Study title

The survey studied developments in the use of free-time residences and holidays homes in Finland. Spending time at a free-time residence (mökki) is a widespread phenomenon in Finland with deep historical and cultural roots, forming a significant part of domestic tourism. In this survey, the term "free-time residence" refers to rural recreational residences (holiday homes, cottages) mainly used during weekends and holidays, especially during summertime. The 2021 survey was commissioned by the Island Committee of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and funded by the Natural Resources Institute Finland. The use of the free-time residence was charted by asking the respondents, for example, about the distance between their free-time residence and permanent residence in kilometres and hours, the location of their free-time residence, and its suitability for year-round habitation. They were also asked to indicate the number of days their holiday home had been used each month in the previous 12 months as well as the number of people who had spent at least one night there. Willingness to rent out the residence to other people was also queried. The respondents were asked whether their use of the residence had increased or decreased in the previous three years, and to estimate whether it would increase or decrease in the following three years. In addition, they were asked whether a household member had commuted to work from or worked remotely from the second home, and whether the respondents themselves teleworked or would be willing to telework there. Opinions on the impact of rising fuel prices on time spent at the free-time residence were also charted. Questions related to the standard of the free-time residence covered the total floorage, access to electricity, heating, and available amenities at the free-time residence. Views were also probed on the accommodation capacity, improvements made in the last 12 months, and future improvements. In addition, the...