Heka’s new strategy to contribute to functional everyday life in Helsinki 

Heka has published its new strategy, which will steer the company's operations in 2026–2030. Our aim is to provide safe and affordable homes for Helsinki residents in different life situations and to strengthen the vitality and socially sustainable development of Helsinki.

19.3.2026 08:57
Illustrated graphic presenting Heka’s Strategy 2026–2030. The left side shows a cityscape with people moving through everyday environments, next to a box labeled “Vision: Housing that works in daily life for residents of Helsinki.” In the center, a yellow box highlights the values “Humanity, community, and trust,” surrounded by small illustrations of plants and hanging lights. On the right, a community scene appears under the heading “Mission: We provide a safe and affordable home for our residents.” At the bottom, a row of strategic choices is listed: “Carefree everyday life,” “A safe community,” “Competent staff,” “An attractive workplace,” “An affordable home,” “Digital efficiency,” “A proactive Heka,” and “Impactful actions.”

Heka is one of Helsinki’s key social actors. The company’s more than 55,000 apartments are home to approximately one in seven Helsinki residents, and Heka’s operations have a direct impact on the city’s labour supply, balanced regional development and everyday safety.  

The new strategy was prepared in extensive collaboration with residents, key stakeholders and staff. The strategy work relies heavily on customer understanding and a shared vision of what kind of affordable housing Helsinki needs in the future. 

“Affordable housing defines what kind of city Helsinki really is. If housing costs become too high for ordinary everyday life, the consequences will be felt in the functioning of the city as a whole. Helsinki must not become a place where only a few can afford to stay,” says Heka’s Managing Director Maria Aspala. 

The new strategy responds to an operating environment in which the City’s role as an enabler of everyday life is becoming more prominent and expectations of housing are changing. The strategy emphasises a proactive approach: housing must function smoothly in different parts of Helsinki, services must respond to real everyday situations and Heka must be able to make choices that stand the test of time.  

Sustainable everyday life requires stable finances 

The new strategy puts the tenant at the centre of all of Heka’s operations. Our vision is functional everyday housing for Helsinki residents, and its mission is to provide safe and affordable homes. Our work is guided by a new set of values: humanity, community and trust.  

The new strategy emphasises financial stability, risk anticipation and managed investment. Heka responds to the growth of Helsinki by building and renovating apartments systematically and with high quality, without compromising on cost-effectiveness. Safe and community-oriented living environments and the prevention of segregation are central to Heka’s social mission. 

“It is our responsibility to make good decisions that will have a positive impact on Heka and the everyday lives of tenants long into the future. Predictable and stable finances, quality of construction and careful risk management are prerequisites for offering Helsinki residents permanent and worry-free housing even in uncertain times,” emphasises Heka’s CFO Mikko Herajärvi. 

The new strategy also lays the foundation for the ongoing process of clarifying Heka’s brand. The branding will strengthen Heka’s role as a reliable, humane and socially influential operator in Helsinki. 

Get to know Heka’s new strategy