In Moscow, where mortgage rates are high and housing prices keep climbing, a new path is gaining traction: shared ownership for real estate purchases. This approach, discussed by Kommersant, is drawing attention as buyers search for workable routes to enter the market even when budgets are tight.
Over the past year, prices in new buildings across the capital have risen by nearly 20 percent, pushing the average transaction budget beyond 25 million rubles. Yet the market also reveals a growing willingness to consider collective ownership models. Buying an apartment with multiple buyers can spread the cost, but it comes with its own set of risks and complexities that buyers must navigate carefully.
Data from Best-Novostroy show a notable uptick in inquiries about public housing purchases, with demand up about fourfold since December. The shift reflects a broader search for affordable routes to homeownership in an environment where traditional single-buyer purchases can feel out of reach for many.
Irina Dobrokhotova, the founder of Best-Novostroy, notes that in difficult times it makes sense to explore new opportunities to secure a place to live. The emphasis is on practical options that can bridge the gap between desire and capability, especially for young families and first-time buyers who want to get closer to ownership without waiting years for price stability or substantial savings.
The most common shared-ownership scenario for a two-room apartment targets a price range up to 12 million rubles for two owners. While co-ownership can significantly reduce upfront costs, it also introduces legal and logistical challenges that buyers must prepare for before committing.
Lawyer Anastasia Romashova warns that even among close acquaintances, conflicts can arise from unclear distributions of rights and responsibilities related to dwelling use. Shared ownership creates questions about who pays for maintenance, how common spaces are used, and how decision-making is handled when plans diverge. A clear, written framework is essential to minimize disputes as living arrangements evolve over time.
From a practical standpoint, it is often difficult to allocate specific shares in real terms when rooms vary in size or when the layout changes with renovations. When a share is sold, all remaining co-owners must be notified in writing, and the new owner must waive the right of first refusal. These steps, while protective, can complicate transactions and slow down the path to full ownership, potentially eroding some of the anticipated benefits of shared purchases.
Before this shift, many Russians faced barriers to purchasing homes outright with their own funds. The landscape has evolved, and the appeal of collective arrangements reflects a pragmatic response to tighter lending conditions and the realities of rising prices. Buyers who pursue shared ownership should approach the process with careful due diligence, a clear understanding of each party’s expectations, and a solid legal plan to safeguard interests over time.
In broader terms, mortgage availability and terms influence the popularity of shared ownership strategies. When lenders tighten criteria or raise down payments, groups form to pool resources, share risk, and expand buying power. This trend is observed not only in Moscow but also in other major markets where affordability challenges push prospective buyers to explore innovative ownership structures rather than waiting for a long, uncertain climb in prices.
Prospective participants should consider professional guidance from real estate lawyers and financial advisors who specialize in multi-owner arrangements. They can help draft a comprehensive agreement that covers use rights, maintenance responsibilities, future sale triggers, and dispute resolution mechanisms. Transparency early in the process is the key to avoiding misunderstandings that could escalate into legal disputes or damaged relationships between co-owners.
As the market evolves, the conversation around shared ownership becomes part of a larger discussion about accessible home ownership. For buyers in Canada and the United States, the evolving models echo similar themes: balancing cost, risk, and control; aligning legal structures with personal circumstances; and ensuring that the path to ownership remains feasible even when standard financing options tighten. The Moscow experience offers a practical illustration of how flexible arrangements can open doors while underscoring the importance of careful planning, clear agreements, and professional guidance to protect all parties involved.