Lääne-Viru County: an overview for real estate buyers and sellers

Lääne-Viru County is a multifaceted region that offers various opportunities for both home seekers and investors. The combination of a maritime northern part, historic towns, and picturesque landscapes makes this county an interesting choice in Estonia's real estate market. But what are the peculiarities of the region and how do they affect real estate choices?

Location and administration

Lääne-Viru County is located in North Estonia, on the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland. The county borders Ida-Viru County to the east, Jõgeva County to the south, and Järva and Harju counties to the west. The county center is Rakvere city, which serves as the administrative, economic, and cultural center of the entire region.

Rakvere city is known for its medieval castle, modern city center, and good logistics location, situated just a 90-minute train ride from Tallinn. This proximity to the capital is an important factor that also affects the local real estate market.

Administrative division and municipalities

Following the 2017 administrative reform, Lääne-Viru County is divided into 8 local municipalities:

• Rakvere city

• Rakvere parish

• Tapa parish (also includes Tamsalu and Tapa towns)

• Vinni parish

• Kadrina parish

• Väike-Maarja parish

• Haljala parish

• Viru-Nigula parish

All these municipalities offer various opportunities for real estate seekers, from urban living environment in Rakvere to picturesque villages in coastal areas.

Demographics

As of the beginning of 2024, Lääne-Viru County has a population of 52,347 inhabitants. Demographically, the county has shown a slight declining trend in recent years – compared to 2023, the population has decreased by 1.2% due to both natural processes and emigration.

Of the county's population, 48.7% (approximately 25,500 people) live in cities, with Rakvere city alone accounting for 36.1% of the entire county's population. 51.3% of the population lives in rural areas, which shows that rural life still plays a strong role in the region.

Main characteristics of the economy

The following sectors dominate Lääne-Viru County's economy:

• Industry and manufacturing (28% of employment)

• Public administration (19%)

• Retail trade (12%)

Economically important centers in the county are Rakvere, Kunda (a port city), and Tapa, which also houses the Tapa military base. These centers provide employment opportunities and support the local real estate market through demand.

Key points of regional planning

Lääne-Viru County's regional planning for 2021-2030 focuses on the following key points:

• Development of transport corridors – primarily further development of the Tallinn-Narva E20 highway

• Creation of renewable energy development areas near oil shale areas

• Housing development in the Rakvere and Tapa region, aimed at slowing down population decline

When these plans are realized, there is a direct impact on the value and attractiveness of real estate in the respective areas.

What this means for a real estate seeker

If you are looking for real estate in Lääne-Viru County, it's worth considering the following aspects:

1. Price level differences – In Rakvere, the 2025 real estate market shows moderate price growth, which corresponds to the nationwide trend. The latest statistics from the Land Board and Spatial Planning show that the apartment price index in smaller Estonian cities has remained stable or risen moderately, which is reflected in the Rakvere market as well. Prices have moved upward in recent years, supported by improving connections in the region and continued industrial investments in Lääne-Viru County.

2. The importance of transport corridors – Good access to rail and road networks remains one of the most important factors affecting real estate value outside the capital. The movement option towards Tapa-Rakvere and functioning rail connection with Tallinn increase the region's attractiveness, especially for buyers looking for a compromise between a more favorable price and logistical convenience.

3. Differences in new construction and developments – National statistics confirm that the issuance of building permits for new residential buildings has increased in recent years, particularly in areas related to larger centers. In municipalities within Tallinn's sphere of influence, development activity is clearly more vigorous than in more remote rural areas, where growth has been more modest or remained stable. In Lääne-Viru County, including the Tapa and Rakvere areas, development activity has increased moderately, especially in areas located near pronounced transport directions.

4. Real estate in rural areas – According to Land Board data, prices of undeveloped land have made steady gains in recent years, but growth has been uneven. Near larger transport corridors and active work areas, transaction prices have been significantly higher than in more remote rural areas, where prices remain more stable or move at a slower pace. This shows that access to infrastructure and jobs affects land value much more significantly than just area or land type.

From the Kinnisvara24 portal you can find apartment sales offers in Lääne-Viru County, house sales offers and rental apartments. Offers are particularly active in Rakvere city.

What this means for a real estate seller

If you plan to sell real estate in Lääne-Viru County, it's useful to know:

1. Price trends by region – In Rakvere and areas closer to Tallinn, prices are on an upward trend, while in more remote rural areas, you may notice stagnation or decline.

2. Buyer preferences – Buyers increasingly value energy efficiency, good transport connections, and quality communications.

3. Commercial real estate market – If you are selling commercial space, it's worth knowing that Lääne-Viru County has a diverse commercial real estate market, especially in Rakvere's city center, where demand is more stable.

4. Land attractiveness – For land plots being sold, it is important to emphasize the existence of infrastructure and accessibility, which significantly increases real estate value.

When selling real estate, it's certainly worth considering whether income tax needs to be paid or not. It's also important to know that on the Kinnisvara24 portal you can submit your ad quickly and easily, and your offer is seen by truly interested potential buyers.

Summary

Lääne-Viru County offers diverse opportunities for buying and selling real estate. The region's trump cards are good logistics location, strong industrial sector, and diverse living environment. Whether you want an urban apartment in Rakvere, a country house awaiting renovation, or commercial space in a growing potential area – the Kinnisvara24 portal has all Lääne-Viru County offers gathered in one place. The portal's simple and quick ad posting feature also makes the sales process much smoother.