When buyers look at new housing in Russia, ceiling height stands out as a decisive factor for most of them. Recent data show that about 93% consider ceiling height while evaluating a new apartment. Moreover, around 81% say they would walk away from a deal if the ceiling feels too low. These findings come from a joint survey conducted by the development company TOUCH and the real estate firm BEST-Novostroy, shared with the editors of socialbites.ca.
Only a small minority, roughly 7%, show little interest in ceiling height when purchasing new homes. Among respondents, 63% identify 2.8 meters as the minimum acceptable ceiling height, and roughly one third insist on a ceiling of at least three meters. Notably, 82% express dissatisfaction with the ceiling height in their current residence, signaling a desire for more generous vertical space across the market.
When asked about paying a premium for higher ceilings, half of the participants would be willing to spend more to gain height, while the other half would opt for a lower-cost option with a shorter ceiling, assuming all other factors are equal.
Historically, high ceilings have been viewed as a hallmark of prestige and comfort in housing. In the Soviet era, ceilings at three meters were rare and primarily found in limited examples of mass development, where typical heights hovered around 2.4 to 2.6 meters, according to Irina Dobrokhotova, founder of BEST-New Building.
Today, the landscape has shifted. The average ceiling height in the primary market’s mass segment hovers near 2.8 meters, while in newer business-class developments, 2.8 meters already serves as a market floor rather than an exception.
The survey was conducted among TOUCH and BEST-Novostroy customers in September 2023, reflecting contemporary preferences as buyers weigh comfort, price, and future resale value in a changing market.
As market dynamics evolve, observers note the persistent demand for vertical space remains a key consideration for buyers, developers, and investors alike—shaping how new projects are designed, priced, and marketed across Russia’s housing segments. (Attribution: TOUCH and BEST-Novostroy market study, September 2023.)