New Housing Solutions in the North Take Shape – Inari and Muonio Develop a New Concept in Collaboration with Residents and Industry Stakeholders

04.12.2025

The increasing attractiveness of Northern Lapland and the growing demand for workforce are also affecting housing. Inari and Muonio aim to address the region’s housing shortage by developing a new housing concept tailored to local needs. The municipalities’ joint EU co-funded project seeks solutions that strengthen the area’s vitality and lay the foundation for long-term growth.

The concept is being developed in close collaboration with residents and construction industry stakeholders. The project has already conducted a comprehensive online survey and a resident workshop to gather experiences, wishes, and needs related to everyday life and housing in the north.

“In recent years, Inari has seen a great deal of new construction for both rental and owner-occupied housing, including row houses and single-family homes. Through this project, we are exploring and creating the framework for a new, community-oriented housing model based on the needs and wishes of the people of Inari—alongside these more traditional forms of development—to help root residents in our beautiful municipality," says Reetta-Mari Tammela, Technical Director of Inari Municipality.

The results of the project will be presented at a housing seminar in January 2026. The day is divided into two parts: an afternoon workshop for builders, developers, and those interested in construction, and an evening seminar open to anyone interested in housing.

The program will include presentations on plot and housing availability, financing, and different construction models. Participants will also have the opportunity to review the draft housing concept, which has been developed based on feedback and ideas from residents. Mini-exhibitions will also be held throughout the day, allowing participants to meet representatives from the construction sector.

The Inari housing seminar will take place at the Kaarre School and Cultural Center on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, from 2:30 to 7:00 PM. The event will be held in Finnish.

The full seminar program will be published soon. Registration opens on December 9.

The goal of the project is to create a sustainable, smart, and locally driven housing concept that enhances the competitiveness of northern municipalities and meets future housing needs. The project is co-funded by the European Union.