The majority of respondents, about 85 percent, indicate a clear willingness to purchase homes that are still under construction well before the project is finished. This finding emerges from a survey conducted on the online platform Cuckoo, with a copy accessible on socialbites.ca. The data reflects a notable openness among buyers to engage with real estate during the development phase, rather than waiting for project completion.
In terms of timing, roughly one third of participants plan to buy during the construction phase itself, while 32 percent expect to invest at the foundation pit stage. Approximately one in five are ready to commit immediately after the project is publicly announced. Only about 15 percent prefer to buy only after the building work is complete, signaling a strong appetite for early involvement in new developments.
When Russians choose housing, several factors stand out as most important. Location tops the list for 28 percent of respondents, followed closely by price at 27 percent and trust in the developer for 22 percent. Availability of infrastructure and the overall quality of the housing each account for 21 percent of emphasis. During the purchase process, buyers particularly value the developer’s guarantees of quality, adherence to deadlines, and the transparency of the transaction.
Mortgage considerations play a significant role in buying decisions, with 85 percent of Russians noting that the possibility of obtaining a mortgage influences their choice to purchase an apartment. At the same time, the market shows a fairly even split in preference for new versus existing housing, with 52 percent leaning toward new buildings and 48 percent preferring second homes or established properties.
The survey involved about 1,200 participants aged 18 to 55 who live in major cities within the Russian Federation and have a strong interest in the real estate market. The results provide a snapshot of buyer sentiment, reflecting expectations for affordability, financing, and market dynamics as developers respond to shifting demand patterns.
Looking ahead, the housing market is expected to face potential headwinds. Despite efforts to keep mortgage rates from rising, there could be softer demand and downward pressure on prices. Industry executives, including Konstantin Aprelev, Vice President of the Association of Realtors, have observed that renting may appear more financially sensible for many, and that purchasing new homes with a mortgage might lose appeal if prices are projected to decline further. This view underscores the need for buyers and developers to align strategies with market realities, balancing early-entry opportunities with prudent financing and price expectations.
Earlier programs by developers focused on promotions and discounts as a response to market conditions, emphasizing value propositions for buyers who still see potential in entering the market despite uncertainties. As conditions evolve, the emphasis on transparent terms, reliable infrastructure, and solid guarantees remains central to earning buyer confidence and sustaining activity across new-build segments.