Manoj Regmi believes that right-of-occupancy housing (ASO) is an excellent option for people who have moved to Finland from abroad for work and are looking to settle down more permanently.
Manoj Regmi and his wife, Srijana, found a comfortable ASO home in the Savela district of Jyväskylä at Laajavuorentie 12. Manoj feels that ASO housing has provided them with a stable and worry-free way to build their life in Finland.
“In the end, staying in Finland has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made”, Manoj says contently.
When he moved from Nepal to Kuopio in the autumn of 2008 to pursue his studies, he was faced with an entirely new way of life, language and culture. The first few years were spent adjusting, but gradually Finland began to feel like home.
“I lived in Kuopio for a year, but then I transferred to the University of Jyväskylä and moved here. Jyväskylä has been my home city ever since. I adapted well once I made friends and slowly became familiar with Finnish culture,” he recalls.
Over the years, Manoj lived in several different types of housing—first in student accommodation and later in rental apartments. He met Srijana in 2017, and as they began building a future together in Finland, they started looking for a more permanent housing solution. While searching online, they came across TA’s housing options.
“We were already familiar with TA because they owned one of our previous rental apartments, and through that we had heard about ASO housing. When we began considering a longer-term solution, ASO felt like a natural choice.”
ASO housing makes settling in Finland easier
The couple found a suitable ASO apartment in Savela, a residential area located near the heart of Jyväskylä. They moved into their three-room apartment at Laajavuorentie 12 in December 2024 and have enjoyed living there ever since. Over time, the strengths of the area have become increasingly clear.
“Our building is modern and peaceful, which has been a welcome change compared to my previous homes. The other residents seem to be like-minded people.”
“The atmosphere in the neighbourhood is quiet and safe. TA’s ASO areas really give you that suburban feel: relaxed, comfortable and peaceful,” Manoj explains.
Manoj describes ASO housing as a solution that combines the convenience of renting with the stability of homeownership.
“For me, living in a right-of-occupancy home is as close as it gets to owning your own apartment. What I particularly appreciate is that I don’t have to worry about things like snow removal or waste management. As long as we pay the monthly fee, everything is taken care of for us.”
According to Manoj, ASO housing is especially well suited to people who have moved to Finland from abroad for work and want to establish themselves here more permanently. He believes it is an excellent option for families in particular.
“ASO is a better long-term solution than renting. It offers stability and an affordable environment to raise a family – and above all, the feeling that your home is truly your own.”
Savela is a pleasant neighbourhood in the heart of Jyväskylä
“For me, Jyväskylä is not just the city where I live—it genuinely feels like home. That’s why I’ve lived here longer than in any other city during my life,” Manoj says.
Savela is located close to Jyväskylä city centre, and the couple considers it an ideal place to live. The city’s wide range of services is only a five-to-ten-minute walk or bike ride away, and the immediate area also offers convenient everyday amenities such as a gym, swimming hall, library and daycare centre.
There are three grocery stores near Manoj’s home, including a K-Supermarket that is open 24 hours a day. Thanks to the central location, getting around is easy even when errands take them farther afield.
“The bus connections are excellent, so it’s easy to get anywhere in the city from Savela. Since all the places my wife and I regularly need are so close by, we mostly walk or cycle. So far, we haven’t needed a car at all.”
Although the city centre is nearby, Manoj describes Savela as a peaceful and nature-oriented area. The surrounding outdoor recreation opportunities have become an important part of his daily life.
“The nearby nature, with its lakes and forests, is fantastic. Aside from the local libraries and gyms, my favourite nearby spots include Laajavuori and the grilling area along the Haukaniemi nature trail.”
Manoj feels the neighbourhood is particularly well suited to working families. The combination of services, nature and tranquillity makes everyday life in Savela easy and enjoyable.
A functional home that was easy to settle into
Over time, the couple has gradually made the apartment their own. Houseplants, artwork and personal touches have been added as new ideas have emerged. One wall is decorated with a large flag of Nepal – a tribute to their homeland and an important part of the home’s identity.
“Our home is modern and has a great layout. I especially like our large glazed balcony, as well as the spacious bathroom and the two closets – they really make everyday life easier,” Manoj describes.
The east-facing balcony effectively extends the living room outdoors during the summer months. It serves many purposes for Manoj and Srijana: a flower-filled sitting area, a quiet place to play guitar and a small kitchen garden for growing chilli peppers and cherry tomatoes. The morning sun makes it a pleasant place to start the day, while summer evenings remain comfortably cool.
The couple sees the apartment as their long-term home. The flexibility of ASO housing and the possibility of giving up the apartment easily if circumstances change also provide peace of mind.
“If needed, we can use our ASO deposit and move to a larger ASO apartment – for example, if our family grows in the future,” Manoj says.
Finally, Manoj sums up what matters most to him about both his home and the neighbourhood:
“It’s the feeling you get when you come back from work, sit down on the sofa, and just know: I am at home.”
