Today, Helsinki has over 600,000 inhabitants, with the number estimated to grow by 10% by the year 2030. The growth rate in the entire Helsinki metropolitan area is likely to be even faster, with forecasts predicting some 1,561,000 residents by 2030. The construction of a large number of new apartments is needed to meet the demand of the rapidly growing population. The aim is to build 5,000 homes annually, and to enhance the already efficient public transportation system.
Finland enjoys high quality construction, with the four distinct seasons each year strongly influencing the practicalities of the high demands of building. Especially in the last few years, energy-efficiency and environmental issues have been considered in all construction activity, and efforts are made to minimise the environmental stress caused by building and living. The average size of homes in Helsinki is 63m2, or 34 m2 per capita.
