The price of finishing materials used in apartment renovations in Russia rose by 5-8% in the third quarter of 2023 compared with the same period a year earlier. This uptick was reported by Kommersant, highlighting how market dynamics shifted amid currency moves and supply constraints. Analysts note that even modest quarter-on-quarter gains can have a meaningful impact on project budgets for homeowners and developers alike.
Insights from the Infoline analytical center attribute much of the price pressure to the ruble’s depreciation. With more than half of the DIY assortment consisting of imported goods, a weakening currency translates directly into higher costs at the point of sale. In Moscow, the most visible increases appear in paints, varnishes, and plumbing products, where price rises approach 30% in some categories, underscoring how composition and origin of goods shape regional consumer experiences (Infoline, Kommersant).
The cost of coating materials has climbed by 10-12% in major cities since the start of the year, driven by a combination of logistics disruptions and rising demand due to ongoing housing construction activity. Market observers forecast that prices could climb by as much as 15% by year-end 2023, as supply chains recalibrate and builders adjust procurement strategies (Infoline).
Industry representatives emphasize that a large share of key inputs remains imported, so currency fluctuations continue to affect production costs. Kommersant notes that manufacturers are pressed to explore alternative logistics routes and diversify suppliers to mitigate future shocks, a shift that could influence both pricing and availability for consumers and contractors alike (Kommersant, Infoline).
Recent discussions also point to a potential strengthening of the ruble to around 80 per US dollar or lower, a development that would influence import costs and perceived affordability for project material purchases. Observers warn that a sharper depreciation of the dollar toward autumn’s end remains a risk factor for budgets and planning across residential renovation projects (Kommersant).
Across the market, professionals and DIY enthusiasts are closely watching currency trends, supply chain resilience, and the pace of housing construction. The intersection of these factors helps explain why even routine renovations this year carry a higher price tag and why procurement strategies are becoming a more critical part of project planning. Consumer expectations are also shifting, with many seeking value through bundled offers, bulk purchasing, and closer collaboration with local distributors to lock in more predictable costs (Kommersant, Infoline).