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BFM.RU: Action plan: what to do with real estate in the context of a depreciating ruble. Amidst a depreciating ruble, many people are concerned about the impact on real estate values and investment decisions. Here are some steps to consider in such circumstances: 1. Assess the situation: Evaluate the current market conditions, including economic forecasts and trends. Consider the potential risks and opportunities associated with the depreciating ruble. 2. Hold or sell: Determine whether it is better to hold onto your real estate assets or consider selling them. Analyze the potential long-term benefits and risks of each option. Additionally, consider the financial implications of such decisions, especially if you have loans or mortgages tied to the property. 3. Diversify investments: Consider diversifying your investment portfolio by exploring other asset classes. This could help mitigate the risks associated with the devaluation of the ruble and potentially provide alternative sources of income. 4. Rental income: If selling is not a favorable option, explore the possibilities of generating rental income from your property. Rental income can help offset any depreciation and provide a steady cash flow. 5. Reassess property values and rent rates: As the ruble depreciates, property values and rent rates may fluctuate. Regularly reassess and adjust the rental rates to align with the market conditions and ensure that your investment remains profitable. 6. Consider foreign investments: With a depreciating ruble, investing in foreign real estate markets may present an attractive opportunity. Explore the potential benefits and risks associated with foreign real estate investments and consider diversifying your portfolio internationally. 7. Seek professional advice: Engage the services of real estate professionals, financial advisors, or property consultants who can provide expert guidance and assist in making informed decisions during this period of currency devaluation. Overall, navigating real estate investments during a depreciating ruble requires careful evaluation, constant monitoring of market conditions, and a proactive approach to adapt to changing circumstances.

The Russian currency significantly lags behind both the dollar and the euro. Which real estate transactions are better to make now, and which ones to postpone until better times?

BFM.RU

The Russian currency significantly lags behind both the dollar and the euro. Which real estate transactions are better to make now, and which ones to postpone until better times?

The latest wave of ruble devaluation once again makes all participants of the residential real estate market nervous. Just as developers were starting to enjoy a relative increase in demand and buyers were benefiting from lower prices on apartments and the availability of subsidized mortgages, exchange rates have shot up once again, dashing all hopes of stabilizing the situation.

Buyers and investors are at a loss for which strategy to adopt in such an unpredictable economic situation. Is it time to invest in property or is it better to wait until the ruble depreciates further in order to buy additional square meters? Should existing properties be sold and a mortgage be taken, or is it better to weather the financial storm in the current living space?

Aleksey Sidorov

Sales Director at Kalinka Group

"Today's market is a buyer's market. If savings are in rubles, a rising dollar or euro does not have a significant impact on the value of real estate, which is expressed in Russian currency. If there is a need to purchase property today, savings should be unfrozen and used for purchasing. When the ruble falls, the market will not follow it down. The sharp fluctuations in the exchange rate at the end of last year showed that the price decline only occurred for dollar-denominated properties. On the other hand, ruble-denominated properties, after a brief stagnation in dynamics, showed a price increase which has continued to this day, on average by 3-10% per month, depending on the construction stage of the property and its concept. Therefore, there is no need to wait for prices to decrease. The buyer has the advantage now, and it should be used for a successful purchase."

Those who held their savings in dollars are particularly fortunate in the current situation. For example, if a year ago 100,000 dollars were equal to 3.6 million rubles, now it's already 6.4 million, which means that buyers have a unique opportunity to purchase a larger, higher-class apartment in a more prestigious area. But even here, not everything is straightforward: if an urgent purchase needs to be made, experts do not see any obstacles in converting dollar savings into a ruble purchase. However, if time still permits, specialists advise waiting at least until mid-September when the direction of the real estate market becomes more or less clear.

It is worth being patient for those who are considering selling an "extra" apartment on the secondary market. This segment has suffered the most in the crisis: prices for such properties have noticeably decreased, buyers hope for discounts of up to 20%, and demand is noticeably low, so sellers are better off temporarily "requalifying" as landlords. As for potential mortgage borrowers who want to make an initial down payment by selling the apartment they already own, they need to carefully weigh all the pros and cons.

Irina Dobrokhotova

Chairman of the Board of Directors at BEST-Novostroy

"For mortgage borrowers who want to buy an apartment in a new building, current conditions are even more favorable than before the crisis last year. Several banks have programs with subsidized interest rates ranging from 10.5% to 13%. However, a down payment of 20-50% of the cost of a new apartment is required, and loan approval usually takes about 2 months. If the down payment is planned to be made after selling the existing apartment, be prepared for negotiation and a price reduction; otherwise, the apartment may remain on the market for an indefinite period of time."-

It is clear that the crisis has had a negative impact on all segments of the residential real estate market. However, due to changes in currency exchange rates, experts note the flow of potential buyers from one class to another, which makes the demand even more uneven.

Irina Mogilatova

CEO of TWEED agency

"In the current situation, the economy and business segments suffer the most. In the first case, it is clear that buyers targeting such housing live on salaries that are melting in proportion to rising prices. Therefore, the main part of the expenses goes to operational needs, and buying a house has to be postponed. By the way, it is not excluded that the prices of economy-class apartments will decrease along with the demand. The business-class audience is mainly top managers, highly paid specialists, and small business owners. If savings were kept in currency, they are now shifting to the elite segment and can afford corresponding housing in the city center."

As for forecasts of price growth or decline, recent events have shown that any predictions are noble, and only emerging or existing trends can be relied upon.

Maria Litinetskaya

Managing partner of "Metrium Group"

"At the moment, the balance of supply and demand plays a stronger role in the market than ever before. In the second half of this year, a significant number of new projects are expected to be launched. Developers of many of them, fearing a decline in demand and high competition, are willing to offer very attractive prices: on average, the discount can be up to 10-15% or more. The next factor comes into play - demand: if it is high enough, and its sources can be accessible mortgages and the amount of money kept "under the mattress," then prices will start to grow dynamically, and the discount will be quickly overcome. Further, starting from the 1st or 2nd quarter of next year, the average market price per square meter will continue to grow in a calm mode, adding 2-3% per quarter, as it has been in previous years. If the market is not supported by demand, the discounts will remain, and the average market price will change no more than inflation."

At the same time, private investors should not miss the opportunities that are opening up. The formula for success today is simple: an attractive price for an object combined with its guaranteed liquidity, assessed by a specialist, can bring good profits in the future or at least help preserve savings in conditions of economic instability.

Alexey Olenev

Deputy Director of the New Projects Department at Est-a-Tet

"Taking into account the initiatives that have been discussed lately regarding the cancellation of the shared construction scheme, now is the most suitable time for private investors. The best choice is the mass segment at the initial stages of construction in projects from reliable developers. Especially where it is possible to win money relatively quickly, in 6-7 months."

Another good option could be to purchase apartments. This instrument, although considered relatively risky, can show very good profitability under certain conditions. For example, if it is possible to change their legal status, the price will definitely increase by another 15-20%.

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