In August, Moscow’s luxury housing market showed a notable surge in buyer activity, echoing the peak seen in March 2022. The trend is documented by data from the Dolgov PRO agency, indicating a renewed appetite for premium homes among the city’s investors and residents. The agency notes that a significant portion of premium sales occurred in newly built business class projects, hinting at a preference for modern layouts, contemporary amenities, and fewer resale risks. The data reveal that almost half of all premium units sold were in brand‑new business class developments, underscoring a shift toward fresh inventories with modern planning and higher finishing standards. Mortgage financing continues to be a dominant mode of payment, with two out of every three deals completed through loans, reflecting favorable lending conditions and buyer confidence in long‑term financing. This financing pattern also points to a broader willingness among buyers to leverage credit to secure properties in highly prized districts. [CIT: Dolgov PRO agency]
Analysts report that the average price per square meter in the business class segment rose to 450 thousand rubles, marking a 3 percent increase from July. Dmitry Dolgov, the agency’s director general, emphasized that this price uptick aligns with continued demand for high‑end space in prestigious locales and supports a broader narrative about the resilience of the luxury market even as macroeconomic conditions evolve. [CIT: Dolgov PRO agency]
The profile of buyers appears to be concentrated in the upper middle tier, with individuals and families earning between five hundred thousand and one million rubles per month driving the most activity. The majority of buyers remain Moscow residents, composing around six in ten transactions, while a sizable share of purchases are motivated by personal residence needs rather than purely investment purposes. Buyers consistently favor new construction projects located in key city zones, with the Southern Administrative District, the North‑West Administrative District, and the Western Administrative District drawing the strongest interest. This geographic pattern mirrors the city’s premium infrastructure, accessibility to business hubs, and proximity to cultural and recreational amenities that appeal to affluent buyers who seek both convenience and status. [CIT: Dolgov PRO agency]
Recent market chatter also noted a record‑high observation: the price point of the most affordable two‑storey luxury unit in Moscow has been identified, signaling a widening spectrum within the premium segment. This nuance underscores that even at the entry level of luxury, buyers are evaluating value propositions related to space, design quality, and long‑term livability. Market observers stress that such outliers often reflect continued demand for unique architectural styles, bespoke finishes, and the prestige associated with living in a standout building. [CIT: Dolgov PRO agency]
Industry insiders caution that the luxury segment remains influenced by broader financial cycles, currency movements, and regional economic factors. Yet the current data imply a steadier demand trajectory for top‑tier properties within central districts, supported by mortgage accessibility and a preference for brand‑new projects that minimize renovation needs and offer modern infrastructure from day one. Practically, this means buyers are willing to pay a premium for turnkey living spaces that deliver not just square footage but a lifestyle experience in a highly coveted urban setting. For prospective buyers, the key considerations include developer reputation, project location, quality of construction, and the availability of in‑unit amenities such as smart home features, energy efficiency, and contemporary security systems. [CIT: Dolgov PRO agency]
From a strategic perspective, developers and sellers in Moscow’s luxury market should consider emphasizing the advantages of new business class projects, including modern layouts, higher energy efficiency, and superior finishing standards. Marketing efforts that highlight proximity to business districts, cultural venues, and premium schools can further differentiate properties in the eyes of discerning buyers. In parallel, lenders and real estate advisory services can focus on transparent financing options and clear depreciation or tax benefits to assist buyers in navigating mortgage commitments over the long term. This integrated approach helps explain why mortgage‑backed purchases continue to dominate premium transactions in the city, even as prices adjust in response to structural market shifts. [CIT: Dolgov PRO agency]