Why is 2026 a good time to sell forest?
The forest land market in Estonia remains active. Demand for timber stays high thanks to the construction sector and exports. The 2026 land tax reform makes owning unused land more expensive, motivating owners to sell.
Average forest land prices in 2026
| Tree species | Age (years) | Price (€/ha) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spruce | 60–80 | 8,000–12,000 | Most valuable species |
| Pine | 80–100 | 6,000–10,000 | High demand for sawlogs |
| Birch | 50–70 | 4,000–7,000 | Veneer logs are valued highly |
| Aspen/Alder | 30–50 | 1,500–3,500 | Pulpwood and firewood |
Three ways to sell forest
1. Sell the entire forest property
You sell both the land and the trees. This is the simplest option — Metzfund buys forest properties across Estonia. Money in one transaction, hassle-free.
2. Sell harvesting rights
You remain the landowner but sell the right to harvest the timber. Metzfund buys harvesting rights — we handle all logging and transportation ourselves.
3. Self-harvest and sell timber
You harvest and sell the timber yourself. This requires equipment, logistics, and permits, but the potential income is higher.
Comparison of selling methods
| Criteria | Sell property | Sell harvesting rights | Self-harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | Fast (2–4 weeks) | Medium (1–2 months) | Slow (3–6 months) |
| Effort | Minimal | Low | High |
| Revenue | Medium | Medium | Maximum |
| Retain land ownership | No | Yes | Yes |
Step-by-step selling plan
- Find out the value — request a free valuation from Metzfund
- Check your documents — make sure the Forest Registry data is up to date
- Compare offers — get several estimates
- Close the deal — notarization takes 1–2 hours
"Many forest owners in Estonia do not know the real value of their property. A free valuation is the first step toward a profitable sale." — Metzfund
Frequently asked questions
Can I sell forest with a mortgage?
Yes, Metzfund buys mortgaged properties too. We handle the mortgage discharge from the sale proceeds.
What taxes apply when selling forest?
Income tax of 20% on the difference between the sale price and the purchase price. When selling harvesting rights, the first 5,000 € per year is tax-free.
How long does the transaction take?
On average 2–4 weeks from valuation to receiving payment. Metzfund ensures a fast and transparent transaction.
Does Metzfund buy properties across all of Estonia?
Yes, we buy forest properties in all 15 counties of Estonia.