VOAS
VOAS is a non-profit foundation founded in 1972 that provides rental student apartments and related housing services for approximately one in five students in Vaasa, Finland, operating 30+ properties with 2,200+ residents and additional services such as shared cars and community spaces.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1972
- HeadquartersVanha Vaasa, Finland
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What VOAS does
VOAS (Vaasan opiskelija-asuntosäätiö sr / Stiftelsen Vasa studiebostäder) is a non-profit foundation founded on April 21, 1972, providing purpose-built rental student housing in Vaasa, Finland. The foundation operates 30+ properties spanning approximately 1,000+ apartments and 2,200+ residential beds across multiple districts (Keskusta, Palosaari/Brändö, Vöyrinkaupunki, Melaniemi, Suvilahti), housing roughly one in five students in Vaasa. The portfolio comprises three core apartment types — shared box apartments (soluhuoneet), studios (yksiöt), and two- and three-bedroom apartments (kaksiot/kolmiot) — plus ancillary facilities including three Study & Chill community spaces, clubrooms, parking with electric charging, and integrated services such as Omago shared cars and Lainappi household-item rentals.
The technology stack is conventional real-estate operations rather than a technology product: a property management system tied to a housing application portal (voas.fi), the One4all booking platform for sauna, laundry, and clubroom reservations, the eParking application for parking management, the Omago app for shared car access, the Lainappi locker app for €1/day item rentals, Elisa 100Mbit wired internet included in rent across all apartments, and iLOQ electronic key systems. VOAS also operates a live construction camera (Raksakamera) for the ongoing Ahventie student village project. There is no AI/ML component, no public API, and no proprietary platform; integrations are third-party SaaS partnerships. Compliance posture covers WCAG 2.2 AA (partial), GDPR, and Finnish Personal Data Act.
Revenue is generated primarily through monthly recurring rental income priced per € per m² per month, billed on a subscription basis with rent due by the 6th of each month. Additional streams include €200 security deposits (held as float), furniture rental (€10–12/month), parking (€8–25/month), electricity contract referrals, and ancillary service fees. Tenant selection follows Varke/ARA state-subsidized housing guidelines, prioritizing greatest housing need, with new students from outside Vaasa receiving priority during autumn allocation. Distribution is entirely direct-to-consumer through the voas.fi website, the physical housing office at Hartmaninkuja 4, and structured partnerships with the University of Vaasa, VAMK, and Novia. The foundation is governed by a board (with tenant representation via the YVA delegation) and led by CEO Marko Ylimäki.
VOAS firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- VOAS
- Legal name
- Vaasan opiskelija-asuntosäätiö sr
- Website
- https://voas.fi
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1972
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- VOAS is a non-profit foundation founded in 1972 that provides rental student apartments and related housing services for approximately one in five students in Vaasa, Finland, operating 30+ properties with 2,200+ residents and additional services such as shared cars and community spaces.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
VOAS industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Student Housing
- NAICS
- Lessors of Residential Buildings and Dwellings (53111), Rental and Leasing Services (532)
- SIC
- Operators Of Apartment Buildings (6513), Services-To Dwellings & Other Buildings (7340), Real Estate Operators (No Developers) & Lessors (6510)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Student Housing Roommate Matching, Assignments & Occupancy Management (BPAJAJAJ)
Keywords
Where VOAS is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Vanha Vaasa
- HQ country
- Finland
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices5 records
Markets served
VOAS business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Apartment Rental Revenue: VOAS generates primary revenue through monthly rental payments from student tenants. Rent is determined by the foundation's board for each property based on unit rent (€/m²/month). Additional consumption-based fees include furniture rental (€10-12/month for furnished box rooms), electricity (separate contract in most units, included in some), water charges, and parking fees (€8-10/month for electric parking spots, €14-25/month for garage/carport). The rental agreement requires rent payment by the 6th of each month.
- Security Deposit (Vakuusmaksu): A security deposit of €200 is required before signing the tenancy agreement. The deposit is refundable within 1 month after the tenancy ends, provided there are no unpaid rent or other charges and the apartment is in proper condition. This functions as a guarantee mechanism rather than revenue, but represents a float held by VOAS during tenancy periods.
- Omago Shared Car Usage Fees: VOAS provides shared cars through the Omago platform. Tenants pay usage fees of €8/hour or €60/day for bookings over 9 hours directly to Omago. VOAS receives no direct revenue but the service adds tenant value as a benefit.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Monthly | Apartment rental pricing varies by property, size, and unit rent rate set by VOAS board. |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Security deposit of €200 required before signing tenancy agreement. |
| Subscription | Monthly | Internet (100Mbit Elisa connection) included in monthly rent. |
| Subscription | Annual | Student electricity contract through Vasa Elektriska with 50% reduction on basic fee. |
| Subscription | Monthly | Parking spots with electric charging from €8-10/month, garage/carport €14-25/month. |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Lainappi rental items at €1/day for tenants. |
| Subscription | Annual | 30% discount on home insurance from LocalTapiola for new policies purchased online. |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Door opening service: €40.50 (cash/card) or €55 (invoice). Lost key: €100. |
| Subscription | Monthly | CrossFit SixtyFive100 Foundation course: €229 (VOAS price), normally €299/€279. Membership: 15% discount for VOAS tenants. |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels7 records
Marketing channels7 records
VOAS product offering
Product offeringCore offering
VOAS provides affordable rental student apartments across approximately 30 properties in Vaasa, Finland, offering shared box rooms, studios, and two- and three-room apartments with included internet, electricity infrastructure, and access to Study & Chill community spaces. Tenant services include the Omago car-sharing fleet, Lainappi household-item rentals, eParking-managed parking with EV charging, partner-discounted insurance, electricity, moving, and gym services, and community events organized with tenant committees.
Product overview
VOAS (Vaasan opiskelija-asuntosäätiö) is a student housing foundation providing affordable rental apartments to students in Vaasa, Finland. The portfolio consists of three main housing types: shared box apartments (soluhuoneet/soluasunnot) with individual room contracts and shared kitchen/bathroom facilities; unfurnished studios (yksiöt/ettor) and 1-3 bedroom apartments; and furnished box rooms available in specific properties. Supporting services include Study & Chill common spaces (Keskusta, Palosaari, Olympia), Chill clubrooms in select buildings, shared Omago car fleet, Lainappi rental item service, internet connectivity via Elisa, parking management via eParking, and various tenant support functions. The offering is structured as a unified housing service with multiple property locations across Vaasa rather than distinct product tiers.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Shared Box Apartments (Soluhuoneet/Soluasunnot) Shared apartments where each resident has an individual tenancy agreement for their own room while sharing kitchen and bathroom facilities with roommates; apartments range from 2–5 rooms, with electricity and internet included in rent, some units at Raastuvankatu 11 and Olympia II offering private bathrooms.
- Studio Apartments (Yksiöt) Unfurnished single-room apartments with kitchen or open-plan kitchen and private bathroom; pets allowed in all studios except Siksak units; internet connection included in rent; most popular apartment type year-round.
- Two and Three Bedroom Apartments (Kaksiot ja kolmiot) Unfurnished apartments suitable for student families or shared living among friends; all units include kitchen or open-plan kitchen and private bathroom; pets allowed; new students with families receive priority during autumn high season.
- Parking Services (Autopaikat) Parking spots with electric charging at all VOAS properties; electric car charging spots €8–10/month, covered/garage spots €14–25/month; managed via eParking app at select properties.
- Internet Connectivity Service 100Mbit wired internet connection included in rent across all VOAS apartments; provided by Elisa with network outlets pre-installed; tenants connect via RJ45 cable or personal router; P-talo and R-talo have property-specific modems.
- Security Deposit Service (Vakuusmaksu) Refundable €200 security deposit required before signing the tenancy agreement; refunded within one month after tenancy ends, conditional on no rent arrears and proper apartment condition; may be applied for through Kela (FPA); cancellation fee of €200 applies within two weeks of tenancy start.
- Door Opening and Key Replacement Service 24/7 door opening service by Luotsi Kiinteistöpalvelut Oy at €40.50 (cash/card to service person) or €55 (via invoice) with identity verification, plus lost key replacement at €100.
- Smartbox Key Locker Pickup Self-service key collection via Smartbox locker at Rewell shopping center in Vaasa, available 24/7 with at least three days' advance notice; supports after-hours arrivals and exchange student key handovers.
Quantifiable outcome
- Near 100% occupancy rate during peak autumn seasons
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use VOAS
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
VOAS technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration7 records
Feature5 records
VOAS partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
15 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- ElisaminorElisa, a leading telecommunications operator in Finland, provides a marketplace (Elisa Markkinapaikka) for VOAS tenants featuring discounted consumer electronics, phones, computers, and household appliances. The marketplace is accessed via QR code. Elisa also provides 100Mbit wired internet connectivity to all VOAS apartments as the internet service provider, with customer service available at Elisa's Rewell shopping center location in Vaasa.
- LähiTapiola (LocalTapiola)minorLähiTapiola offers VOAS tenants a 30% discount on home insurance (kotitalousvakuutus) for the first year for new online purchases. The insurance covers personal property, liability, and legal expenses. VOAS promotes this offer to tenants as part of its moving-in services, recommending all tenants to take out home insurance.
- Vasa ElektriskaminorVasa Elektriska provides student electricity contracts (Studentel 12-month fixed agreement) to VOAS tenants with a 50% reduction on the basic fee. The electricity is carbon neutral. VOAS directs tenants to Vasa Elektriska for electricity arrangements as part of the moving-in process. Vasa Elnät handles electricity transmission in the Vaasa area.
- Omago OycoreOmago provides a car-sharing platform for VOAS tenants with three shared vehicles (two electric passenger cars and one van) at VOAS properties. Tenants register in the Omago app using code VOAS2021 and pay €8/hour or €60/day for bookings over 9 hours. Omago provides 24/7 customer service. VOAS promotes this as a key tenant benefit, with cars located at Leipätehdas (city center) and Abborrvägen 22-24 (Brändö).
- Niemi PalvelutminorNiemi Palvelut offers VOAS tenants a 5% discount on moving services and any rented items ordered in connection with moving. Services include packing, furniture protection, transportation, recycling, storage, and cleaning. VOAS tenants use promo code VOAS when booking. Niemi operates with fossil-free energy vehicles and serves evenings and weekends.
- CrossFit SixtyFive100minorCrossFit SixtyFive100, located at Olympiakatu 3Q near VOAS Olympia properties, offers VOAS tenants a discounted Foundation course (€229 vs normal €279-299) and 15% discount on all subsequent memberships. The gym has approximately 200 members and serves as a community space for VOAS tenants, with many exchange students participating.
- Luotsi Kiinteistöpalvelut OycoreLuotsi Kiinteistöpalvelut Oy is the property management company handling all maintenance services for VOAS properties. Services include building technical maintenance (electrical and plumbing equipment), minor repairs, stairwell cleaning, snow and garden work, and lamp replacement in common areas. Available 24/7 for emergencies on 050 389 1839. Also handles door opening services for tenants.
- One4allcoreOne4all is the time booking system used by tenants in Ahvenranta, Alli, Kackur, Meritähti, Olympia I, Siksak, Tekla, and VOAS I properties to reserve common facilities (sauna, laundry, club rooms). Tenants receive an activation link via email when their tenancy begins. System requires registration to activate.
- eParkingcoreeParking (e-parking.fi) is the electronic parking management platform used at 15 VOAS properties for managing parking space reservations with electric charging. Tenants register in the app, book/cancel parking spots, and manage billing. Some properties use eTolppa remote charging boxes for slow charging.
- Nyyti ryminorNyyti ry is a Finnish organization promoting student mental health. Services include peer-to-peer chat, NyytiCoaching, and mental health information. Available nationwide and free of charge. VOAS promotes Nyyti's services to tenants as part of its commitment to student wellbeing.
- University of VaasacoreThe University of Vaasa is the primary institution whose students are VOAS's core customers. VOAS hosts tenant committee events at the university campus and works closely with student tutors who assist exchange students with housing matters. New students from the University of Vaasa receive priority housing allocation during autumn season.
- Ristinummen MartatminorRistinummen Martat (a local Martha organization) partners with VOAS to organize cooking courses and craft events at Study & Chill Keskusta. Events include cooking classes, Easter crafts, and flower arrangement workshops. Events are free for VOAS tenants and ticketed through Kide.app.
- Kone (Hissit)minorKone provides and maintains elevator services for VOAS properties. In case of power outages, Kone's 24/7 service (0800 150 63, reserve 0500 144 774) handles stuck elevators. VOAS publishes Kone's contact information in its power outage and emergency instructions.
- Varke (State Housing Finance)coreVarke (state housing finance and development centre) regulates VOAS's tenant selection through guidelines for state-subsidized rental housing. VOAS follows Varke's guidelines combined with its own rules for tenant selection. Tenant selection is needs-based and income-tested. Varke also defines conditions for state-supported student housing.
- Vaasa University of Applied Sciences (VAMK)coreVaasa University of Applied Sciences is a key institution whose students are eligible for VOAS housing. Students from VAMK receive housing allocation consideration alongside University of Vaasa students. New VAMK students moving from other locations receive priority during autumn housing allocation.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves11 records
Expansion highlights5 records
VOAS competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- KOAS (Kuopion opiskelija-asuntosäätiö): Kuopio-based non-profit student housing foundation operating with the same state-subsidized housing model. Smaller scale peer with comparable tenant selection governance and university partnerships.
- TYS (Turun ylioppilaskyläsäätiö): Turku-based non-profit student housing foundation operating under the same Finnish foundation law and ARA framework. Comparable scale and service model focused on University of Turku and Åbo Akademi students.
- TOAS (Tampereen opiskelija-asuntosäätiö): Tampere-based non-profit student housing foundation offering purpose-built student apartments under the same ARA/Varke regulatory framework. Operates with similar tenant selection priorities and partnership model with Tampere universities.
- LOAS (Lahden opiskelija-asuntosäätiö): Lahti-based student housing foundation operating under the same Finnish foundation/ARA structure. Provides purpose-built student apartments with comparable needs-based tenant selection to VOAS.
- HOAS (Helsingin opiskelija-asuntosäätiö): Helsinki-based non-profit student housing foundation operating under the same Finnish foundation/ARA framework as VOAS. HOAS is the largest student housing provider in Finland with ~10,000 apartments, making it the most direct structural and operational peer.
Emerging players
- Opiskelija-asunnot Oy: Finnish private student housing operator providing rental apartments to students in multiple university towns. Targets the same student demographic as VOAS with private-market product offerings, representing indirect competitive pressure.
- Domus Nova: Private Finnish student housing provider operating in multiple Finnish university cities. Serves the same student segment as VOAS but with a private market-rate model rather than ARA-subsidized framework, positioning it as an alternative rather than direct competitor in the same cities.
Broad incumbents
- Unite Students: UK-listed operator of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) across multiple UK university cities. Comparable student housing product type and tenant demographics but operates at much larger scale and in a different regulatory/market environment.
Regional players
- Åbo Akademi Student Housing (ALOA): Student housing provider affiliated with Åbo Akademi University in the broader Ostrobothnia region. Comparable institutional student housing model though primarily serving Swedish-speaking students in Turku/Vaasa region.
- Svea Fastigheter: Swedish residential real estate company with student housing operations across Swedish university cities. Comparable purpose-built student housing model and tenant mix to VOAS, though operating in a different national housing/regulatory framework.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
VOAS social profiles
Digital presenceVOAS compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
VOAS financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
VOAS leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
VOAS funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
VOAS M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about VOAS
What does VOAS do?
VOAS provides affordable rental student apartments across approximately 30 properties in Vaasa, Finland, offering shared box rooms, studios, and two- and three-room apartments with included internet, electricity infrastructure, and access to Study & Chill community spaces. Tenant services include the Omago car-sharing fleet, Lainappi household-item rentals, eParking-managed parking with EV charging, partner-discounted insurance, electricity, moving, and gym services, and community events organized with tenant committees.
Is VOAS a public or private company?
VOAS is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was VOAS founded?
VOAS was founded in 1972. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is VOAS based?
VOAS is headquartered in Vanha Vaasa, Finland, in the Europe region.
How does VOAS make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Apartment Rental Revenue is the primary driver. The others are security Deposit (Vakuusmaksu) and omago Shared Car Usage Fees.
Who are VOAS's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are KOAS (Kuopion opiskelija-asuntosäätiö), TYS (Turun ylioppilaskyläsäätiö), TOAS (Tampereen opiskelija-asuntosäätiö), LOAS (Lahden opiskelija-asuntosäätiö) and HOAS (Helsingin opiskelija-asuntosäätiö). Emerging players are Opiskelija-asunnot Oy and Domus Nova. Unite Students is listed as a broad incumbent. Regional players are Åbo Akademi Student Housing (ALOA) and Svea Fastigheter.
Does VOAS have an API?
No public API is recorded for VOAS.
What industry is VOAS in?
VOAS's product category is Student Housing. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAJAJAJ, Student Housing Roommate Matching, Assignments & Occupancy Management. Its NAICS code is 53111 and its SIC code is 6513.