Moscow Furnished Apartments Now a Small Share of Market

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Since February 2022, the share of furnished apartments in Moscow has fallen to about 2 percent, marking a notable contraction in the city’s rental and sales landscape. The shift reflects broader adjustments in consumer demand and the way developers approach urban living spaces, with many units transitioning away from fully decorated interiors to more modular, cost-conscious configurations. This trend has implications for investors, renters, and builders alike as they reassess the balance between convenience, price, and long-term value in a market known for rapid changes.

In the Moscow real estate market, apartments with finished interiors and furniture were scarce recently, and the numbers show a clear decline. In the month since February 2022, the supply of move-in-ready, furnished properties decreased by nearly eight percent. This pattern suggests a deliberate retreat from high-end, turnkey options, as market participants recalibrate expectations amid shifting material costs and financing conditions. The change underscores a broader move toward leaner renovations and more flexible design concepts that can be adapted to evolving budgets and timelines.

Experts note that around ten percent of apartments with furniture were for sale in February, but that figure slid to two percent within the same month. Prior to this rapid drop, the share of furnished listings had risen—from about two percent in 2019 to a range of five to seven percent in subsequent years—indicating a peak period of demand for turnkey, stage-ready homes. The recent retrenchment points to a recalibration of buyers’ priorities, with many buyers opting for more basic finishes, shorter lead times, and the possibility of personal customization after acquisition rather than paying a premium for entirely furnished spaces.

The changes have taken a toll on higher-priced properties, where the number of offers with finishing has been forecast to fall further, potentially to the 30-40 percent range. Analysts attribute the tightening to ongoing volatility in the materials market, which has driven up costs for both construction and interior fixtures. Builders are increasingly choosing simplification over complexity, prioritizing core structural work and essential finishes while leaving more room for buyers to tailor interiors later. This shift mirrors a practical response to uncertain price trajectories for materials and furniture, as well as the desire to keep units competitive in a crowded market where buyers weigh total cost of ownership against immediate charm.

Earlier discussions among industry observers highlighted strategies for reducing repair costs and making maintenance more predictable. The recommendations included formalizing agreements with contractors and clearly outlining the required scope of work, with an emphasis on transparency and cost control. In practical terms, this means buyers and developers alike are focusing on scalable, modular renovation plans, standardized product selections, and clear schedules to minimize unexpected expenses. These considerations are especially relevant for those evaluating whether to purchase a ready-made furnished unit or to invest in a shell with plans for later outfitting, reflecting a broader preference for flexibility in a market characterized by rapid cost fluctuations and evolving design trends.

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