In the chase for the metro

In the past, real estate was like a "gold mine". In recent years, the situation has changed - it is now difficult to make a profit on square meters. However, with a qualified approach, it is still possible to increase savings. According to Natalia Kruglova, the director of the Real Estate business division of Strategy Capital Advisor company, it is currently challenging to make a profit on residential real estate. In the present situation, office or warehouse acquisitions can bring more benefits. However, such investments should only be made if one has a business that is related to commercial real estate, as managing non-residential properties is difficult for ordinary people. Private investors can consider financial products, such as collective investment funds or housing investment portfolios from Sberbank. They offer an annual return of 12-15%, which is higher than deposit returns. However, like any financial instrument, they provide greater liquidity and a lower entry threshold (and therefore a lower level of risk), the expert notes. Nevertheless, property remains one of the most understandable tools for preserving capital. With proper planning, it can also contribute to increasing wealth. As practice shows, real estate in our country ranks second in terms of profitability after currency, surpassing even gold. In Russia, the demand for square meters is quite stable: people always need somewhere to live - someone is moving, someone is settling down, and everyone wants to have their own "corner". So, it is still possible to make a profit on property today, the main thing is to choose the right property. Even taking into account that prices will grow at the inflation rate, the cost of under-construction objects will increase as the houses become ready. Of course, in such a situation, as always, investments in new buildings are the most profitable. The earlier the stage, the greater the gain, says Vladimir Shekin, managing partner and chairman of the board of the investment and development holding company "Rodina Group". However, the risks associated with these early stages should not be forgotten - especially in crisis conditions. A "primary" property is much more profitable from an investment point of view compared to the "secondary" market, confirms Pavel Osipov, the CEO of Melior Stroy. Especially considering that subsidized mortgages are now available for new buildings. It is still better to buy apartments in complexes that have already started construction - this way, one can protect themselves from fraud to some extent, and there can still be a significant difference in price compared to already completed buildings. InThere is a reason to pay attention to recently introduced projects - currently, some of them, according to Dmitry Zemskov, CEO of S&D company, are being implemented under very attractive special conditions. In particular, we are talking about lots in recently completed objects that the developer can no longer "hold back". It is even possible to find apartments with ready property certificates that are sold with a discount of up to 15 percent. Perhaps this is the ideal option - minimum risks and good prospects for profit. Sergei Shashurin, CEO of Gravion Group, also points out that second-hand properties can also be rented out. For example, according to a survey by Bon Ton company, about 27 percent of buyers purchase studios specifically for this purpose. "In the case of acquiring an asset for rent in the right location, a 100-square-meter apartment, firstly, helps to preserve existing savings, and secondly, is capable of generating a monthly income of 100,000 rubles," claims Alexey Belousov. However, Ivan Potapov, sales director of SAPSAN Group, warns that the returns on such investments are unlikely to exceed five percent. The only reason to rent out an apartment is if it is "idle". At the same time, the maximum profit (up to eight percent per annum) can be obtained from renting an apartment in the city center, where the supply is quite limited. The most promising, in terms of liquidity, are the suburban economy-class properties within a 20-minute reach of the nearest metro station, whose construction will be completed within predictable timeframes, according to Dmitry Zemskov. New comfort-class residential complexes within a 15-minute walk from the metro in Moscow are also interesting. Quality projects that developers have chosen to offer attractive investment prices are also worthy of attention. One such project, for example, is the "Ispankiye Kvartaly" residential complex, which is part of the A101 complex in New Moscow. "Current budgets here start from 3.3 million rubles for a one-bedroom apartment, from 4.2 million for a two-bedroom, and from six million for a three-bedroom. The first buyers have already earned about 20 percent due to the gradual increase in prices in the under-construction buildings. The overall potential can reach 70-80 percent," says Alexandra Mamokhina, Head of Project Development Department at A101 Development. Within the boundaries of "old" Moscow, Nadezhda Korkka, CEO of Bon Ton, highlights projects located near the planned metro stations - "Lefortovo" and "Nizhegorodskaya Street". These are the "Lefort" complex (with apartment prices starting at 8.3 million rubles) and SREDA (with apartment prices starting at 4.1 million), respectively. Among the attractive projects for investment in luxury properties, Tatiana Dmitrieva, Head of Urban Real Estate Department at Welhome company, names "Serdtse Stolitsy", Red Side, "Monet's Residence", "Dom na Sretenke", Balchug View Point, Balchug Residence, and "Park Rublevo". Vladimir Shchekin recommends paying attention to the construction currently taking place on the territory of the former ZIL industrial zone - it is a large-scale and "loud" project, the implementation of which is strictly monitored by the Moscow authorities. Almost all experts unanimously state that apartments in the "right" projects are sold in accordance with the 214 Federal Law. The reliability of the developer is also important - it is good if they are not a newcomer to the market and already have successful completed projects in their portfolio. The developer's good partners, particularly large banks with state participation, can also serve as a good guarantee for the investor. However, huge discounts should raise caution. According to Tatiana Kryuchkova, the price of residential real estate cannot be lower than the cost price plus a markup of 15-20 percent. Thus, the minimum cost per square meter in economy and comfort classes is 80-100,000 rubles, in business class - 180,000 rubles, and in premium class - 300,000 rubles. In general, experts are confident that now is a good time for real estate investments. "It is no secret that the business of many developers is currently under threat, and they are conducting various actions for buyers, offering apartments at a discount. This "celebration of life" may end already tomorrow," warns Dmitry Panteleimonov, Director of Marketing and Sales Department at Lider Group. In the meantime, property buyers - both those who need apartments for personal use and those who want to earn on them - are delighted with the sale of square meters and are waiting for new discounts - not crisis-related, but for the upcoming holiday season. Whether they will get them - we will find out very soon.