Rentals across Russia showed a nuanced shift over the year. Overall demand for rental apartments dipped by 5 percent, while demand for studios rose by 15 percent, a pattern reflected in Avito Real Estate data that was analyzed by socialbites.ca. This contrast highlights a growing appeal for compact living spaces, especially in an environment where buyers face higher borrowing costs and prefer the flexibility of renting.
On the supply side, availability declined by 11 percent. Fewer units on the market typically translate to easier tenant matching for landlords, as there are fewer properties competing for attention. That tightening market environment benefits landlords who can secure tenants more quickly, even as overall demand softens.
Commenting on the dynamic, a representative noted that although demand softened slightly overall, property owners are experiencing more reliable rental inquiries because the pool of available properties has contracted. The head of the long-term rental category observed that elevated mortgage rates push more people toward renting rather than purchasing, which sustains landlord interest despite broader demand fluctuations.
Geographic variation painted a mixed picture across the 39 provinces. Demand rose in 11 regions, with leaders including Khabarovsk (+15%), Vladivostok (+11%), Sevastopol (+12%), and Kaliningrad (+11%). Moscow saw a modest uptick of +6%, while St. Petersburg rose by +2% in rental activity. The regional spread suggests that economic and demographic factors continue to shape rental choices differently across cities.
Supply movements were more notable in certain cities. In roughly one-third of locales, the number of available rentals increased, with Vladivostok posting a substantial rise of +88%, Krasnodar +21%, Chelyabinsk +15%, and Ulan-Ude +13%. Yet two major capitals experienced pronounced declines: St. Petersburg down by 32% and Moscow down by 27%, underscoring how urban centers can diverge sharply from broader national trends.
Prices moved upward over the year as well. The average monthly rent rose by 20%, reaching around 30 thousand rubles. Among property types, studios and one-bedroom units saw the strongest price growth at about +25%. Smaller increments were observed in compact units, while four-room and larger apartments experienced a dip of around 12%, settling near 150 thousand rubles per month in the higher end of the market. The price dynamics illustrate how consumer preference for smaller, more adaptable living spaces aligns with overall rent inflation in key markets.
Rents varied widely by city. The most affordable locations included Bryansk at approximately 15 thousand rubles, Kirov at 16 thousand, and Yaroslavl and Ulyanovsk at about 18 thousand rubles per month. The most expensive markets remained concentrated in major hubs: Moscow around 80 thousand rubles, Sochi about 55 thousand, Khabarovsk near 45 thousand, and St. Petersburg around 35 thousand rubles. These disparities reflect the enduring pull of metropolitan centers for employment, amenities, and student or professional life, even as affordability pressures rise elsewhere.
Across the year, Russians weighed the pros and cons of renting apartments, balancing flexibility, upfront costs, and the prospect of long-term commitments. The trend toward renting persists as a practical response to financial conditions, with households prioritizing items such as mobility, maintenance predictability, and the ability to switch locations with relative ease.
In summary, the rental market experienced a modest contraction in overall demand but a clear shift toward studios and smaller units, backed by tighter supply in many regions. Price growth favored smaller dwellings, and regional dynamics created a landscape where tenants and landlords recalibrate expectations. As mortgage rates remain elevated and housing finance remains tight, renting continues to serve as a practical, flexible option for many Russian households. This evolving pattern underscores the importance for landlords to adapt pricing and property types to local demand signals while considering the broader economy at play.