In the Moscow metropolitan area, interest in housing continues to grow beyond the city itself, with the strongest demand concentrated in nearby satellite towns. Settlements such as Reutov, Odintsovo, Mytishchi, Vidnoye, Lyubertsy, Dolgoprudny, Krasnogorsk, and Serpukhov attract buyers who want more space, better value, and easier access to the capital without the daily price premium. This dynamic is noted by Ekaterina Nikitina, head of the real estate agency PRO OBMEN, in a discussion conducted for RIAMO on the topic. Her observations highlight a trend where many Muscovites consider suburban options an attractive compromise between cost, convenience, and lifestyle. The gist is clear: people are weighing location, transport links, and neighborhood amenities while weighing the economics of moving beyond central Moscow. [Citation: RIAMO interview]
When it comes to price, the Moscow region holds a distinct edge. The expert points out that the difference in cost per square meter between the residual market in Moscow and the surrounding region remains substantial. Recently published figures show the average price per square meter of secondary housing in Moscow at 288.1 thousand rubles, compared with 144.3 thousand rubles in the region. In practical terms, the regional option can be roughly half the cost of a comparable unit in the capital, a factor that resonates with buyers who want more living space without overextending their budgets. This pricing gap continues to be a primary driver of suburban demand. [Citation: RIAMO interview]
Beyond cost, the Moscow region is repeatedly described as offering greater ecological variety and cleaner environments, which many buyers associate with a higher perceived quality of life. Proximity to nature, lower population density, and the potential for a broader range of development opportunities in suburban markets are frequently cited as compelling reasons for choosing a suburban address. Real estate professionals emphasize that these factors contribute to a long-term value proposition, as suburban areas can evolve with infrastructure improvements, new schools, parks, and business hubs that increase desirability for families and professionals alike. [Citation: RIAMO interview]
In parallel, research released by ROCKWOOL, based on a survey conducted with the editors of Newspapers.Ru, sheds light on the broader housing aspirations across Russia for 2024. A majority of Russians, about 55 percent, express plans to upgrade their living conditions in the coming year. A notable 23 percent intend to build their own house or buy land for construction, a figure that is about 2.5 times higher than the proportion planning to purchase an apartment. In contrast, only 9 percent of respondents indicated they planned to buy an apartment. These trends underscore a shift toward home ownership and customization, reinforcing the appeal of suburban plots and standalone homes in both existing suburbs and expanding greenfield markets. [Citation: Newspapers.Ru editors]
Earlier remarks from the Association of Realtors considered the timing of potential price declines in Russia, pointing to macroeconomic and regional factors that could influence housing affordability in the near term. While regional markets may experience fluctuations, many buyers remain focused on long-term value, quality of life, and the opportunity to secure a home that aligns with evolving lifestyle needs. The conversation continues to emphasize suburban markets as a meaningful component of the national housing landscape, with practical implications for buyers, investors, and policymakers alike. [Citation: Association of Realtors]