Monthly Cash Flow

€315.00

Annual Cash Flow

€3,780.00

> 6% — Excellent4–6% — Good< 4% — Low

Market Overview

Median Home Price — 5-Year Trend

2022
€195,000
2023
€172,000
2024
€164,000
2025
€172,000
2026
€180,000

Median Monthly Rent — 5-Year Trend

2022
€644
2023
€658
2024
€672
2025
€686
2026
€700

While Oulu's rental yields of 4.7% are below average, investors may benefit from strong long-term appreciation potential in this market.

Strong population growth of 3.8% per year suggests increasing rental demand and a tightening supply-demand balance over time.

The vacancy rate of 3% is healthy, indicating strong rental demand and limited downtime between tenants.

Investment Profile

Appreciation Market

Oulu features strong population growth that may drive property values higher over time. Current rental yields are modest, so returns are more dependent on price appreciation than immediate rental income.

Strengths

  • Population growth of 3.8% per year supports long-term demand
  • Appreciation potential may deliver strong total returns over time
  • Robust rental demand from growing workforce and population

! Risks

  • Gross yield of 4.7% provides limited current cash flow
  • Higher purchase prices require larger upfront capital
  • Returns more sensitive to market cycles and interest rates

Key Metrics

Gross Yield4.7%
Median Home Price€180,000
Median Monthly Rent€700
Population Growth+3.8% / yr
Vacancy Rate3%

How Oulu Compares

Oulu vs Kajaani: 1.3 percentage point difference in gross yield.

CityMedian PriceMedian RentGross YieldPop. Growth
Kajaani, Kainuu€100,000€5006%-2.8%
Rovaniemi, Lappi€140,000€6005.1%+2.4%
Kokkola, Keski-Pohjanmaa€130,000€5755.3%+1%
Seinäjoki, Etelä-Pohjanmaa€130,000€5805.4%+1.8%
Kuopio, Pohjois-Savo€150,000€6405.1%+2.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

Is rental investing profitable in Oulu?
Oulu offers a gross rental yield of 4.7%, which is in line with the national average. With a median home price of €180,000 and median monthly rent of €700, profitability is achievable but depends heavily on financing terms and whether you can source properties below the median price.
What is the average rental yield in Oulu?
The average gross rental yield in Oulu is approximately 4.7%, based on a median home price of €180,000 and median monthly rent of €700 (as of 2026-Q1). Net yield, which accounts for vacancy, expenses, and maintenance, is typically 2–3 percentage points lower.
How does Oulu compare to Kajaani for investors?
Oulu has a gross yield of 4.7% compared to 6% in Kajaani, a difference of 1.3 percentage points. Kajaani offers higher current yield. Oulu may compensate through stronger population growth and long-term appreciation potential.

Ready to Analyse a Specific Property in Oulu?

Use our free rental yield calculator to model any property — not just the median.

Data source: Tilastokeskus / ARA. Last updated: 2026-Q1. This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.