Strong pre-leasing performance has validated Trevian Asset Management’s strategy to target premium family rental housing in the Greater Helsinki area, as the firm’s first residential investment in Finland with global asset manager Nuveen reaches a key milestone.
The €42 million investment, comprising a four-asset portfolio of family-oriented rental homes, has achieved what Trevian describes as exceptional leasing results ahead of completion. Additional units are already under development, underscoring continued confidence in the segment and in long-term demand fundamentals within Finland’s largest urban region.
The investment marks Nuveen’s entry into the Finnish residential market and reflects a shared focus on energy-efficient, design-led housing located close to schools and everyday services. Trevian has acted as advisor on the transaction and ongoing development, while construction has been delivered by local developer Toivo Group.
At the core of the strategy is an emphasis on family housing that combines A-rated energy efficiency, carefully selected micro-locations and layouts designed to support long-term living. The approach targets a segment that Trevian believes remains structurally undersupplied in the capital region.
“Successful pre-leasing confirms a strong market signal. Family rental housing that meets today’s standards is in genuine short supply in the capital region, creating an attractive and structurally resilient segment for investors,” says Kim Särs, Head of Investment Management at Trevian.
According to Trevian, the wood-constructed developments have been delivered in line with high sustainability standards, reflecting growing investor and tenant demand for lower-carbon residential assets. Energy efficiency has been a central feature of the projects, alongside durable materials and modern building systems designed to reduce long-term operating costs.
The homes have been designed specifically with daily family life in mind. Features include generous layouts, large window areas to maximize natural light, and private terraces or gardens. Kitchens and bathrooms have been finished with materials selected for durability and long-term use, rather than short-term aesthetic trends.
In addition, all homes are equipped with modern technical systems and electric vehicle charging facilities, aligning with broader shifts in mobility and household energy use across the Nordic region. Trevian said these features have resonated strongly with prospective tenants during the leasing process.
“This family rental housing investment in the Greater Helsinki residential market represents a meaningful milestone for us. It has been rewarding to see how well the homes have met the needs of families, particularly in terms of location and everyday functionality,” Särs adds.
Nuveen, one of the world’s largest investment managers, has identified residential real estate as a defensive asset class offering stable income and long-term growth potential. Its decision to enter Finland through a family-focused rental portfolio reflects confidence in the Greater Helsinki market, which continues to benefit from population growth, urbanization and a limited supply of new family-sized rental homes.
Trevian said close collaboration with Toivo Group has been critical to the success of the first phase of the portfolio, particularly in maintaining construction quality and timely delivery.
“We set high standards and Toivo Group has delivered to an exceptional level. All handovers were completed with zero defects, and we are very satisfied with the quality of execution,” Kim Särs continues.
With leasing momentum established, Trevian will continue its advisory role as Nuveen advances the next phases of the portfolio. The next homes are scheduled for completion in Espoo in 2026, further expanding the offering in one of the Helsinki region’s most sought-after residential submarkets.
As competition for capital intensifies across European real estate, Trevian believes the combination of sustainability, family-oriented design and prime suburban locations positions the portfolio to deliver resilient returns over the long term, even amid broader economic uncertainty.
