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VAV is a rental housing group founded in 1986 that enables a good and high-quality life in Vantaa.
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12.5.2026
Living in VAV
VAV is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Some residents have been living happily in VAV’s properties for a long time. One of them is Hannele Raistakka.
“I moved into a VAV flat in Koivukylä in 1997 and have lived in this building ever since – for almost 30 years,” she says.
In her view, the best thing about living with VAV is the cosiness.
“VAV pays a lot of attention to the condition of the flats. There have been some major renovations; the kitchen, bathroom, façade and courtyard areas have all been refurbished. This summer, all the doors are being replaced. This ensures that the flats remain comfortable,” she says.
She also appreciates the fact that the views of the residents and the residents’ committee are taken into account.
Raistakka moved into the Koivukylä building when her daughter was two years old.
“My flat and my home are extremely important to me. Home is a place of tranquillity for me, my own little nest. I don’t even have a doorbell, and everyone knows it doesn’t ring,” she says with a chuckle.
She has moved from one loft flat to another a few times as her life circumstances have changed.
“When my child moved out, the flat just didn’t feel like home anymore. So we got a smaller, ground-floor flat. It’s a dream come true: the first home of my life with its own garden. That’s why I wouldn’t leave here for anything in the world.”
Raistakka grows vegetables and flowers in her garden. Her dogs also enjoy the fenced-in garden.
Raistakka has been a member of her block’s residents’ committee for almost the entire time she has lived there.
“It’s very rewarding, because through the residents’ committee we find out about housing-related matters, such as renovations, the budget and rent increases. Our property manager keeps us really well informed about everything, so we stay in the loop.”
She passes on the plans to the other residents.
“I always tell every resident I meet what’s coming up. That makes it easy for them to come and ask me if anything’s on their mind. We have loads of discussions, which is different from many other blocks of flats,” she says.
Raistakka is currently also a member of the VAV executive committee, where he represents his wider neighbourhood. Vantaa is divided into eight sub-regions.
In the terraced houses of Koivukylä, the arrival of spring is evident in many ways: the surrounding nature is coming to life and the birds are singing.
“When spring arrives, the residents come out into the courtyard. The patio doors start to open, people sit out on their patios, and the children come out to play. There are lots of people here who appreciate the peace and quiet of the surroundings,” says Raistakka.
Spring is also the time for community work days.
“We just had a meeting in the club room yesterday, where we had a coffee and planned the community work days. Every spring we organise community work days where we tidy up the grounds and prepare a good meal,” she explains.
There are also plans for a big celebration this summer.
“VAV’s first outdoor sports park is being built for us. The property’s 35th anniversary celebrations will coincide with the opening of the sports park. I’m really looking forward to it. Once the children have their own outdoor spaces, the adults will have theirs too.”
Raistakka says that neighbourliness means a great deal to her.
“Especially as there are people here whom I’ve known for as long as I’ve lived here. I know these children, who were born in our houses and are now adults.”
Over the years, there have been both ups and downs in neighbourly relations.
“But friendships aren’t always plain sailing either. I think it’s natural for conflicts to arise in neighbourly relations, but they mustn’t be allowed to fester,” she says.
“In fact, on that noticeboard over there, we have a sign made by one of the residents featuring a heart and the words ‘Speak well of others behind their backs’,” says Raistakka with a smile.
The VAV Group’s 40th anniversary will be celebrated across our channels and in our activities throughout the year. Keep an eye on our communications!
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