In Russia, a large portion of people have experience with renting. A survey conducted by IC Rosgosstrakh and reviewed by socialbites.ca shows that about six in ten Russians have rented a home at least once, and roughly a quarter are currently renting. This paints a clear picture of how common renting has become in daily life.
When it comes to the type of rental most people choose, one bedroom remains the top pick at about 58 percent. Apartments with two or three bedrooms follow, selected by around a quarter of respondents. Fewer people opt for a townhouse or cottage, at 12 percent, and studios account for about 6 percent of rentals.
The main motivation behind renting is the flexibility it offers. More than half of those surveyed, 57 percent, cited not wanting to be tied to a single location as the primary reason for renting rather than buying. This desire for mobility often outweighs other factors, especially for younger professionals and workers with frequent relocations.
Other reasons were highlighted as well. Some respondents need to move for work commitments that require ongoing relocation, a factor for about 13 percent. Financial constraints play a role too, with about 10 percent saying they lack funds for a mortgage or the upfront costs of owning a home. An equal share emphasizes preferring to rent rather than own to avoid long-term debt, and roughly 9 percent simply prefer renting to lock in flexibility without taking on a mortgage.
Interestingly, a sizable portion of the population still views mortgage ownership as potentially more profitable than renting. Approximately 64 percent believe taking out a mortgage could be more advantageous financially over the long term, reflecting a common expectation about building equity and stability through home ownership.
When selecting a rental, several factors matter most to Russians. Price is a key consideration for 33 percent of respondents. The location of the apartment is important for 25 percent, followed by the distance to work being a priority for 24 percent. The quality of repairs or overall condition of the property matters to 23 percent, and access to reliable transport infrastructure is important for 21 percent of renters. These priorities reveal a clear balance between cost, convenience, and living standards among those who rent.
Regarding how people find rental housing, the sources vary. Private landlords or estates account for 28 percent of finds, while recommendations from friends or acquaintances help 27 percent. Real estate agents are used by about 15 percent, and social media advertisements contribute 16 percent. A smaller share, around 9 percent, rents from friends or relatives. These patterns show a diverse set of avenues people rely on to locate rental options in Russia.
For many, the process of finding a suitable flat remains challenging. Half of those surveyed describe it as very difficult at the moment, while about a third believe that a good apartment can be found with time and effort. A final 17 percent feel that there are plenty of strong offers in the market. This range of responses highlights the variability of rental conditions, influenced by location, seasonality, and market dynamics.
Among the notes shared by respondents, a tiny minority warned about mortgage risk, underscoring concerns about long-term commitment and the possibility of financial strain if plans change unexpectedly. This caution underscores the broader trade-offs people weigh when deciding between renting and buying.