From January through June, interest in buying real estate from abroad surged, with applications rising by 38 percent. This data came from a federal real estate company and was shared with a major national newspaper. The figures underscore how international markets remain attractive to Russian buyers even amid economic strains and regulatory changes.
A leading analyst at the firm, Alexander Ivanov, highlighted a clear pattern: Russian demand has been strongest for property in Dubai. In the first half of the year, applications from Russians for purchases in Dubai accounted for about 47 percent, up from 37 percent in the previous year. Alongside Dubai, Turkey and Northern Cyprus ranked among the top three destinations attracting Russian buyers. Specifically, demand for real estate in Ankara grew by 41 percent year over year, reaching 28 percent of total Russian inquiries. In Cyprus, interest in Nicosia properties rose to 10.5 percent, a figure that doubling from the prior year suggests a notable surge in interest for both investment and potential residency pathways.
The analyst also noted that the most popular destinations include the CIS region and Thailand, reflecting a mix of familiarity, favorable investment climates, and the ease of cross-border transactions that some buyers find appealing.
In markets with high tourist inflows, many purchases are motivated by the prospect of rental income and passive earnings. Others are driven by a belief that property values will rise in the near term, enabling profitable resale. These dynamics were described by Ivanov as part of a broader trend in international real estate activity where investors increasingly view property as a portfolio asset that can weather domestic economic cycles and sanctions pressures.
Additionally, there is a growing narrative about how Russians are continuing to access European properties despite sanctions. According to a business daily, transactions have increasingly required buyers to move funds through accounts in the countries of the former Soviet Union, secure supplementary residence permissions in Europe, and engage with sellers who conduct business across jurisdictions familiar to Russian buyers. This approach reflects the evolving landscape of cross-border finance and real estate where regulatory navigation and strategic planning play crucial roles for investors seeking diversified exposure.
Recent reports have also indicated that Russians have begun to pursue mortgages for investment purposes, signaling a shift toward leveraging debt to scale property holdings in overseas markets.