Real Estate in Russia
Last updated on Oct 15, 2023
Summary: An expat looking to buy a home in Russia should begin by researching the different areas of the country and deciding which one best suits their needs. They should then contact a real estate agent who specializes in helping expats purchase property in Russia. The agent can provide information on the different types of properties available, as well as the amenities they typically include. Homes in Russia typically include amenities such as central heating, air conditioning, and modern appliances. Many also have balconies, terraces, and gardens. Foreigners are allowed to own property in Russia, but there are some restrictions. For example, foreigners are not allowed to own land in Russia, and they must obtain a special permit from the Federal Migration Service in order to purchase a property.
How do I find a place to live in Russia?
We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:
"One of the best ways to find a place to live in Russia is to use online resources such as websites and classifieds. Websites such as Avito, Cian, and Domofond are popular in Russia and offer a wide range of rental options. Additionally, you can search for rental listings on social media platforms such as VKontakte and Facebook. You can also contact local real estate agencies, which can help you find a place to live in Russia. Additionally, you can ask friends and family for recommendations or look for rental postings in local newspapers," remarked one member in Russia.
"We chose a family friendly area - Chisty Prudi - and used Evans estate agent for our first two apartments and Penny Lane for our last one. We used others too but Evans worked out to be the most reasonable overall and their agent actually listened to what we wanted, rather than showing us a whole load of rubbish. Penny Lane did a great job helping us find our last apartment," explained one expat living in Moscow, Russia.
"I chose to live as close to the office as possible. My colleagues helped me by giving advise and transporting me to some appartments to check them out and helping me negotiate," said one person in Moscow.
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What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Russia?
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About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
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