Proactive approach and bold focus – HQ Finder selected as the Broker of the Year 2024
The Broker of the Year award was granted by Sponda to HQ Finder, a brokerage industry newcomer with a start-up spirit. “The company’s proactive and solution-oriented approach brings good drive to the entire industry,” says Magnus Öster from Sponda.
The recipient of the annual award was announced at an award ceremony held at Sponda’s office on 3 April 2025. The prestigious award was given to HQ Finder, a four-person company, which has been in operation since 2023.
Sponda’s Leasing Director Magnus Öster, who announced the winner, raised the company’s proactive approach and customer understanding as the main reasons for the award.
“HQ Finder’s professionals always handle matters efficiently, and if problems occur, solutions are offered quickly. Even though the company is young, the staff have excellent market knowledge and the ability to understand the customer,” explains Öster.
The annual award ceremony was held at Sponda’s office in the heart of Helsinki. The event kicked off in a festive spirit with a glass of sparkling wine.
Startup spirit and strong focus
The award was received by HQ Finder’s CEO Mika Paakkari and co-founder Kalle Salmi. They believe that the company’s efficient operations stem from the team’s startup spirit and strong focus. All founding members have at least 10 years of experience of the real estate market, growth companies and the creation of technology products. In its business, the company has a 100% focus on office premises.
“The focus allows us to offer the best expertise in our chosen category. Our target group consists of modern knowledge work -based growth and expert companies that prefer premium class premises,” says Paakkari.
A narrow target group results in focused service.
According to Paakkari and Salmi, one factor that increases efficiency is the ability to take advantage of new technology. Rather than listing its properties on public portals, the company operates via its hqfinder.com service platform.
“We are actively building technology and automation to streamline work phases that are not visible to customers. This allows us to spend more time on high-quality, efficient personal service,” explains Salmi.
Helsinki’s city centre retains its draw
According to brokers of commercial premises, the office market is experiencing an interesting phase from the point of view of a company looking for premises. Due to the growth of hybrid work, the availability of free spaces is exceptionally high, but the demand is increasingly focused on certain types of premises.
The era of traditional open-plan offices is over.
“Offices offering a versatile mix of spaces for quiet work and encounters are rapidly replacing traditional open-plan offices. Companies are now looking for slightly smaller, newish premises or premises renovated to a high standard that can be easily adapted to different needs,” says Paakkari.
The desired office locations are also becoming more focused – companies engaged in knowledge work mainly seek premises in the centre of Helsinki and other growth centres.
“This trend has been going on for quite some time. Companies seek key locations with good transport connections and services to increase on-site work and the engagement-building communality and innovation activities that result from it,” Paakkari says.
Customer understanding as the key
The award-winning team’s work is also guided by a clear focus in day-to-day activities. The customer is helped to find the best possible space as quickly and cost-effectively as possible.
“Here, strong knowledge of the properties and areas is very important, as is the broker’s ability to provide up-to-date information on the market situation and industry practices when negotiating the lease. This allows the negotiations to be brought efficiently to a conclusion that is satisfactory to both parties,” says Salmi.
According to the CEO, high-quality consulting is based on the understanding of the customer and knowledge of current themes.
“Right now, hybrid and remote work as well as sustainability matters are discussed by numerous management teams. Sustainability reporting has become commonplace for companies, so certification of premises and the property owner’s ESG expertise are increasingly important to tenants.”
Management teams are discussing hybrid and remote work as well as sustainability matters.
Paakkari and Salmi emphasise the importance of active communication in the collaboration between the broker and the property owner.
“Our collaboration with Sponda is a great example of this. It is a pleasure to offer Sponda’s properties to companies looking for premises, knowing that inquiries will be answered quickly and the customer will be provided with high-quality service throughout the rental process,” say Paakkari and Salmi.
More transparency
HQ Finder sees the award as a strong message that the company is doing the right things. The recognition encourages the company to continue to push things forward.
“We aim to bring more transparency to the industry and make things easier for companies looking for premises. We are also trying to support property owners’ business operations by minimising the months that their properties are unoccupied,” says Paakkari.
