Has anyone been successful getting an offer from one of the big housing companies like vvo, sato, ... etc. Not once did I apply to those companies and get a response!!! It is easier to get an apartment from a private owner than from them!!!
At the end of 2010 we had a housing deal fall through, so ended up in a scramble to find somewhere to live. The missus phoned vvo and managed to sort out an apartment fairly quickly. Saying that, I guess having children helps. Speaking Finnish is also a must to negotiate properly.
When I call them, all they say is: if we have something to offer then we'll email you, they never help at all. I've even visited them and it's the same thing.