Thread: How do people get a flat in Russia and the other CIS countries?

Originally Posted by Hanna

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I am curious how much the Russian system has changed over the last 20 years, whether people are pleased with the changes and if normal people are now able to find flats that suit them, at a reasonable price.

Hoping to hear about your experiences and finding out how this works, in Russia and the other CIS coutnries.

Hi!
Most "normal people" in Russian cities, who are not owners, have to pay about half of their wages for the flat, be it mortgage or rent. Of course, this is not reasonable and does not make them happier! The prices are high, because there is shortage of flats. It was always so, but over time gets worse, because 1) many flats situated on 1st floor are dedicated now for shops and "offices", 2) many people leave country side places and move to big cities, 3) "new russians" tend to buy many flats (such an investment)

If you are army officer then you can count on the new flat. I believe that it is given as credit with very attractive conditions (though not sure).
Also, in some villages, their government, trying to interest people of specifically wanted professions in coming and working, can build new small houses ("cottages"), but very strict obligations apply.
On top of that, the things are different among regions.
Other people should buy or rent.
I can't agree about rent market: there are LOTS of agencies, providing such services, and many prefer them (more confidence and "template" contracts are being signed). If you have money, you can get flat in few hours (most probably it will be ugly and expensive, but nevertheless).
In 1990s the important change happened: people, who was lucky being official tenants at some moment, could turn their flats in "private property" so, that flats can be sold and inherited.
Best regards,
Max
Omsk, Russia

The prices are high, because there is shortage of flats.

In the biggest country in the whole world.
And with one of the lowest population densities.

Originally Posted by maxmixiv

Hi!...
Best regards,
Max
Omsk, Russia

Max! Welcome to the forum!

Originally Posted by Lampada

Max! Welcome to the forum!

Thanks!

Many people work for the state, so their salary is not high and yes, because of the devaluation they have some troubles. But their salary was two times reevaluated. And it will be reevaluated more.

So my friend who works for the government (nothing special, simple work) gets 300$ per month. 40 working hours per week. He lives with two friends in a three-roomed flat and they pay 350$ per month.

If you are better than middle (the avarage, maybe?) and work a bit more you can have 1000$ - 1500$ without problems. By the way I'm telling about the IT sphere and other incomes are lower. As far as I know usual workers at factories can get 150$ - 200$. Well qualified workers can get two times more. If you live in your town, your parent will have a flat got in the Soviet times almost always. It is usual to live with parents till you get married in Belarus.

Something like that, I think.

Originally Posted by maxmixiv

Hi!
Most "normal people" in Russian cities, who are not owners, have to pay about half of their wages for the flat, be it mortgage or rent. Of course, this is not reasonable and does not make them happier! The prices are high, because there is shortage of flats. It was always so, but over time gets worse, because 1) many flats situated on 1st floor are dedicated now for shops and "offices", 2) many people leave country side places and move to big cities, 3) "new russians" tend to buy many flats (such an investment)

If you are army officer then you can count on the new flat. I believe that it is given as credit with very attractive conditions (though not sure).
Also, in some villages, their government, trying to interest people of specifically wanted professions in coming and working, can build new small houses ("cottages"), but very strict obligations apply.
On top of that, the things are different among regions.
Other people should buy or rent.
I can't agree about rent market: there are LOTS of agencies, providing such services, and many prefer them (more confidence and "template" contracts are being signed). If you have money, you can get flat in few hours (most probably it will be ugly and expensive, but nevertheless).
In 1990s the important change happened: people, who was lucky being official tenants at some moment, could turn their flats in "private property" so, that flats can be sold and inherited.
Best regards,
Max
Omsk, Russia

That was really interesting to read! Thanks a lot Max, for explaining the situation in Omsk.

My rent for one-room flat is about 120$. (near city center)

Omg, that is seriously cheap!! Is this flat in a good state, I mean has it been reanovated somet time recently, and are things working in the flat?

Originally Posted by Hanna

Omg, that is seriously cheap!!

Unless your salary is $300 a month