WHAT'S UP?

Home is home – even in a pandemic

In the pandemic, there are more rentals available, so now might be a good time to find a new home.

The media says that people are looking for more space and a yard. However, in rentals, the pandemic has not really changed what people want.

Vuokraovi.com, the most comprehensive online rental service, asked its visitors if the pandemic has changed their views, and the pandemic's impact turned out to be small. The importance of a balcony or terrace has grown a bit, and more people want to be able to have a pet.

Paying for comfort As such, renting has become more popular in recent years. "Its brand has improved. There was a time when renters were labelled as second-rate citizens, but this is no longer the case," says business owner Henrik Laakkonen from Vuokraovi.com.

Especially the young prefer to use more money in making their home more comfortable or they want to invest in experiences and travelling.

Vuokra-ovi.com's survey shows this trend, too: residents are more willing to pay for good living. Four out of five respondents would be likely to pay a higher rent, if the apartment were well-equipped and had higher quality finishes. "People are not looking for cheap solutions. Home is home, and now it is even more important."

Vantaa gained new residents The pandemic has brought apartments used as Airbnb rentals or by students on the market. "Demand has stayed on a good level, but now there is

more supply. Renters have more to choose from, so it is a good time to be looking for a new home," Laakkonen says.

Vantaa has gained 1,000 residents during the pandemic, even though Espoo and Helsinki lost residents. Vantaa has good transport connections and services, it has nature close by, and the price–quality ratio of living is good. New apartments are being built in good locations.

Vantaa follows how happy its residents are e.g. with their home, services, transport, and recreation options. "Generally, Vantaa residents are happy with their living; this has not changed even during the pandemic," says Elisa Ranta, Housing Specialist at city of Vantaa.

Text Anne Hänninen Photos Laura Oja

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Heating your car

When days get colder, it is nice to have your car already warm when you start the engine. Remember to disconnect the heater cable before you leave the parking lot. Take care not to leave the cable hanging from the electrical outlet without it being connected to the car. DIY

Make your own toys

PLAY WITH MAGIC DOUGH If you have 3 dl of flour, 1.5 dl of salt, and 1 tbsp of oil, you have the makings of magic dough. Mix salt and flour, add cold water gradually, and then oil. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until firm. Let is rest for at least an hour. Then go and play! You can keep the dough in the fridge for a week.

LIVING ROOM OBSTACLE COURSE Rearrange your living room into an obstacle course. Mark a twisty course with masking tape and set obstacles on the route with sofa cushions, matrasses, or books. Chairs can be lined up to form a tunnel.

TOYS FROM NATURE Your imagination is the only limit: you can make toys of pine or spruce cones, stones or pebbles, fall leaves, and sticks. Flat stones can be painted into cute ladybirds that can be given as gifts. Play turns into art!

?Who should I notify about broken lights in the yard?

WHEN THE FALL comes and it gets darker, it is important that the yard lights work. Several VAV properties will have their lighting renewed and updated this fall. If you notice any broken lights, you should inform the maintenance company right away through the OmaVAV service.