In 2023, housing demand in Moscow grew quickly and so did prices. The Bank of Russia also raised its key rate, and the required down payment for mortgages increased. Observers noted that tighter financing made households rethink purchases, with many opting to rent instead of buy.
Prices for budget rental options rose more sharply than others, driven by strong demand. Rental units in this segment tend to sell out fast. One observer noted that a year earlier, a budget one-room apartment might show about 30 listings priced at 28,000 to 33,000 rubles per month. By contrast, the market now shows roughly 5 to 7 listings in the 35,000 to 45,000 rubles range, reflecting tighter supply and higher willingness to pay.
Experts suggest that the peak in rental prices has already passed and that rents for apartments may stabilize or soften in the coming year, though some regional differences persist.
Sergei Gataullin, a former leading researcher at the Social Modeling Laboratory of the Center for Economic and Mathematical Studies, suggested that rental prices in the Moscow region could rise by about a quarter in 2024. He explained that the gap between monthly rent and the cost of a mortgage would gradually narrow as financing conditions evolve and buyer behavior adapts to the higher cost of borrowing.
In this context, a common question has emerged: where is the most affordable place to rent a house for winter fishing in Russia? Market observers note that regional dynamics, infrastructure, and seasonal demand all influence price and availability, making some areas more economical than others during colder months.
Looking back at the year, analysts emphasize that the balance between rent and mortgage payments remains a key driver for decision making among renters and prospective buyers. With changes in lending standards and pricing, households continue to weigh short-term flexibility against long-term ownership goals, and rental markets respond accordingly. [Citations: BEST-Novostroy, Centre for Economic and Mathematical Studies, and market observers]