Finnish mutual pension insurer Varma is investing in social infrastructure properties through a fund managed local asset manager eQ Asset Management.

Varma has committed capital to eQ Community Properties, a fund through which Varma has also invested in a school property located in Niittykumpu, Espoo.

The eQ Community Properties fund, established in 2012, is the largest owner and developer of social infrastructure properties in Finland. As of 30 June 2025, the fund’s property portfolio was valued at approximately €1.7bn, with a total net assets value of around €1.1bn.

Sampsa Ratia, investment director responsible for real estate investments at Varma, said: “Varma has long been an active player in the Finnish real estate investment market. We see the collaboration with eQ as a significant opportunity to strengthen our position particularly in the social infrastructure segment.

“Social infrastructure forms an essential part of a functional and diverse society, and we are committed to supporting this development over the long term. eQ’s solid experience in managing and developing social infrastructure assets complements Varma’s investment strategy very well and supports our objectives as a responsible and long-term investor.”

Jennifer Eloheimo, head of real estate investments at eQ, said: “The strategy of the eQ Community Properties Fund is to invest in high-quality social infrastructure properties, with a strong focus on the Helsinki metropolitan area. Niittykumpu School fits this strategy extremely well. At the same time, it is a great pleasure to welcome Varma as an investor in the fund.

“This is an excellent indication of the fund’s strong position in the market and of the trust that even the largest institutional investors place in eQ’s expertise in real estate investments. We would like to thank Varma for the smooth cooperation and confidence in our fund.”

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