Study title

The survey studied the use of Finnish free-time residences and holidays homes and its development. Similar surveys were also conducted in 2003 and 2008. The 2015 survey was commissioned and funded by the Island Committee of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and conducted by FCG Finnish Consulting Group. 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 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 they themselves would be willing to telework there. Questions related to the standard of equipment covered the total floorage, access to electricity, heating, and various equipment in 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 respondents were asked to rate the overall state of the main building. Water supply and waste...