Secondary apartments situated near hospitals, industrial hubs, and police stations have long been noted for lower prices. In a discussion with MK.RU, Elena Mishchenko, head of the city real estate department at NDV Supermarket Real Estate, explained that these locations tend to carry a price advantage and exhibit slower price growth over time. The point isn’t simply about cheap rent or purchase price; it’s about a pattern where ubicational logistics, access to essential services, and the density of daily life influence how values move, especially in crowded urban markets common to North America and post-Soviet cities alike.
According to Mishchenko, buyers can realize substantial savings by recognizing these location-linked nuances. In some cases, a buyer might trim expenditures by 2 to 3 million rubles by selecting properties in these areas, provided they weigh certain trade-offs in terms of commuting, amenities, and upkeep. For buyers in markets far from centralized business districts, this principle translates into similar opportunities: choosing homes near healthcare facilities, law enforcement sites, or light industrial zones can reduce upfront costs while preserving practical access to key services.
Even in Moscow’s most desirable districts, apartments in buildings close to hospitals, police stations, and industrial facilities generally trade at prices 3 to 5 percent lower. The savings become more significant when a property changes hands frequently, is inherited, or is acquired as a gift, with such lots sometimes priced 5 to 10 percent below comparable offers. The same dynamic can appear in Canadian and American metros where redevelopment patterns, zoning, and service provisioning create pockets of lower pricing within otherwise premium neighborhoods.
Additionally, many sellers offer discounts of up to several hundred thousand rubles, as Mishchenko notes, which helps close the gap for buyers who are flexible about location and features. In markets outside of Russia, similar seller incentives often surface in the form of price reductions, closing costs credits, or temporary rate promotions when inventory outpaces demand. These adjustments can sway a buyer’s decision, particularly when balancing liveability with long-term financial goals.
The cost of an apartment also depends on the building type. Experts indicate that the most affordable options are frequently found in older panel housing with nine- and five-story layouts, as well as in nine-block and twelve-story structures. Second-hand flats that are in obvious need of repairs, located near busy storefronts or entrances, or lacking a balcony can be priced below the market average. This pattern holds in many North American and Canadian markets where older construction stock remains prevalent, offering a lower entry price while demanding additional renovation planning.
Market observers from firms including CIAN.Analytics, Inkom-Real Estate, and Etazhi reported signs in November that the Russian secondary real estate market was stabilizing and even beginning to ease. While October and November typically saw a monthly price rise in major regional markets, the November period of 2023 showed a stronger shift toward discounted listings, with the share of such ads doubling during this stretch, according to CIAN.Analytics. The trend suggests a broader move toward price stability across the sector. In Canada and the United States, similar stabilization patterns often emerge as inventory levels adjust, lending a more predictable cadence to price movements across neighborhoods with varied development backgrounds.
Earlier coverage highlighted a variety of factors for buyers to consider, including the balance between price and convenience when purchasing an apartment abroad, a topic discussed by multiple outlets. For North American buyers, this often translates into weighing proximity to transit, schools, and healthcare against potential longer commutes or higher purchase costs. The same logic applies to international portfolios, where currency, financing options, and local incentives can shift the calculus in meaningful ways.