whether you choose to rent or buy, this page has it all
renting is the fastest and easiest way to find a home when you first arrive to estonia
buying property is a relatively speedy process, too
discover your next 'hood
Beach or forest — why not both? How about a big yard, great schools, no more than a 20-minute commute to the city? Not a problem! New arrivals are often pleasantly surprised by the amount of versatility Estonia has to offer, especially when it comes to real estate! Click on the map below and we’ll help you find the neighborhood most likely to feel like home.
District Administration address:
Tallinna Kesklinna Valitsus
Reg. no. 75014221
www.tallinn.ee/kesklinn
Nunne 18, 15058 Tallinn
Phone: (+372) 645 7200
Email:
Area 30.6 km², population 62.311.
History brief: The design of the streets and residential areas of Kesklinn started in 1857. The majority of the buildings downtown were completed either between 1920-1940 or 1945 into the 1950s. The most recent development boom began in the 1990s and shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon!
Housing: Some picturesque Old Town (Vanalinn) apartments and houses are constructed as far back as 1230 A.D. and look like something straight out of a fairytale. Ultra-modern 21st century office buildings and condos create a charming contrast in this neighbourhood of old meets new.
Meet the neighbours: Everyone from busy corporate types and trendy hipsters to students and pensioners. In addition to native Estonians, foreign nationals from all across the globe have chosen to make Kesklinn their new home away from home.
Why Kesklinn? Right in the centre of the capital of Tallinn, Kesklinn is as hustling and bustling a city as you’ll find in this part of the world. That said, it’s not nearly as overwhelming as an ultra-metropolis like NYC or Hong Kong. You’ll find a nice mix of tastes and cultures, from world-class Michelin star restaurants to vibrant nightlife to cozy little pubs to watch a football match or grab a pint with a friend.
Heart of Kesklinn: You can create a triangle on a map between Vanalinn (Old Town), Viru Keskus Shopping Centre and Vabaduse Väljak (the Freedom Square), and you’ll find plenty to explore within a 5 minute walkt. There’s always something going on in this area, and you’ll find this area is frequented by tourists and locals alike.
Special events: You name it, you’ll find something! September means the Tallinn Marathon (10k, 21k and 42k distances). November is when the cinemaphiles flock to the city for the internationally-recognised PÖFF (Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival) and the foodies fly in for Restoranide Nädal (Tallinn Restaurant Week). Ring in Summer with Tallinn Bicycle Week (also known as Tour d’Öö), concerts, festivals such as Uue Maailma festival and the historic International Song Festival — and so much more that we don’t have room to name here.
District Administration address:
Pirita Linnaosa Valitsus
Reg. no. 75014250
www.tallinn.ee/pirita
Kloostri tee 6, 11911 Tallinn
Phone: (+372) 645 7600
Email:
Area 18.7 km², population 18,992
History brief: Just like Nõmme, Pirita had only a few small settlements before the 20th century. Development intensified during the 1950s as residents began to pick up the pieces post-war and build cozy private homes near the seaside. These cottages still exist, but you’ll also find a number of more modern architectural gems in the seaside villa category.
Housing: Mostly private residences
Meet the neighbours: Families and professionals looking to trade the city for the beach and forest. 80% of the population are native Estonians, so you’re unlikely to hear anything but Estonians. That said, English is just as widely spoken as a second language as everywhere else in Estonia.
Why Pirita? A quick and easy commute to the city, deep pine forest and white sandy beaches as far as the eye can see. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, Pirita is second only to Nõmme if you’re looking for a place that has fewer people, and more pine trees.
Points of interest: Pirita marina and the Tallinn TV tower
Don’t miss: Yachting, kayaking and surfing events take place all summer from May until September.
District Administration address:
Lasnamäe Linnaosa Valitsus
Reg. no. 75016013
www.tallinn.ee/lasnamae
Pallasti 54, 11413 Tallinn
Phone: (+372) 645 7700 and (+372) 6457718
Email:
Area 27.47 km², population 117,606
History brief: There’s evidence that the first inhabitants of Lasnamäe settled here during the early Neolithic period nearly 5,000 years ago. During the Middle Ages there were small hamlets here to house workers who laboured in the limestone quarries during the day. This limestone would be transported to central Tallinn to build the structures in Old Town that are still present today. The Soviet-era apartments that Lasnamäe is known for were built between 1970-1990, but modern times have brought increased interest from the government and private investors in modernising Lasnamäe and building new residential and commercial structures
Housing: Mostly 5–16 stories high panel blocks of flats, which were between 1970-1990s. There are more modern housing complexes being built alongside the existing ones.
Meet the neighbours: Roughly two-thirds of this region are Russian-speaking. In addition to ethnic Russians you’ll find Ukrainians, Belarusians and Tatars. More recently, this region is becoming more popular with newcomers from all around the world.
Why Lasnamäe? This is not only the largest neighborhood of Tallinn, but also offers the most affordable housing.
Heart of Lasnamäe: Lasnamäe Centrum shopping center at Mustakivi
Don’t miss: Ice skating competitions at Tondiraba Ice Rink Arena
District Administration address:
Nõmme Linnaosa Valitsus
Reg. no. 75014882
www.tallinn.ee/nomme
Valdeku 13, 11621 Tallinn
Phone: (+372) 645 7333
Email:
Area 29.17 km², population 37,518.
History brief: Only a few tiny settlements are known prior to the 1800s, which is when local landowner Nikolai von Glehn started to sell and rent out housing plots for what he hoped would become a summerhouse district. By 1900, Nõmme was already home to 300 rustic summer cottages and small, stately villas. During the war, development came to an abrupt hault, but quickly resumed post-conflict.
Housing: Cozy brick and timber homes or small apartment buildings with private gardens, nestled among Nõmme’s peaceful pine forests
Meet the neighbours: Pensioners, young (and not-so-young) families, corporate commuters who prefer nature and a slower pace over the hustle of downtown
Why Nõmme? Nõmme is sometimes referred to as the “Forest Town” and should you have the opportunity to visit, it’s easy to see why. Small, sleepy neighborhoods with big gardens are nestled among patches of wild pine forest. Nõmme is the quietest — and least populated — suburb of Tallinn.
Heart of Nõmme: In Nõmme Keskus (Nõmme Center) you’ll find a picturesque downtown with stately old buildings from the ’20s and ’30s as well as charming restaurants and shops. You can also find the Cultural Center (Nõmme Kultuurikeskus), a farmer’s market (Nõmme turg) and a small shopping mall.
Special events: Nõmme Cultural Center (Nõmme Kultuurikeskus) often holds events featuring everything from dances, movie nights and performances by the local theatre company.
District Administration address:
Mustamäe Linnaosa Valitsus
Reg. no. 75014267
www.tallinn.ee/mustamae
Tammsaare tee 135, 12915 Tallinn
Phone: (+372) 645 7500 and (+372) 645 7511
Email:
Area 8.09 km², population 66,245.
History brief: The first flickers of village living has been traced all the way back to 1686. Just like the nearby neighbourhood of Lasnamäe, the Soviet occupation brought major changes to the area. Fortunately, new construction projects — from office parks and commercial areas to new residential buildings — have breathed new life into the area from both an economic and aesthetic perspective.
Housing: ’60s and ’70s era apartment blocks, although some private housing is also available.
Meet the neighbours: A melting pot of different cultures and circumstances. You’ll meet everyone from working class professionals to young families to university students (native and foreign) — as well as their professors.
Why Mustamäe? Although it’s not always immediately apparent, this area is known for it’s vibrant green spaces, which take up 44% of the region.
Heart of Mustamäe: Mustamäe Center (Mustamäe Keskus) is your go-to place for grabbing a bite to eat, catching the latest film and of course — shopping! One of Estonia’s most prestigious universities, Tallinn University of Technology, is based right here in Mustamäe, which gives the neighbourhood a nice collegial feel.
Don’t miss: Winters in Estonia are known for being long and dark, so Mustamäe’s annual light festival, known as Might of Light (Valguse Vägi) is a must-see. And if you’re in need of some intellectual inspiration, a visit to the University of Technology (Tallinna Tehnikaülikool) to see what the academics are up to is always a good idea.
District Administration address:
Põhja-Tallinna Valitsus
Reg. no. 75017745
www.tallinn.ee/pohja
Kari tn 13, 10311 Tallinn
Phone: (+372) 645 7040
Email:
Local Government in English: https://www.facebook.com/PohjaTallinnEng
Area 15.19 km², population 59,694.
History brief: This popular neighbourhood started out as a fishermen’s village. During the industrial revolution, increased demand for workers in the nearby shipyards ultimately prompted the building of Põhja-Tallinn’s distinctive timber residence buildings at the end of the 19th century.
Housing: The majority of the houses in this neighbourhood were erected between 1890 and 1940, primarily from timber and brick. While you’ll mostly find apartments, there are a few small private houses available, too.
Meet the neighbours: A mix of blue and white collar professionals, from the hipsters of Kalamaja to the pensioners of Pelgulinn and the Russian-speaking multi-nationals sprinkled in-between.
Why Põhja-Tallinn? One of the most unique neighbourhoods in all of Talllinn, Põhja-Tallinn (Northern Tallinn) is surrounded by the Baltic Sea on 3 sides. Residents often flock to the area’s many beaches. The most popular one for recreation is Stroomi or Pelguranna beach, while Pikakari beach was recently awarded a Blue Flag for its pristine environmental standards. Põhja-Tallinn has an excellent tram connection, which makes travelling into the heart of the city fast and convenient. Most of this region is still considered to be a hidden gem, although Kalamaja, known as the Brooklyn of Tallinn, has already flowered into full-bloom!
Heart of Põhja-Tallinn: Kalamaja’s famous Telliskivi Creative City is a former industrial complex, which has been transformed into a cultural oasis of shops, restaurants, bars and art exhibitions where local creatives and musicians mingle with Tallinn’s prominent startup community.
Don’t miss: Kalamaja days (Kalamaja päevad), concerts, art fairs and street markets are held most weekends in summertime. KopliFest is held every August in the Kopli area and is the region’s newest don’t-miss/can’t-miss event.
District administration’s address:
Haabersti Linnaosa Valitsus
Reg. no. 75014244
www.tallinn.ee/haabersti
Ehitajate tee 109a, 13514 Tallinn
Phone: (+372) 640 4800
Email:
Area 22.32 km², population 47.89
History brief: The heart of Haabersti is recognised by its distinctive residential area which is made up of ’70s-era concrete panel block flats in Väike-Õismäe. Since the 1990s, new areas of residential buildings have sprung up, which has continued as the area has become more popular with locals and newcomers alike.
Housing: Mostly large apartment blocks though there are some beautiful private homes located on the Kakumäe peninsula
Meet the neighbours: Quiet, self-sufficient type who enjoys walking or running along the nearby beach. New developments are an increasingly popular place for young families due to the suburban feel and good schools nearby.
Why Haabersti? Long expanses of beachfronts and recreational areas along Kakumäe Bay and Kopli Bay make this region a popular spot for both fitness and nature enthusiasts. Kids (and kids at heart) love spending an afternoon at the Tallinn Zoo and the Estonian Open Air Museum, which is an immersive experience that allows visitors to step back in time and experience various regions of Estonia during the 18th century.
Heart of Haabersti: Rocca al Mare shopping centre is one of Tallinn’s most popular shopping and dining destinations. And for concerts and events, you can’t beat Saku Suurhall Arena, which is easily accessible with plenty of parking.
Don’t miss: Year-round festivities at the Open Air Museum, including traditional Christmas and Midsummer Day celebrations.
Kristiine Linnaosa Valitsus
Reg. no. 75014238
www.tallinn.ee/kristiine
Metalli tn 5
10615 Tallinn
Phone: (+372) 645 7100
Email:
Area 7.83 km², population 32,941.
History brief: In 1653, the Swedish queen Christina gave an order to survey the land we know today as Kristiine — into plots for businessmen and city officials to purchase. The majority of housing available was constructed between 1880 and 1980.
Housing: Kristiine is a charming jumble of everything from traditional 19th century cottages to Soviet-era block flats, to ultra-modern new condos. It’s not uncommon to see these different styles all on the same street, which gives this neighborhood a distinctive charm all its own.
Meet the neighbours: Young families, working class professionals, pensioners.
Why Kristiine? Kristine has a small-town feel that’s close to the city centre.
Heart of Kristiine: This region is mostly residential, but the popular Kristiine shopping center offers a variety of options for shopping and dining.
Don’t miss: Queen Kristina Day is held annually at the historic Löwenruh Park, and is Kristiine’s most well-known event. It occurs the first Sunday of September, although other events take place at the park year-round.
City Administration address:
Tartu Linnavalitsus
Raekoja plats 1a (the historic Town Hall building), 50089 Tartu
www.tartu.ee
Phone: (+372) 736 1101
Email:
Area 39 km², population 95,082
Housing: Everything from 17th century university buildings to more modern steel and concrete housing.
Meet the neighbours: Many university students and lecturers, but also families, blue and white collar professionals and pensioners.
Why Tartu? Estonia’s university town is quieter and has it’s own distinct vibe known as Tartu Vaim or the Spirit of Tartu. Some people love it, others aren’t so keen. As Estonia’s second-largest city Tartu is full of life, but a markedly slower pace than busy Tallinn. But you’ll have to experience it for yourself to know if it’s for you!
History brief: Tartu was first settled in the fifth century A.D. and first mentioned in texts in 1030 A.D. Tartu’s famous university was established all the way back in 1632.
Heart of Tartu: Raekoja plats (Town Hall Square)
Special events: Thanks to Tartu’s bustling university life, there’s always something fun going on! Luckily there’s a special website dedicated to cultural events in Tartu to make it easier to stay in the loop.
Good to know: Tartu Welcome Centre is ready to help you with all your questions and concerns once you arrive to your new hometown!
Housing: The neighbourhood was planned and built in 1930s, mainly with two-story houses and lush green gardners. Suitable for families, offers more relaxed lifestyle.
Housing: With its old, colourful wooden houses and wild gardens, this is definitely one of the most unique places in the country. A hipster and trendy area to experience.
Housing: a wooden part of town with a unified architecture, green and lively. Now a modern district preferred by . young families, hipsters and intellectuals.
The rental market is lively, particularly in Tallinn and Tartu. Demand is high, so good properties don’t stay on the market for long. There is no point in starting your search too early—there’s always someone willing to rent right now, so landlords don’t wait around.
The good news: finding a place to live is still going to be easier—and much more affordable—than in huge global cities. Broadly speaking, if in San Francisco or Amsterdam you might spend around half of your monthly salary on rent, in Tallinn it’ll probably be closer to 35%.
If possible, bring an Estonian friend with you to view apartments. They will be able to explain and translate for you, and having a local to vouch for you may help you secure a lease.
Properties are listed by total number of rooms (minus the bathroom and kitchen), so a one-bedroom apartment with a living room is considered a two-room.
Leases are usually signed for at least a year. You’ll most likely be asked to pay up front the first month’s rent, a security deposit (usually the same amount as a month’s rent), and a broker fee. In case of non-EU citizens with residence permits, lease agreements usually cannot exceed the validity of the residence permit.
Ask if you’ll be able to register the apartment as your residence address! Registering an address is important for getting a temporary residence permit, finding a doctor, etc.
Renting is your best bet when you first arrive in Estonia. That said, the real estate market has gotten pretty lively lately! But don't worry, we've got all the best practices for renting like a local.
Buying property in Estonia is straightforward and relatively speedy. Non-residents and foreign companies are allowed to buy property in Estonia on the same terms as residents.
First, a sale-purchase agreement has to be concluded and notarised. There’s usually a purchase deposit of 10%.
Once that’s in order, the transfer of title is completed, you pay the stamp duty, and just like that, you’re a homeowner in Estonia.
To transfer the ownership of property and to make the title legally valid, you have to submit a notarised application to the Land Register. This normally takes about 65 days.
See the Chamber of Notaries for a list of notaries available to help you.
If you’re not a citizen of an EU or EEA country, or your company that is a party to the deal is registered outside the EU and EEA, you’re allowed to buy a house or plot of land with the permission of the local authorities. In most cases, buying a flat has no restrictions.
Here in Estonia, non-residents can buy property on the same terms as residents. Buying a home is still a big step, so here's everything you need to know when purchasing your Estonian dream home.
When renting, always ask to see sample utility bills (one for summer and one for winter) to get an understanding of potential costs. Ask to be talked through the items in the utility bill, to make sure you know what’s included and what you’re expected to pay for separately (electricity or gas, for example).
Electricity
Estonia has an open electricity market. This means you can choose the cheapest supplier.
When renting, you can sign a contract with a service provider or agree with the landlord about electricity payments if the contract remains under the landlord’s name.
If you buy a house or a flat, choose the most suitable package for you. Check energiaturg.ee for choosing the best price.
The standard electricity supply in Estonia is 220 volts and 50 Hz, and the plugs here are the continental European two-pin type.
Natural gas
The natural gas supply in Estonia is provided by Eesti Gaas. If you rent a house or a flat that uses gas for heating, the owner has a gas purchase contract and you have to agree with the owner about gas payments. If you want to sign an individual service contract with Eesti Gaas, you’ll need a copy of the lease agreement or proof of ownership.
Water
Every residence is usually registered with the local water and sewage company. Each address has a single supplier.
When you move into your new home, your water metre will be read and the reading set as the initial reading of your service contract. If your residence is located in an apartment building, the water and sewage service is arranged by the cooperative housing association or the real estate management company.
If you rent a house, you need to sign a contract with a service provider or agree with the landlord about your payments.
Recycling
Most residential buildings have a selection of different waste containers: general waste, paper/cardboard, and biodegradable waste.
Recyclable, sorted waste can be taken to public containers: green containers for glass, blue containers for paper, yellow containers for mixed packages (plastic, metal), red containers for clothes.
There are public containers for free disposal of packaging. Find the nearest spots on the kuhuviia.ee map.
When buying bottled or canned drinks you’ll often pay a small deposit. That deposit is refundable when you return the empty bottles or cans to the return vending machines, located in most shops. You will receive a receipt from the machine that you can use to pay for your purchase or exchange for cash in the grocery shop.
When temperatures drop, utility bills creep up. Whether your new home is heated with electricity or natural gas, here are the questions you'll want to ask to avoid expensive surprises in the future.
Finding a reputable real estate agency can be the best way to rent a house or flat in Estonia. The Estonian Association of Real Estate Companies has a list of trusted real estate agencies, but here are a few local favourites:
If you’re looking to avoid broker’s fees or find a hot property before it hits the market, social media can be your new best friend. Here are a few go-to Facebook groups:
