In a recent survey, a striking majority of Russians—about 83 percent—reported that buying or building a home requires borrowing. The results came from a study conducted by the construction company Dachny Season and are summarized on socialbites.ca.
Only 17 percent of respondents said they could purchase a home without taking out a loan. The financing mix revealed 40 percent using a mortgage, 32 percent relying on a consumer loan, and 11 percent borrowing from relatives or friends. These figures illustrate how debt plays a central role in home ownership plans among many households.
The survey identified the main reasons people pursue mortgage loans to build a country house. The leading factor, cited by 41 percent of respondents, is the desire to spread payments over a long period, reducing the annual burden and making the purchase more manageable. A lack of sufficient cash was the second most common motive, noted by 32 percent, followed by 27 percent who expressed interest in a concessional mortgage when available. These motivations reflect practical financial planning and the appeal of flexible repayment terms.
When it comes to choosing between an apartment and a rural home, the majority of respondents—31 percent—view a countryside dwelling as a source of strength and harmony. An additional 17 percent see a country house as a holiday retreat or seasonal residence. Cost per square meter received less emphasis, with only 12 percent of respondents finding it more attractive to build in the countryside. About 11 percent cited more space and 9 percent valued the flexibility to alter layout, appearance, and functionality as important factors. Garden space and proximity to nature were meaningful for 7 percent of participants. Only 5 percent believed a country house would be a better investment than an apartment, while perceived construction quality and parking availability were each cited by 4 percent as less influential factors.
Financial planning for such homes showed a clear split. A dominant 41 percent of respondents were ready to allocate between 1 and 3 million rubles for the construction of a country house or cottage, with 25 percent aiming for 3 to 5 million rubles and 17 percent targeting 5 to 10 million rubles. Those proposing more than 10 million rubles formed 14 percent, while 3 percent admitted never having considered the land cost outside the city. These ranges reveal a broad spectrum of expectations and budgetary approaches when contemplating suburban living.
Experts tied the growing interest in suburban real estate to a broader quality‑of‑life trend that dates back to 2019 and accelerated during the COVID-19 period. The shift toward outdoor space and private greenery became a defining factor in home ownership decisions, according to the creator of the company, Timur Dasaev, who noted the evolving priorities driving people toward country living.
The survey was conducted in March 2024 and included 1,203 Russians aged 18 to 60, with a gender distribution of 69 percent men and 31 percent women. The study offers a snapshot of attitudes toward housing finance and suburban living, highlighting how financial tools and lifestyle values intersect in contemporary housing choices.
Historically, the demand for country houses and land plots has shown a rapid growth trajectory in Russia, underscoring a sustained interest in suburban and rural home ownership even amid shifting economic conditions. The findings provide a window into how people balance budget, space, and lifestyle when considering where to live and how to finance that decision.